Lauren Bennett, who appeared on LMFAO’s 2011 hit Party Rock Anthem and performed with pop groups Paradiso Girls and G.R.L., has died at age 37, Variety reports.
Her former G.R.L. bandmates Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada and Paula van Oppen announced her death in a joint Instagram statement. A cause of death has not been released.
“Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us,” the group wrote. “We will forever cherish the love, laughter and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
Born in Meopham, Kent, England, Bennett started performing in local talent contests and formed a musical duo at 14, according to Variety. After reaching the final 12 on X Factor, she auditioned for Paradiso Girls and moved to Los Angeles at 17 to join the group.
Paradiso Girls released Patron Tequila in 2009, featuring Eve and Lil’ Jon. The single reached No.3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The group disbanded in 2010 after its label dropped them.
Bennett then joined G.R.L., which appeared on Pitbull’s 2014 hit Wild Wild Love. The group released a self-titled EP that year with the single Ugly Heart, which reached the top 20 in several international markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia, Variety said.
After member Simone Battle died in 2014, G.R.L. disbanded but reformed in 2016 as a trio with Bennett, Variety noted. The group continued touring and said in 2021 they were preparing new music. - cleveland.com/TNS
