Singer Lauren Bennett, best known for her appearance on LMFAO’s hit song Party Rock Anthem and as a former member of the girl groups Paradiso Girls and GRL, has died at the age of 37.The news was announced on Monday by his former GRL bandmates Paula van Oppen, Natasha Slayton and Emmalyn Estrada in a joint statement shared on the group’s Instagram account.“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” the statement began.“Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much he meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter and countless memories he gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be greatly missed and forever loved.”The trio ended the tribute by writing, “Rest in peace, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLs, Em, Tash, and P.”Bennett’s cause of death has not been released.
From Paradiso Girls to GRL
Bennett began her music career as a member of the Paradiso Girls, a pop group formed by Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin. The group’s debut single, Patron Tequila, featuring Eve and Lil Jon, was released in 2009 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.After Paradiso Girls was dropped by Interscope Records in 2010, Bennett pursued a solo career. He has collaborated with artists including CeeLo Green and Will. i. am, and was featured on LMFAO’s chart-topping hit Party Rock Anthem, which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2011.He later joined GRL, which debuted in 2013. The group released their first single, Vacation, for the soundtrack of The Smurfs 2 before collaborating with Pitbull on Wild Wild Love in 2014. Later that year, GRL released her self-titled debut EP.
Continuing to make music
Bennett is the second GRL member to die. Fellow member Simone Battle died in 2014 at the age of 25, and her death was ruled a suicide. The group disbanded the following year.In recent years, Bennett has released music independently, including the songs Reality and Hurricane. He has also teamed up with his former GRL bandmates for various projects over the years.