'Party Rock Anthem' Singer Lauren Bennett Dies at 37

Lauren Bennett, who memorably appeared on LMFAO's 2011 hit “Party Rock Anthem”, has died at the age of 37. 

Bennett was also a member of the groups G.R.L. and Paradiso Girls, and members of the former group confirmed Bennett's passing in a joint statement (as per Variety). 

“Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us,” the group, consisting of Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada and Paula van Oppen, wrote on Instagram.

“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.” 

At the time of writing, a cause of death has not been given.

Before rising to fame, Bennett, who was born in Kent, England, entered The X Factor, the TV singing competition, making it through to the final 12 before being sent home. 

That appearance led her to an auction for Paradiso Girls in front of Jimmy Iovine and Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin; after making the cut, she made the move to Los Angeles aged 17. 

The group's debut single “Patron Tequila”, also featuring Eve and Lil' Jon, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

Paradiso Girls, however, disbanded after they were dropped from Interscope a year later. 

Bennett followed that stint up by joining G.R.L., and the group appeared on Pitbull’s 2014 hit “Wild Wild Love”. They also released their self-titled debut EP in the same year, featuring the single “Ugly Heart”, which went top 20 in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

G.R.L. disbanded in 2014 following the death of another member, Simone Battle, but reformed as a trio consisting of Bennett in 2016. The group continued to tour over the years, and in 2021 confirmed the release of new music.