G.R.L. Singer Lauren Bennett, Known for ‘Party Rock Anthem,’ Dies at 37

Lauren Bennett, the British singer who found fame as a member of the girl group G.R.L. and contributed vocals to LMFAO’s massive hit “Party Rock Anthem,” has died at the age of 37.

Her former bandmates broke the news on Instagram on July 6 with a short but deeply emotional statement. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” they wrote. “Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us.

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. Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts.” The post was signed simply by the remaining members — Em, Tash and P.

A cause of death has not been released.

Bennett’s path in music began when she was 18, joining the girl group Paradiso Girls. They released their debut single “Patron Tequila” in 2009 before splitting up. She later stepped out on her own and gained wider attention for her featured vocals on LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem.” She also worked with will.i.am on the remix of “I Got It from My Mama.”

She eventually joined G.R.L., and the group released its self-titled debut EP in 2014. That same year they appeared on Pitbull’s “Wild Wild Love.” Their single “Ugly Heart” became their most successful track.

The group had already endured heartbreak years earlier when member Simone Battle died in 2014 at age 25. Bennett had spoken candidly about that loss at the time, saying none of them could have prepared for it and how surreal it felt to continue without her. Just before Battle’s death the group had recorded “Lighthouse,” later releasing a video that wove in footage of her to show she would always remain part of the story.