Lauren Bennett: The Voice Behind 'Party Rock Anthem' and G.R.L. Star Dies at 37

The music community is in deep sorrow over the passing of Lauren Bennett, the British singer who shot to fame as the featured vocalist on LMFAO's unforgettable 2011 hit "Party Rock Anthem." She was just 37 years old.

Her former bandmates from the girl group G.R.L.—Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada, and Paula van Oppen—shared the devastating news on Instagram on July 6, 2026. "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren," they expressed. "Our hearts are broken, and we can’t even begin to convey how much she meant to us."

As of now, the cause of her death remains unknown. Records from the Kent and Medway Coroner, which were obtained by USA Today, indicate that Bennett passed away in England on May 29, 2026, with an inquest set for October.

 

A private memorial service took place in London about a week and a half before the public announcement. This intimate gathering was attended by close family, friends, and former bandmates from both G.R.L. and the Paradiso Girls. Attendees wrote touching messages on balloons and released them into the sky as a heartfelt tribute.

From Kent Pubs to International Stardom

Born in Meopham, Kent, England, Bennett's rise to fame kicked off with local talent competitions. At just 14, she teamed up with a friend to form a duo, performing in pubs and bars. Her big break came when she appeared on the UK's The X Factor, where she made it to the final 12 before being sent home. This caught the eye of Robin Antin, the founder of the Pussycat Dolls, and Jimmy Iovine from Interscope. They invited her to audition for a new girl group, and at 17, Bennett packed her bags for Los Angeles after making the cut.

That group turned into the Paradiso Girls, who made a splash in 2009 with their debut single "Patron Tequila," featuring Eve and Lil' Jon. The song climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. However, after being dropped by Interscope a year later, the group disbanded.

Bennett then shifted gears to pursue a solo career, collaborating with big names like will.i.am and CeeLo Green. Her major breakthrough came when she featured on LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks. This track has become one of the best-selling songs of the 21st century, and its music video has racked up over 2.5 billion views on YouTube.

G.R.L. and a Heartbreaking Loss

n 2012, Bennett became part of another exciting project by Robin Antin: G.R.L. (Girls Rock Life). The group made waves with their track "Vacation," featured on The Smurfs 2 soundtrack, and teamed up with Pitbull for the catchy "Wild Wild Love." Their biggest hit, "Ugly Heart," even climbed into the Top 20 in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

However, tragedy struck in 2014 when founding member Simone Battle tragically took her own life at just 25 years old. The remaining members, including Bennett, honored her memory with a heartfelt tribute song titled "Lighthouse." This was yet another heartbreaking loss for a group that had already faced so much.

Bennett went on to create and release her own solo music, including the poignant song "Hurricane," which was deeply inspired by Battle's passing. She leaves behind her six-year-old daughter, Harlow, whom she shared with dancer and actor Kenny Wormald.

Lauren Bennett will be remembered not just for her incredible voice on one of the biggest pop anthems of the century, but also for her strength, her creativity, and the joy she brought to everyone lucky enough to know her.

Image Credit : Instagram