British singer Lauren Bennett, best known for her vocals on LMFAO’s chart-topping hit “Party Rock Anthem,” has died at the age of 36.
News of her death was confirmed by her former bandmates of the pop group G.R.L., who shared a heartfelt tribute to the artist in an Instagram post on July 6.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” read the statement from members Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, and Paula van Oppen. “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,” the post continued. “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.”
According to Kent and Medway Coroner records reviewed by The Epoch Times, Bennett died on May 29 in Meopham, England, however, her official cause of death remains unknown.
An inquest, otherwise known as an investigation into the manner of sudden or unexplained deaths, has been scheduled for Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. local time. The coroner will establish the circumstances and discovery surrounding Bennett’s death during a public court hearing.
Born in 1989 in Meopham, Bennett rose to fame with the group Paradiso Girls, assembled by choreographer Robin Antin. The group’s 2009 single “Patron Tequila,” featuring Eve and Lil Jon, introduced Bennett to mainstream audiences and future collaborations with popular artists, including will.i.am and CeeLo Green.
In 2011 she joined G.R.L., and together the group released a number of hit singles, including “Ugly Heart,” “Vacation,” which appeared on the soundtrack for “The Smurfs 2,” and “Wild Wild Love,” a collaboration with Pitbull.
That same year, Bennett’s featured performance on “Party Rock Anthem,” one of the defining dance-pop anthems of the decade, became a cultural phenomenon and helped cement her role in the global music industry. The song spent six consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, finishing as the chart’s second-biggest song of the year.
In 2014, G.R.L. took a brief hiatus after member Simone Battle died by suicide at the age of 25. According to reports at the time, Battle was struggling with financial pressures prior to her death.
The group disbanded shortly after, and Bennett continued to pursue a solo career, releasing songs “Hurricane” and “Reality,” which earned the No. 21 spot in 2016 on Billboard’s now-defunct Dance Club Songs chart.
Bennett is survived by her 6-year-old daughter, Harlow, whom she shared with dancer and actor Kenny Wormald.
