GRL star Lauren Bennett dead aged 37
Tributes have been paid to the singer and former GRL member, whose death was announced by her former bandmates more than a decade after the group was devastated by the loss of Simone Battle.
Lauren Bennett has died aged 37.
Her former GRL bandmates announced the singer’s death in an emotional tribute remembering her “beautiful spirit” and the lasting impact she had on those closest to her.
Lauren, who was probably best known internationally for featuring on LMFAO’s chart-topping hit Party Rock Anthem, was mourned by former bandmates as news of her death emerged on Monday (06.07.26).
Lauren rose to prominence through her collaboration with LMFAO on the 2011 global hit Party Rock Anthem before joining GRL, the girl group created by choreographer Robin Antin as a successor to the Pussycat Dolls.
Alongside Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, Paula Van Oppen and the late Simone Battle, who died aged 25 in 2014, Lauren helped establish the group with singles including Ugly Heart and Lighthouse. She is survived by her six-year-old daughter, Harlow, whom she shared with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald.
Announcing Lauren’s death on social media, Emmalyn, Natasha and Paula said: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren.
“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. Your GRLS, Em, Tash, and P.”
Lauren’s death comes more than a decade after Simone’s death, which brought GRL’s original line-up to an abrupt end.
Months after Simone died, Lauren spoke to People magazine about the shock experienced by the group as they prepared for a performance.
She said: “You can never prepare yourself for something like this, ever.
“We'd just been in rehearsals the day before, learning choreography for our show, and the next day we were starting the morning as usual when we got the call.
“I still can't believe it. I don't think any of us can. It's weird that we're even sitting here, talking about it.”
In the same interview, Paula reflected on Simone’s death and the importance of encouraging conversations around mental health.
She said: “She was such a strong woman, and very independent, and we had no idea what she was going through, or her pain.
“We admire how prideful she was, but now we just wish she'd let us in a little bit so maybe we could have helped her.
“Now we want to spread that message that it's okay to talk about, and help people, maybe even change the world.”
Lauren first found mainstream success through LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem, one of the defining pop hits of the early 2010s, before becoming a member of GRL.
The group went on to release Ugly Heart and Lighthouse, the latter serving as a tribute to Simone following her death.
Robin’s project had been conceived as a revival of the Pussycat Dolls, with Lauren joining a line-up blending established performers with emerging talent.
Representatives for Lauren’s family have not released further details regarding her death.
