‘Beautiful spirit’ GRL star Lauren Bennett dies aged 37
GRL star Lauren Bennett has died aged 37. Her devastated bandmates announced the tragic news on Monday, July 6, with a statement on Instagram. "Our hearts are broken and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us," they said. "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."
The English singer shot to fame with the US girl group after their 2013 debut track Vacation appeared on the Smurfs 2 soundtrack, before reaching global success with Pitbull's smash hit Wild Wild Love. Bennett's career began earlier as part of The Paradiso Girls in 2007. She then embarked on a solo path, featuring in a remix of Will.i.am's I Got It From my Mama before teaming up with LMFAO on their massive hit Party Rock Anthem, which became her first number one single in both the UK and US.
Bennett was a founding member of GRL, created by Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin, alongside Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada, and Paula van Oppen. The group achieved worldwide acclaim with hits including Ugly Heart, though their achievements were overshadowed when bandmate Simone Battle died in September 2014. GRL paid tribute through their single Lighthouse.
Bennett is survived by her daughter Harlow, born in 2019, whom she shares with partner Kenny Wormald, a dancer and actor. The band concluded: "Rest peacefully sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLS, Em, Tash and P."
Jessica Sutta of the Pussycat Dolls said: "I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. She was magnificent. Beautiful, talented and so incredibly sweet. May she rest in peace."