Lauren Bennett, known for her role in the girl group G.R.L. and a featured artist on LMFAO's 2011 hit "Party Rock Anthem," died on May 29 in Kent, England, at the age of 36. A formal inquest into her death is scheduled for October 30.
Bennett's former bandmate in the group Paradiso Girls, Aria Crescendo, has spoken out about Bennett's final months. Crescendo revealed that she and Bennett had been in discussions about reviving their unreleased debut album from the late 2000s. Bennett was reportedly enthusiastic about the project.
"We kind of owe her," Crescendo stated, expressing her intention to proceed with the album project as a tribute to Bennett and to keep her legacy alive. Crescendo plans to re-record the tracks, incorporating Bennett's original vocals.
Crescendo and Bennett met in 2005 and maintained a close friendship, navigating their careers in Los Angeles. Crescendo described herself as a "big sister" figure to Bennett. Bennett first gained industry attention after appearing on the UK "X Factor" in 2006, leading to her recruitment for Paradiso Girls at age 17. The group, also featuring Chelsea Korka, Kelly Beckett, and Shar Mae Amor, released three singles between 2008 and 2010 but disbanded before releasing a full album.
Following the dissolution of Paradiso Girls, Bennett joined the girl group G.R.L. in 2014, collaborating with artists like Pitbull. Despite pursuing separate professional paths, Bennett and Crescendo remained close, even experiencing pregnancies simultaneously.
Crescendo commented that Bennett's later return to the UK and relocation to London seemed to lead to increased isolation, contrasting with her time in Los Angeles, which Crescendo considered Bennett's true home. The prospect of reviving Paradiso Girls offered Bennett a reason to return to LA, a move Crescendo believes she was eager for.
Bennett is survived by her six-year-old daughter, Harlow, whom she shared with dancer Kenny Wormald. Her former G.R.L. bandmates confirmed her death in a statement, remembering her "beautiful spirit" and the countless memories she provided.
While a cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, sources have indicated that authorities are investigating the circumstances. Bennett's father, Richard, mentioned on Instagram that his daughter had recently experienced a severe reaction to prescribed medication.