More than a decade after G.R.L. was devastated by the death of Simone Battle, the pop group is facing another tragedy following the sudden passing of singer Lauren Bennett at the age of 36.
Bennett, widely known for her appearance on LMFAO’s 2011 global hit Party Rock Anthem, died on May 29 in Kent, England, according to local coroner records obtained by the Daily Mail.
Her loved ones have since gathered for a private memorial service in London. A formal inquest into the circumstances surrounding her sudden death is set to take place on October 30.
G.R.L., an American girl group whose name stood for Girls Rock Life, was originally made up of Bennett, Battle, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, and Paula van Oppen.
The group was developed by choreographer Robin Antin as a reboot of the Pussycat Dolls concept and appeared to be gaining serious momentum in 2014. Their single Ugly Heart became a major chart success, and they had recently featured on Pitbull’s track Wild Wild Love.
That rise was abruptly overshadowed in September 2014, when Battle died by suicide at 25. G.R.L. officially disbanded nine months later in 2015, shortly after what had looked like the beginning of a major commercial breakthrough.
More than a decade after G.R.L. was shaken by the death of Simone Battle, the group has suffered another loss with the sudden death of Lauren Bennett at 36; Bennett pictured in 2014
G.R.L. originally featured Bennett (L), Battle (R), Emmalyn Estrada (C), Natasha Slayton (S-L), and Paula van Oppen (S-R); the group pictured in 2014
The band made their debut with the song Vacation for the Smurfs 2 soundtrack, where they joined pop legend Britney Spears on the track list.
GRL later collaborated with Pitbull on the 2014 song Wild Wild Love. Their biggest hit as a group was Ugly Heart, which peaked at 2 on the Australian charts.
The band never actually got to release a full-length studio album. However, they released a five-track self-titled EP in 2014.
The group was actively recording tracks for their debut album throughout 2013 and 2014, working with hitmakers like Max Martin and Dr. Luke. But the project was cut short by Battle’s death in 2014.
At the time, the singer’s future seemed bright, and her band G.R.L. were becoming more and more successful in the music industry.
Friends and family have told authorities that Battle had been ‘depressed over money issues’, TMZ claimed.
The family said they didn’t understand her money struggles because she was enjoying success with the girl group, including a collaboration with Pitbull, and had just finished a tour overseas. The group also performed on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ the month prior.
The family also reportedly told police that Battle had been worried she would never make it big.
Bennett – who famously collaborated with LMFAO on their 2011 chart-topping hit Party Rock Anthem – died on May 29 in Kent, England, according to local coroner records obtained by the Daily Mail
Her ex-bandmates confirmed her death in a heartbreaking statement on Monday which read, ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren’
Bennett is survived by one daughter, Harlow, aged six, who she shares with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald, 41
In September 2014, the group was left completely shattered after Battle died by suicide at 25. G.R.L. officially disbanded nine months later in 2015; Battle seen in 2014
Prior to her death the band was on a massive upward trajectory in 2014, with their hit Ugly Heart dominating the charts. They had also just been featured on Pitbull’s song Wild Wild Love; Estrada and Bennett seen performing with Pitbull in 2014
Following her death, G.R.L. released a single titled Lighthouse, which was recorded in her memory.
Lighthouse was set to be the final single released by G.R.L., as the group disbanded in June 2015. However, a year later, they reformed the band with a different lineup.
Estrada and van Oppen decided not to return. But Bennett and Slayton teamed up once again and added a third member, Jazzy Mejia, to the group.
The group spent the next few years touring, but in 2020 Mejia left the trio.
Despite later teasing a reunion and new music with Estrada, the original group members shifted back to focusing on their independent projects and personal lives as the band went on hiatus again.
And on Monday, any hopes for a reunion were dashed when Bennett’s ex-bandmates confirmed her death in a heartbreaking statement which read, ‘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.’
Bennett briefly reformed G.R.L. with Slayton and new member Jazzy Mejia in 2016, and released track, Are We Good? – but the band later ended once again; pictured in 2016
‘Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLS, Em, Tash, and P.’
A cause of death has not been publicly announced. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Bennett for further comment.
Bennett was laid to rest during a memorial ceremony, which was held about a week and a half ago, and was attended by her former G.R.L. bandmates, as per TMZ. Her Paradiso Girls bandmates were also present at the memorial.
Guests reportedly wrote touching messages on balloons before releasing them into the sky as a final tribute to the star.
The memorial also featured a large display with a photo of Bennett and the message, ‘Celebrating the Life of Lauren Bennett. Forever Loved. Forever With Us.’
A formal inquest into the star’s sudden death has been scheduled for October 30. The investigation will be led by a coroner, who will look into the exact circumstances surrounding her unexpected death.
Bennett’s final Instagram post was shared on February 22 and showed the singer performing a cover of Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.
She is survived by one daughter, Harlow, aged six, whom she shares with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald.
