Paradiso Girls singer Aria Crescendo has shared how she hopes to preserve the legacy of her late former bandmate Lauren Bennett, remembering her as “too young, too beautiful, too talented” to be gone so soon.
Crescendo, a French singer, and Bennett, the English performer widely known for her vocals on LMFAO’s 2011 global hit “Party Rock Anthem,” were both members of Paradiso Girls in the late 2000s. The pair remained close friends until Bennett’s sudden death at 36.
Bennett, who later joined the pop group GRL in 2014, died in Kent, England, on May 29, according to local coroner records obtained by the Daily Mail. A formal inquest into her death is set for October 30.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Crescendo, 42, opened up publicly about Bennett’s passing and said she is determined to honor a friend she believes “deserved to shine.”
Crescendo said that in the months before Bennett’s death, the former Paradiso Girls members had been discussing the possibility of revisiting their long-unreleased debut album. The group, originally formed as a European offshoot of The Pussycat Dolls, split in 2010 after releasing only a handful of singles.
According to Crescendo, the former bandmates had been meeting regularly, and Bennett was “so excited” about bringing the project back to life.
Aria Crescendo, second from left, has shared how she plans to honor the legacy of Lauren Bennett, second from right
Crescendo now says she wants to move forward with the project only if it serves as a tribute to Bennett, describing it as a meaningful way to keep her memory and music alive.
‘We kind of owe her,’ she said.
Paradiso Girls will likely be heading to the studio to re-record the tracks, with Bennett’s original vocals implemented in the album, Crescendo said.
Crescendo and Bennett met in 2005 and became close as they navigated their new lives in Los Angeles without succumbing to the dark side of fame. Together, they did yoga, stayed healthy, and abstained from alcohol.
‘We literally grew up together in LA,’ she said.
Crescendo, who is five years older than Bennett, saw herself as a guide and protector: ‘I was like her big sister.’
After Bennett appeared on the UK X Factor in 2006, she was recruited to join choreographer Robin Antin’s band Paradiso Girls at age 17.
From 2008 to 2010, the group – also comprised of Chelsea Korka, Kelly Beckett and Shar Mae Amor – released three singles, including a collaboration with Lil Jon and Eve titled Patron Tequila.
But the group dissolved before they were able to release a debut album.
Bennett died in Kent, England on May 29, according to local coroner records obtained by the Daily Mail
Bennett was best known for her feature spot on 2011 chart-topping hit Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO (pictured with LMFAO members Redfoo and Skyblu in 2011)
GRL collaborated with Pitbull on 2014 song Wild Wild Love
Life then took Crescendo and Bennett in separate directions professionally, with Bennett joining girl group GRL in 2014, but they still remained close.
‘We were pregnant at the same time,’ Crescendo said.
Eventually Bennett returned to the UK and relocated to London – a move Crescendo now describes as ‘bad’ and ill-advised.
Crescendo felt Bennett was more ‘isolated’ in the UK than in Los Angeles, which she considered her late friend’s true home.
But Crescendo believes Bennett was particularly thrilled by the prospect of reviving Paradiso Girls – which gave her a reason to return to LA.
‘Her heart was in LA,’ she said. ‘Finally a reason to go back.’
Over the last few months, regular meetings were held about the project, which Bennett was ‘super excited’ about.
But then, Bennett suddenly died. Crescendo only learned about the news when Antin called her.
‘It’s unfair,’ Crescendo said, describing how she has been ‘crying’ and is in a state of disbelief. ‘Life is so f***ing short.’
Bennett first landed in the music industry in short-lived girl group, The Paradiso Girls, alongside members Chelsea Korka, Aria Crescendo, Kelly Beckett and Shar Mae Amor
Bennett is survived by one daughter, Harlow, six, who she shares with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald, 41
Bennett later 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
Bennett is survived by one daughter, Harlow, aged six, who she shares with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald, 41.
Her former GRL bandmates confirmed her death in a statement Monday 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.
‘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. However, multiple sources claimed to TMZ on Wednesday that authorities are investigating the singer’s death as a suspected suicide.
Bennett’s father Richard revealed on Instagram that she had recently ‘experienced a severe reaction to a prescribed medication.’
‘As a family, we all rallied around her and did everything we could to support her,’ he said.
