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Lauren Bennett Dies at 36: The Untold Story Behind the Voice of ‘Party Rock Anthem’ and G.R.L. Star’s Remarkable Career

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Close-up portrait of singer Lauren Bennett looking over her shoulder with voluminous blonde curls and light pink eye makeup.

When people hear Party Rock Anthem, they instantly recognize the infectious energy that helped define pop music in the early 2010s. While LMFAO and GoonRock often dominated the spotlight, one unmistakable voice helped turn the song into a worldwide phenomenon—Lauren Bennett. Over the years, the British singer built a career that stretched far beyond a single hit, moving through internationally recognized girl groups, solo projects, and deeply personal music inspired by her own experiences.

Now, the music world is mourning the loss of the talented performer. Lauren Bennett died on May 29, 2026, at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy that spans pop, dance, R&B, and heartfelt songwriting. Although her passing was announced weeks later, her influence continues to resonate with fans who remember her both as a chart-topping vocalist and a respected collaborator.

Lauren Bennett Dies at 36: Official Death Details Confirmed

Lauren Bennett smiling with bright platinum blonde hair, pink lipstick, and large hoop earrings while wearing a red shirt at a dark evening event.
Image Credit: Getty Images

Lauren Diane Bennett died on May 29, 2026, in Kent, England, with coroner records specifically associating her death with Meopham, her hometown. She was 36 years old, passing away just weeks before what would have been her 37th birthday.

Her death was publicly announced on July 6, 2026, through an Instagram statement shared by her former G.R.L. bandmates Natasha Slayton, Paula van Oppen, and Emmalyn Estrada.

The statement read:

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren. Our hearts are broken… Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts.”

At the time of the announcement, Lauren Bennett’s cause of death had not been publicly disclosed. Kent and Medway Coroner records confirmed the date and location of her death, while an inquest has been scheduled for October 2026.

A private memorial service was reportedly held in London before the public announcement.

Lauren Bennett Timeline: Career and Life at a Glance

YearEventOfficial Details
1989BirthBorn June 24 in Meopham, Kent, England
Teen YearsEarly CareerCompeted in talent contests and appeared on The X Factor (UK)
2007Paradiso GirlsJoined Robin Antin’s girl group
2009Breakthrough Group Release“Patron Tequila” reached No. 3 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play
2011Global SuccessFeatured on LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem”
2011Solo CareerReleased debut single “I Wish I Wish”
2012Joined G.R.L.Became founding member of the new group
2014International Hit“Ugly Heart” became a Top 20 success in several countries
2015G.R.L. DisbandedFollowing “Lighthouse” tribute release
2016ReunionParticipated in G.R.L.’s brief return with “Are We Good”
2017BENNETTFormed duo with brother Ryan
2019FamilyDaughter Harlow Bennett Wormald born
2026DeathDied May 29 at age 36

From Kent to Los Angeles: How Lauren Bennett Began Her Journey

Born in Meopham, Kent, Bennett displayed remarkable musical ambition from an early age. She regularly competed in local talent competitions and, by just 14 years old, was already performing in pubs and bars as part of a duo.

Her first major breakthrough came through The X Factor (UK), where she reached the final 12 before being eliminated. Although her television journey ended early, it opened a much bigger door. Robin Antin invited Bennett to audition for Paradiso Girls, leading the teenager to relocate to Los Angeles at just 17 years old.

Paradiso Girls Introduced Lauren Bennett to the Global Pop Industry

As one of the core members of Paradiso Girls, Bennett joined Chelsea Korka, Aria Crescendo, Shar Mae Amor and other members in the internationally assembled group signed by Interscope Records.

Their debut single, “Patron Tequila,” featuring Lil Jon and Eve, became their biggest release, reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart in 2009.

However, after a follow-up single failed to match expectations, the label dropped the group, and Paradiso Girls officially disbanded in 2010.

How ‘Party Rock Anthem’ Turned Lauren Bennett Into a Global Name

Although Bennett had already appeared on projects including a remix of will.i.am’s “I Got It from My Mama”, toured alongside LMFAO on the Party Rock Tour, and featured on CeeLo Green’s The Lady Killer (Platinum Edition) with “Love Gun,” her defining career moment arrived in 2011.

Her featured vocals on LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” helped create one of the biggest pop hits of the decade.

The song reached:

  • No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks
  • No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for four weeks
  • Multiple Platinum and Diamond certifications across numerous countries

The worldwide smash remains Lauren Bennett’s most recognizable musical contribution.

That same year, she also launched her solo career with “I Wish I Wish.”

G.R.L. Brought New Success—and Unimaginable Heartbreak

In 2012, Robin Antin assembled G.R.L. (Girls Rock Life), initially envisioned as a reboot connected to The Pussycat Dolls.

Bennett joined Paula van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada and Simone Battle.

Among the group’s most successful releases were:

  • “Vacation” from The Smurfs 2 soundtrack
  • “Wild Wild Love” with Pitbull
  • The self-titled 2014 EP
  • International hit “Ugly Heart,” which reached the Top 20 in several countries, including Australia and the UK

The group’s momentum changed forever in September 2014, when member Simone Battle died by suicide.

The remaining members honored her memory through “Lighthouse” in 2015, with proceeds helping raise awareness for mental health before the group disbanded in June that year.

Bennett later participated in the group’s brief 2016 reunion, releasing “Are We Good.”

Lauren Bennett’s Solo Music Reflected Her Personal Growth

After G.R.L., Bennett continued exploring new musical directions.

In 2016, she collaborated with Nick Martin on “Reality” and released “Hurricane,” a deeply personal song addressing mental health struggles, with proceeds supporting mental health initiatives.

A year later, she formed BENNETT alongside her brother Ryan, shifting toward a folk, country and rock sound with the release of “It’s All Good.”

Outside music, Bennett also appeared in The Pussycat Dolls’ fitness DVD and held minor acting roles in films including 21 Jump Street and Date Night.

Lauren Bennett’s Family Life Stayed Largely Private

Away from the stage, Bennett maintained a long-term relationship with actor and dancer Kenny Wormald, known for Footloose and the Step Up franchise.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Harlow Bennett Wormald, in September 2019. Throughout the years, they largely kept Harlow away from public attention.

Lauren Bennett is survived by her daughter Harlow, partner Kenny Wormald, and her family.

A Career That Reached Far Beyond One Iconic Hit

Although millions will forever associate Lauren Bennett with the unforgettable chorus of Party Rock Anthem, her career tells a much broader story. From performing in small venues across Kent to joining internationally recognized girl groups, achieving chart success around the world, releasing deeply personal solo music, and supporting mental health causes, Bennett consistently demonstrated versatility and resilience.

Her passing also marks the second heartbreaking loss connected to G.R.L., following Simone Battle’s death in 2014. As fans continue revisiting her music, Lauren Bennett’s voice remains part of one of pop’s most memorable eras, ensuring that her contributions to music will continue to be heard for years to come.

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