Music news: Former G.R.L member Lauren Bennett has passed away at age 36
Lauren Bennett has passed away at the age of 36, writes Music News Blitz’s Tyler Lai Sai.
The former G.R.L member and Party Rock Anthem singer passed away on 29 May 2026.
Her passing was announced on Monday, 6 July by her former band G.R.L on their Instagram account.
More than fearless: LE SSERAFIM flows into a new era
The five-member South Korean girl group has stepped into one of their biggest eras yet with the release of their second studio album, Pureflow Pt.1, on May 22, proving once again that the group is never afraid to reinvent themselves.
Following the introspective journey of their EASY, CRAZY and HOT trilogy, Pureflow Pt.1 finds the members embodying a renewed sense of confidence.
Instead of running from vulnerability, LE SSERAFIM celebrates it, reminding listeners that strength comes from acknowledging fear rather than pretending it doesn't exist.
The album expands beyond the group's signature pop sound, their musical identity getting laced with house, EDM, and Brazilian funk influences while keeping the energetic charisma that has become their trademark.
The album feels like the group's most playful release to date, writes Music News Blitz’s Victoria Bruwer.
Beyond the boys’ club: Girl Group’s glitter-fuelled rebellion
With gender politics an ever-pervasive layer of contemporary discourse, the role of men and women is under scrutiny in every walk of life.
Still a leading cultural force, the music industry continues to both shape and reflect the ways we perform and perceive gendered roles, writes Music News Blitz’s Katie Slater.
With women now representing 53.8% of the UK’s music industry workforce, female voices are an ever-growing presence in a previously male-dominated space.
While this new figure is undeniably promising, deeper research reveals that it may not be all sunshine and daisies yet.
Research from the 2024 Musicians’ Census found that 51% of women had experienced gendered discrimination during their careers - showing the industry to be more than a little hostile to its newcomers.