Exclusive: FIRST PIC: American Idol's Paris Bennett Shows Off Baby Egypt
Credit: Courtesy of Paris Bennett
American Idol finalist Paris Bennett is showing off the first photos of her baby daughter, Egypt, on UsMagazine.com.
Bennett, now 21, was just 19 when she became pregnant in 2008 -- two years after coming in fifth place on the fifth season of the Fox hit.
See more photos of Idols who have had babies or gotten married
"If I was to give advice to young moms, I'd say wait unless you have a lot of support to help with the baby," she tells Us. "I'm still young and it's fun... I don't feel like I missed out on things.
"Sometimes, I'm just like, 'Geez, Egypt... maybe if mommy would have had you a little bit later.... [But] she is my motivator," continues Paris, who performs seven times a week in the Minneapolis production of Rent (her mom, Jamecia, also stars in the show). "Now when I hit the stage, I'm not only living for myself, I'm living for another human being."
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Egypt, now 17 months old, is "the happiest baby you'll ever meet," Paris gushes to Us.
"She walks, she talks, she loves Dora the Explorer. She's very, very smart. We're potty training right now," Paris says of her daughter, whose first word was "Hey!"
Check out adorable photos of real-life babies who look like celebrities!
Paris says Egypt also loves to sing along to Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and even earned the nickname "The Slapper" because she's so feisty with Paris' little brothers, Jamez, 6, and Shakur, 12.
She still has not revealed the identify of the father, whom she split from when Egypt was 1 year old.
"Finding out I was pregnant made me become more mature. It takes guys awhile to grow, and I don't think his maturity level grew," she tells Us. "It felt like I was teaching him as well as trying to learn on my own how to be a parent. That was hard."
They still have a good relationship. "I would never want her not to see him, or not be around him. Every child needs their dad," she says.
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32Ann Nesby "I am in the process of signing my name on the dotted line". Thank you for such an inspiring song.
Paris Bennett's Grand ma is multi Grammy nominated, Ann Nesby. Look on youtube: search Ann Nesby I'm still wearing your name. You guys are in for a treat and understand why she sings as beautifully as she does.
Being a role-model is not Paris' job or responsibility. Don't place that burden on her. She is who she is and her experiences are her own. It is funny how Bristol Palin was given every pass and paid ONE MILLION DOLLARS for a photo of her child and is now respected for her decision to "keep" her child. This is fair? NO! What is Paris getting for making the same decision? Angst and judgement from people that are not fit to carry her bags. Paris works for a living. Bristol Palin is cared for by her mother and if the family does not remain money grubbing the rest of us. Leeches respected. Hard working young woman?...Scorned. Go figure!
To one and all STOP WITH THE BABY DADDY BUSINESS AND WRITE FATHER. THANK YOU.
Kittie6 Baby Egypt's FATHER is still in the picture. He is not a runaway dad. He and Paris broke up ONE YEAR after Egypt's birth.
what a cute baby!!!
Karen (and you know which 'Karen' you are); STFU!
Paris has the support of her big Christian family, which helps a lot. The baby is adorable and I know she is loved by her whole extended family. Best wishes to Paris and Egypt, and shame on the runaway baby-daddy.
It's funny how some comments are deleted but racist ignorant ones get to stay up.
For the small minded unevolved human spot who called the baby a "baboon". Isn't it wonderful the internet can offer its own white sheet for idiots? You know, right!?
Paris your daughter is just as beautiful as you are baby it's hard making cute kids but somebody has to do it lol
your baby is really pretty... i was shocked when i found out but it is what it is so keep up the good work!
Beautiful baby. Paris is a talented singer who appears to be out there making a living and supporting her own child. Good for her.
Thank You all for your comments good and or bad..... I don't regret my decision to bring my child into this. I think the best role model to a child is the one that shows that they overcome obstacles in there life no matter what. Love You all and Thank You
I wish the person that says she takes jon gosselin's 3 inch penis up the butt would get off this website.
Awwwww she's adorable! My mom had me at 21 and she is an AMAZING mother (i'm 23 now). There are plenty of 30-something moms who aren't even fit to be parents, so stop ripping on this girl - I'm sure she's a great mom. Her daughter is gorgeous, and looks happy and healthy!
ok karen your a b!itch!! how can u say that she isnt a good role model? do u know her personally? um let me think.. no u dont so stfu! im a teen mom as well and i do everything for my child by my self. i graduated high school early im in college i work full time and live on my own with out help! so dont think that all teenagers that have a kid r not good role models there just going to teach there kid not to follow in their foot steps.. atleast thats what im going to do. and she was 20 when she had her kid thats not a teen anymore get over it!!
you know its always the young moms who get crap for having the baby... the guys they just run away its almost always the same sorry guys takes 2 to make a child and if the moms dont grow up just rite or fast enough than shes a bad mom what about the father who has dissappeared cuz it doesnt fit in his life rite now? least most young mothers make the best of it and try their hardest while the guys are off getting another pergnant
another 21 year old single mom - great role model.
Meeg, don't you worry yourself most of the people on these comment boards are vulgar because they either have no life or no one else will listen to them... i think it is the latter...