Paris Bennett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paris Bennett
Paris Bennett
Background information
Birth name	Paris Ana'is Bennett
Also known as	Paris
Born	(1988-08-21) August 21, 1988 (age 36) Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
Origin	Fayetteville, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	R&B pop
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Independent

Paris Ana'is Bennett (born August 21, 1988) is an American singer. She became famous after finishing in fifth place on the fifth season of the TV show American Idol.

About Paris Bennett

Early Life and Musical Roots

Paris Bennett was born in Rockford, Illinois. Her mother, Jamecia Venzett Bennett, was a singer with the group Sounds of Blackness. Her grandmother, Ann Nesby, was also the lead singer of Sounds of Blackness.

Paris grew up in Edina, Minnesota. She started performing when she was just six years old. Her mother and grandmother taught her how to sing. Paris has three brothers: Shakur, Jamez, and Orlando.

She went to Edina High School. In 2003, she played the part of Dorothy in her school's play, "The Wiz." Some of her favorite singers include Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin. In 2004, Paris moved to Fayetteville, Georgia. She finished high school there.

Paris first thought about becoming a doctor. She didn't want to follow in her family's musical footsteps. But her grandfather saw auditions for American Idol. Paris decided to try out. She said she would stop singing if she didn't make it.

Journey on American Idol

Paris auditioned for American Idol in Greensboro, North Carolina. She sang "Cowboy Take Me Away" and "Take Five." The judges were very impressed. Paula Abdul called her voice incredible. Simon Cowell wondered where she had been hiding. She got a "yes" from all the judges to go to Hollywood.

In Hollywood, Paris sang "Can't Fight the Moonlight" and "Fever." She made it to the Top 24. During the live shows, she performed many songs. These included "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Wind Beneath My Wings."

The judges often praised her performances. Randy Jackson said she had returned to greatness. Stevie Wonder even said she reminded him of Fantasia Barrino. Paris was known for her confidence on stage.

She continued to impress with songs like "Fever" and "Work It Out." She also sang "How Do I Live" and "The Show Must Go On." Simon Cowell even said she was his personal favorite.

Later in the competition, Paris sang "These Foolish Things" and "The Way We Were." She often landed in the bottom group but was saved by viewer votes. In May 2006, Paris sang "Kiss" and "Be Without You." She was eventually eliminated from the competition. She finished in fifth place.

Paris returned to perform in the finale. She sang a duet with Al Jarreau. She also performed in a medley with other female contestants.

After American Idol

After American Idol, Paris began working on her first album. She was 18 years old at the time. She appeared on many TV shows. These included The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Paris sang the National Anthem at an NBA game in Detroit. She also held a homecoming concert in Rockford, Illinois. She recorded a song called "The Tigers" for the movie Everyone's Hero.

Paris also performed at charity concerts. She announced plans for her own clothing line called "Tres P." She became a supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Her First Album: Princess P

In 2007, Paris signed with 306 Entertainment. She worked with famous producers on her first album. The album was called Princess P. This was a nickname given to her by her family and by Ryan Seacrest on American Idol.

Paris helped write the songs on the album. She said the songs were about her experiences. The album was a mix of R&B and pop songs. It was released on April 24, 2007.

The lead song from the album was "Ordinary Love." Its music video was released in April 2007. The album was officially released on May 8, 2007.

A Christmas Album

In 2008, Paris released a holiday album. It was called A Royal Christmas. This album included classic Christmas songs and new ones. Her mother, Jamecia Bennett, wrote one of the new songs. The album featured R&B and jazz styles.

Paris also starred as Dorothy in a Broadway production of The Wiz. She released another holiday song called "All I Need for Christmas."

Beyond Music

Paris Bennett became a mother in October 2008.

Music She Made

Albums

Singles

Soundtrack Songs

See also

In Spanish: Paris Bennett para niños