Paris Bennett

About Paris Bennett

Paris Ana'is Bennett (born August 21, 1988) is an American singer. She came to national recognition as a contestant on the fifth season of the reality television talent show, American Idol, finishing in fifth place. Paris Bennett released her debut album Princess P on 306 Entertainment/TVT Records in 2007.

Bennett was born in Rockford, Illinois,[citation needed] to Jamecia Venzett Bennett, former soprano vocalist of the vocal ensemble Sounds of Blackness, and current solo artist. Bennett was raised by her mother and stepfather, downtown developer Nedal "Ned" Abdul, in Edina, Minnesota. Paris began performing at the age of six and was trained by her mother and grandmother, Ann Nesby, the former lead singer of the Sounds of Blackness.

Paris has three younger brothers, Shakur, Jamez,Dustin and a sister Shana. Bennett is also trained in hip hop, modern African and jazz dance. She has opened for acts such as Bow Wow. Bennett attended Edina High School and played the part of Dorothy in the school production of "The Wiz" in 2003. Bennett's favorite artists are Gladys Knight, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin. In 2004, Bennett shifted to Fayetteville, Georgia to live with her grandparents and began her senior year at Starr's Mill High School.