Paris Bennett: Difference between revisions
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===2007: ''Princess P''=== |
===2007: ''Princess P''=== |
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[[Image:Parisposter.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"Princess P" promotional poster.]] |
[[Image:Parisposter.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"Princess P" promotional poster.]] |
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Bennett is currently signed to 306 Entertainment,<ref>[http://www.306ent.com/paris.html]Bennett's official profile on the 306ENT website</ref> owned by Paul Jones, her uncle. Bennett's mother Jamecia is also signed to the independent label.<ref>[http://www.306ent.com/jamecia.html]Jamecia's official 306ent profile</ref> Bennett is working with Jon Jon Traxx, Darren Lighty, and [[Rodney Jerkins]] on her debut album, titled "''Princess P''" after the nickname used affectionately for her by [[Ryan Seacrest]] on American Idol.<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2006/12/08/128_paris_signs.html]"Among the producers she’s working with are Jon Jon Traxx, who has worked with Beyonce; Darren Lighty (who wrote the hit “Too Close” by Next) and Rodney Jerkins, who has produced for Mary J. Blige, Beyonce and Mariah Carey, to name a few."</ref><ref>[http://www.tvgrapevine.com/index.php/topic,9424.msg28389.html]"I have my new album coming out which is called "Princess P." My first single is "Dreamin'"</ref> Bennett is co-writing the album with J. Isaac, and says it is based on her experiences before, on, and after American Idol.<ref>[http://www.tvgrapevine.com/index.php/topic,9424.msg28389.html]Basically, it's about my "American Idol" experience, my life before and life after. I'm co-writing it. This being my first album, I'm co-writing with J. Isaac, a new guy. I have a producer doing writing with me.</ref> The [[R&B]] and [[pop music|pop]] album is slated for release on [[April 24]].<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2006/12/08/128_paris_signs.html]"Jones said Paris is still working on her first album, due out in March and not surprisingly, it will be R&B pop."</ref><ref>[http://306ent.com/news.html]"Paris Bennett's Upcoming Album "Princess P" in Stores APRIL 24th!!"</ref> |
Bennett is currently signed to 306 Entertainment,<ref>[http://www.306ent.com/paris.html]Bennett's official profile on the 306ENT website</ref> owned by Paul Jones, her uncle. Bennett's mother Jamecia is also signed to the independent label.<ref>[http://www.306ent.com/jamecia.html]Jamecia's official 306ent profile</ref> Bennett is working with Jon Jon Traxx, Darren Lighty, and [[Rodney Jerkins]] on her debut album, titled "''Princess P''" after the nickname given to her by her family and used affectionately for her by [[Ryan Seacrest]] on American Idol.<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2006/12/08/128_paris_signs.html]"Among the producers she’s working with are Jon Jon Traxx, who has worked with Beyonce; Darren Lighty (who wrote the hit “Too Close” by Next) and Rodney Jerkins, who has produced for Mary J. Blige, Beyonce and Mariah Carey, to name a few."</ref><ref>[http://www.tvgrapevine.com/index.php/topic,9424.msg28389.html]"I have my new album coming out which is called "Princess P." My first single is "Dreamin'"</ref> Bennett is co-writing the album with J. Isaac, and says it is based on her experiences before, on, and after American Idol.<ref>[http://www.tvgrapevine.com/index.php/topic,9424.msg28389.html]Basically, it's about my "American Idol" experience, my life before and life after. I'm co-writing it. This being my first album, I'm co-writing with J. Isaac, a new guy. I have a producer doing writing with me.</ref> The [[R&B]] and [[pop music|pop]] album is slated for release on [[April 24]].<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2006/12/08/128_paris_signs.html]"Jones said Paris is still working on her first album, due out in March and not surprisingly, it will be R&B pop."</ref><ref>[http://306ent.com/news.html]"Paris Bennett's Upcoming Album "Princess P" in Stores APRIL 24th!!"</ref> |
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Four songs from the album, lead single "Ordinary Love", "Burnt Up", "I'm So Hot", and "Dreamin" can currently be heard in full on Bennett's myspace. The song "Burnt Up" was recently removed from Paris's myspace, and replaced with the slow piano ballad "I Will"<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/parisbennettmusic]</ref> Bennett has also confirmed tracks "B-Bye", "Best Friend" (with Jamecia Bennett, [[Ann Nesby]], and Shirley Bennett), "Let Me Rap" (featuring [[Kevin Covais]]), a track with [[Lisa Tucker]], and one or more jazz tracks. <ref>[http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2006/12/08/128_paris_signs.html]"I was sent a couple of her songs, including a mid-tempo dance tune “B-Bye” and a Mary J. Blige-style R&B tune “Dreamin’ ” which has a hook that reminds me a bit of Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style.”"</ref><ref>[www.mtv.com/news/articles/1550192/20070118/bennett__paris.jhtml]</ref> |
Four songs from the album, lead single "Ordinary Love", "Burnt Up", "I'm So Hot", and "Dreamin" can currently be heard in full on Bennett's myspace. The song "Burnt Up" was recently removed from Paris's myspace, and replaced with the slow piano ballad "I Will"<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/parisbennettmusic]</ref> Bennett has also confirmed tracks "B-Bye", "Best Friend" (with Jamecia Bennett, [[Ann Nesby]], and Shirley Bennett), "Let Me Rap" (featuring [[Kevin Covais]]), a track with [[Lisa Tucker]], and one or more jazz tracks. <ref>[http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2006/12/08/128_paris_signs.html]"I was sent a couple of her songs, including a mid-tempo dance tune “B-Bye” and a Mary J. Blige-style R&B tune “Dreamin’ ” which has a hook that reminds me a bit of Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style.”"</ref><ref>[www.mtv.com/news/articles/1550192/20070118/bennett__paris.jhtml]</ref> |
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Revision as of 11:46, 12 March 2007
Paris Bennett | |
|---|---|
| Years active | 2006–present |
Paris Giselle Bennett[1] (born August 21, 1988)[2] is an American singer. She came to national recognition as a contestant on the fifth season of the reality television talent show, American Idol, and was eliminated from the competition on May 3, 2006, finishing in fifth place.
Biography
Early years
Bennett was born in Rockford, Illinois[3] to Jamecia Venzett Bennett, former soprano vocalist[4] of the vocal ensemble Sounds of Blackness[5] and current solo artist.[6] Bennett was raised by her mother and stepfather, downtown developer Nedal "Ned" Abdul,[7] in Edina, Minnesota.[8] Paris began performing at the age of six[9] and was trained by her mother and grandmother, Ann Nesby,[10] the former lead singer of the Sounds of Blackness.[11]
Paris has three younger brothers,[12] Shakur, Jamez,[13] and Dustin. Bennett is also trained in hip hop, modern African and jazz dance.[14] She has opened for acts such as Bow Wow.[15] Bennett attended Edina High School and played the part of Dorothy in the school production of "The Wiz" in 2003.[16] [17] Bennett's favorite artists are Gladys Knight, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin.[18] In 2004, Bennett shifted to Fayetteville, Georgia to live with her grandparents and began her senior year at Starr's Mill High School.[19]
Bennett had decided to pursue gynaecology, not wanting to walk in the limelight of her family.[20] However, Bennett's grandfather, Tim Lee, saw that the American Idol auditions were being held in Greensboro, and Bennett agreed to try out but said she would give up singing if she did not make it, as stated on the show.
American Idol
In her audition, Bennett first performed the Dixie Chicks' Cowboy Take Me Away, and was complimented by Paula Abdul on her voice. Bennett then chose to sing Billy Holliday's Take Five. Randy Jackson said that she has the lineage (referring to Nesby), Abdul called Bennett incredible, and Simon Cowell asked where she had been hiding. Bennett was given a unanimous vote to go to Hollywood.
In the first Hollywood round, Bennett sang Can't Fight the Moonlight and was put through to the next round. She then performed a group performance of Emotion with Hannah Freeman and Stevie Scott, which was said by Cowell to be pitiful overall. Bennett was put through. For her third performance, Bennett sang Fever. She was then put through to the Top 24.
On February 21, Bennett performed Midnight Train To Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips. The judges enjoyed the performance. On February 28, Bennett performed Bette Midler's Wind Beneath My Wings, and was told that it was a good vocal performance, and to avoid performing older songs. On March 7, Bennett performed Gloria Estefan's Conga. The judges liked the decision to sing an uptempo song, although the vocals were average. Bennett was put through to the Top 12 on March 9.
On March 14, the Stevie Wonder theme night, Bennett performed All I Do. Stevie Wonder, guest coach, said that hearing Paris reminded him of the excitement of Fantasia Barrino. Jackson said that she had returned to greatness, Abdul called her a seasoned veteran, and Cowell added that she was very confident on the stage. Bennett was safe.
On March 21, the 1950s theme night, Bennett performed the song she had performed in the Hollywood round, Peggy Lee's Fever. Barry Manilow praised the depth and power in her vocals. Jackson said that she displayed experience beyond her years, Abdul called her vocals impeccable, and Cowell said it was great. Bennett was safe.
Bennett performed Beyoncé Knowles' Work It Out on the March 28 show, in which the theme was of songs from the past six years. Jackson thought it was the best of the night; Abdul called it awesome. Cowell found it overly precocious. Bennett was safe.
On April 4, the country theme night, Bennett performed How Do I Live by LeAnn Rimes. Kenny Rogers felt that it was a good choice to display Bennett's strengths. Jackson found the beginning weak, but felt she improved somewhat by the end. Abdul did not feel a connection with the song, and thought it seemed a struggle for Bennett. Cowell called the performance very good and an excellent choice of song. On the results night, Bennett was placed in the bottom three with Mandisa and Elliott Yamin, but was not eliminated.
On April 11, the Queen theme night, Bennett sang The Show Must Go On. Brian May said that he loved everything about Bennett. Jackson told her that it was a little rough in the beginning and middle, but she worked it out in the end. Abdul told Bennett to keep on rocking. Cowell found it a little weird. Bennett was safe. Cowell revealed on April 14 that Bennett was his personal favorite.[21]
April 18 was the Great American Songbook theme night, and Bennett performed These Foolish Things. Rod Stewart commented that "for seventeen, Paris is amazing." Jackson said that it was her best performance. Abdul said that Bennett could have a hit album of these songs. Cowell found it stylish and classy. Bennett was placed in the bottom three with Chris Daughtry and Ace Young, but was not eliminated.
The theme of the April 25 show was love songs. Bennett performed Barbra Streisand's The Way We Were. David Foster called her rehearsal performance "very nice", and Andrea Bocelli called her voice spectacular. Jackson said that he liked it although he was not blown away. Abdul thought Bennett oversang in parts, but overall it was the best female vocal of the night. Cowell called it a very good vocal, but old-fashioned. Bennett was in the bottom two with Kellie Pickler, and Pickler was eliminated.
The first theme on May 2 was songs from the contestants' year of birth. Bennett chose Kiss by Prince, although the version released in 1988 was by Art of Noise, featuring Tom Jones. Jackson liked the performance. Abdul stated that she loves Paris singing songs from the past eras. Cowell found it screechy and annoying. The second theme was songs on the current Billboard charts. Bennett performed Be Without You by Mary J. Blige. Jackson thought that Bennett rocked it. Abdul thought that she loved Bennett's voice on the song, but was wishing for an individual flip on it. Cowell thought that Bennett did rather well with the song. On May 3, Bennett was placed in the bottom two with Yamin and eliminated from the competition.
Bennett returned to perform on the finale. As did the other top five contestants, Bennett performed a duet with an artist, in this case Al Jarreau, on "We're In This Love Together". Bennett has since stated that she would love to have a duet with Jarreau on her debut album[22]. She also performed Close To You by Dionne Warwick, and in the girls' medley sang Man! I Feel like a Woman!, Natural Woman, I'm Every Woman, and "Trouble". Prince, who was appearing for a surprise performance, met and thanked Paris for singing his song, and fulfilled her request for a kiss on the cheek.[23]
Bennett recorded Midnight Train To Georgia for the American Idol Season 5: Encores compilation album. The track has sold 9,100 legal downloads as of August 10, 2006.[24]
Post-Idol
Bennett appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday, May 4, 2006. She got to spin the Wheel of Consolation. She won a Lincoln Aviator, only to have someone come out dressed as Abraham Lincoln wearing aviator glasses. Bennett also appeared on Total Request Live,[25] The Ellen DeGeneres Show,[26] Entertainment Tonight,[27] Live With Regis and Kelly,[28] On Air With Ryan Seacrest,[29] WSTR-FM (on The Steve & Vikki Morning Show),[30] and the Today Show, among others.
In Detroit on May 30, 2006, Paris sang the National Anthem at a conference finals NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Miami Heat. On May 12, 2006, Bennett visited her younger brother Jamez's classroom to perform "Fever" in the 3 year old's music class.[31] Bennett also held a homecoming concert in Rockford, Illinois. Bennett recorded a duet with John Debney on the official soundtrack of the movie Everyone's Hero. They sang a song called "The Tigers".[32]
Bennett and her mother performed at the 2006 Divas Simply Singing AIDS benefit concert.[33] Bennett performed "Take Five" at "The Gathering Live", a concert to raise awareness of domestic violence.[34] At the 2006 BET Awards, Bennett announced plans for a clothing line, "Tres P" (Three times the Paris), to "help you find your royalty".[35] Bennett, Young, Mandisa and Kevin Covais are all appearing on the Walt Disney World Christmas special.[36] Bennett is performing on the Walt Disney Cruise to St. Lucia, along with Bianca Ryan.
2007: Princess P
Bennett is currently signed to 306 Entertainment,[37] owned by Paul Jones, her uncle. Bennett's mother Jamecia is also signed to the independent label.[38] Bennett is working with Jon Jon Traxx, Darren Lighty, and Rodney Jerkins on her debut album, titled "Princess P" after the nickname given to her by her family and used affectionately for her by Ryan Seacrest on American Idol.[39][40] Bennett is co-writing the album with J. Isaac, and says it is based on her experiences before, on, and after American Idol.[41] The R&B and pop album is slated for release on April 24.[42][43]
Four songs from the album, lead single "Ordinary Love", "Burnt Up", "I'm So Hot", and "Dreamin" can currently be heard in full on Bennett's myspace. The song "Burnt Up" was recently removed from Paris's myspace, and replaced with the slow piano ballad "I Will"[44] Bennett has also confirmed tracks "B-Bye", "Best Friend" (with Jamecia Bennett, Ann Nesby, and Shirley Bennett), "Let Me Rap" (featuring Kevin Covais), a track with Lisa Tucker, and one or more jazz tracks. [45][46]
The video to "Ordinary Love" was released onto Bennett's management site on February 14th.[47]
Discography
Albums
| Album | Statistics | Singles |
|---|---|---|
|
Princess P | Singles Released
|
Singles
| Year | Song | Album | US | US R&B/Hip-Hop | US Pop | US Digital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "Midnight Train To Georgia" | American Idol Season 5: Encores | - | - | - | - |
| 2007 | "Ordinary Love" | Princess P | - | - | - | - |
References
- ^ [1]"Birth Name: Paris Bennett"
- ^ [2]"Date of Birth: 21 August 1988"
- ^ [3]"Date of Birth (location): 21 August 1988, Rockford, Illinois, USA"
- ^ [4]"Jamecia Bennett (Soprano (Vocal))"
- ^ [5]"I was in the Sounds of Blackness for four years and it was such a blessing to be around such great people, to learn from them. They were like family. I called them all my aunts and uncles and they really had a hand in raising me. It was a gift to be in their company. It was also a blessing to be able to earn a living and support my daughter doing something that I loved to do."
- ^ [6]"At the age of fifteen Jamecia was faced with one of the toughest challenges she would ever have to face, she was pregnant. What made the circumstances particularly trying was the fact that Jameica was the quintessential preacher's kid in a prototypical church-going, God-fearing family. Her grandfather Pastor, her grandmother, the first lady and her mother, former Sounds of Blackness lead singer and currently the renowned Queen of Inspirational Soul, Ann Nesby, played the organ in the family church."
- ^ [7]"In person, however, Abdul is a warm and easygoing guy who prominently displays photos of his three children, sons Jamez, 2; Shakur, 7; and daughter Paris, 15, in his office."
- ^ [8]"Paris, a native of Edina, Minnesota, has lived with her grandmother for the past two years in Fayetteville, Georgia and was attending Starr's Mill High School before wowing the judges in Greensboro, N.C. last summer during "Idol" auditions."
- ^ [9]"T. Mychael Rambo, a Twin Cities musician who has known Paris since she started performing at age 6, said her family instilled in her poise and presence from an early age."
- ^ [10]"Trained by my mother Jamecice Bennett and Grandmother Ann Nesby"
- ^ [11]"Putting gospel, soul, and club music on one album is usually a recipe for disaster, but former Sounds of Blackness lead vocalist Ann Nesby stands up to the challenge."
- ^ [12]"My brothers Shakur and James and Dustin."
- ^ [13]"In person, however, Abdul is a warm and easygoing guy who prominently displays photos of his three children, sons Jamez, 2; Shakur, 7; and daughter Paris, 15, in his office." Paris' brother's name is spelled and pronounced as Jamez and not James.
- ^ [14]"Paris is a skilled dancer in hip-hop, jazz and modern African dance."
- ^ [15]"She has performed in numerous concerts and has opened for many groups, including Bow Wow."
- ^ [16]"Paris Bennett was just a sophomore when she tried out for the lead of Dorothy in "The Wiz" at Edina High School in the Minneapolis area."Lead roles are usually reserved for seniors who paid their dues," said theater arts teacher Tony Matthes. "Four or five were up for the role. But as soon as Paris started singing, I saw them back away, literally and figuratively. One of them came up to me and said, 'You know what's best for the show. Don't you dare cast me or anybody else.'"
- ^ Bennett, Paris (circa 2003). "Paris Bennett performs in The Wiz" (Windows Media Player). Retrieved 2006-12-23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|1=and|coauthors=(help) - ^ [17]"TeenMusic: Who were you listening to as a teen? Paris: Gladys Knight, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Holiday, Etta James. I’m a little person with an old soul so I go way back, Aretha Franklin."
- ^ [18]"Paris, a native of Edina, Minnesota, has lived with her grandmother for the past two years in Fayetteville, Georgia and was attending Starr's Mill High School before wowing the judges in Greensboro, N.C. last summer during "Idol" auditions."
- ^ [19]"But under the pressure of such pedigree, Paris actually told her familiy last year she wanted to be a gynecologist."She didn't want to walk in the limelight of her family, all of us being singers," Nesby said on the show last Wednesday."
- ^ [20]"His favorite to win is 17-year-old vocal powerhouse, Paris Bennett. "You gotta give the girl some credit. She's a tough little thing, isn't she?" he said."
- ^ [21]"As a duet, I would love to have Al Jarreau. I did the finale with him. I'd love to have that song on my album as well."
- ^ [22]"While early reports said that Prince pretty much came and went during the “Idol” finale without meeting any of the “Idol” contestants, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that he did spend a few seconds to say hey to one in particular, Paris Bennett, because she sang “Kiss” a few weeks earlier. He even planted a kiss on her cheek."
- ^ [23]"Paris/Midnight Train to Georgia: 9,100"
- ^ [24]Interview with Bennett on TRL
- ^ [25]"1. "Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show" .... Herself (1 episode, 2006) - Episode dated 28 July 2006 (2006) TV Episode .... Herself"
- ^ [26]""Entertainment Tonight" .... Herself (1 episode, 2006) - Episode dated 26 May 2006 (2006) TV Episode .... Herself
- ^ [27]"Included: Taylor and Katharine, plus Elliott, Chris, Paris, Kellie, Mandisa and Kevin."
- ^ [28]MP3 of Bennett's interview with Ryan Seacrest
- ^ [29]Bennett's interview
- ^ [30]
- ^ [31]"The Tigers - John Debney featuring Paris Bennett"
- ^ [32]"Paris Bennett, Jamecia Bennett"
- ^ [33]"Plus, an all-star female cast takes a stand against domestic violence delivering inspiring and empowering monologues featuring Vivica Fox, Tracee Ellis Ross, Paris Bennett and Claudia Jordan. You won't see this anywhere else! Don't miss it!"
- ^ [34]Paris Bennett was wearing a yellow T-shirt dress with Sylvester on it. She said it was part of her new line called Tres P, which stands for “three times the Paris.” She added that the line, which she hopes to have on sale next year, “is to help you find your royalty.”"
- ^ [35]"Image and article on Bennett, Young, Mandisa and Covais at Walt Disney World
- ^ [36]Bennett's official profile on the 306ENT website
- ^ [37]Jamecia's official 306ent profile
- ^ [38]"Among the producers she’s working with are Jon Jon Traxx, who has worked with Beyonce; Darren Lighty (who wrote the hit “Too Close” by Next) and Rodney Jerkins, who has produced for Mary J. Blige, Beyonce and Mariah Carey, to name a few."
- ^ [39]"I have my new album coming out which is called "Princess P." My first single is "Dreamin'"
- ^ [40]Basically, it's about my "American Idol" experience, my life before and life after. I'm co-writing it. This being my first album, I'm co-writing with J. Isaac, a new guy. I have a producer doing writing with me.
- ^ [41]"Jones said Paris is still working on her first album, due out in March and not surprisingly, it will be R&B pop."
- ^ [42]"Paris Bennett's Upcoming Album "Princess P" in Stores APRIL 24th!!"
- ^ [43]
- ^ [44]"I was sent a couple of her songs, including a mid-tempo dance tune “B-Bye” and a Mary J. Blige-style R&B tune “Dreamin’ ” which has a hook that reminds me a bit of Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style.”"
- ^ [www.mtv.com/news/articles/1550192/20070118/bennett__paris.jhtml]
- ^ [45]