Congratulations to Fantasia Barrino who has safely delivered her second child into the world despite her waters breaking a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. Barrino is already the mother of 10 year-old girl Zion, whom she had before finding fame in the wake of 2004's 'American Idol' and People reports that she'll now be joined by brother Dallas Xavier, who weighed 7 lbs 9 oz. at the time of his birth.
It's good news for a singer whose had more than her fair share of her ups and downs since winning reality singing contest 'American Idol' seven years ago; 'Back To Me', her third album, was her highest charting yet in the US reaching number two in the Billboards last year - even though 2004's 'Free Yourself' and subsequent 'Back To Me' both sold more. She also took a Grammy Award in 2010 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance on her song 'Bittersweet', but away from music things have been somewhat more turbulent for the star, a relationship with Antwaun Cook going to court after his ex-wife claimed Barrino had pursued him whilst they were still in wedlock - something the judge found to be false. However this and other incidents drove the 27 year-old old to a mercifully unsuccessful suicide attempt in August 2010.
Thankfully things seem to be on the up and the star said of newborn Dallas - who arrived on Tuesday December 13th, 16 days ahead of schedule - "I feel so blessed that my son Dallas Xavier was born healthy, and is a wonderful new addition to our family, I thank all my fans for their well wishes and continued support." She has not named the father.