The Evolution of Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey just announced the birth of her son. Meanwhile, we wanted to remind you how this new mom became the people’s princess and a Box-office star.

Screenshot: [{'styles': [], 'value': 'Other', 'type': 'Text'}] Youtube.com

Updated January 7, 2024 at 12:28 a.m.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
You Won’t Believe the Reason Why This ‘High School Musical’ Movie is Monique Coleman’s All Time Favorite

It just keeps getting better for Halle Bailey. The year 2023 was huge for our favorite Disney princess , and 2024 just got bigger!

The Grammy nominee just announced the birth of her baby boy. She even included a photo of his tiny hands. A gold bracelet is wrapped around the newborn’s wrist with his name etched on it. Oh, his name is Halo. Here’s what she says on instagram:

“Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son…welcome to the world my halo 🥰👼🏽 ✨the world is desperate to know you 😉🤣♥️”

You got that right!

 The Little Mermaid was a box office success last year for Bailey, and this year she’s receiving positive reviews for her role in The Color Purple. Even though Bailey is just getting her flowers, she is far from a rookie in the entertainment industry. Here is her life so far.

Debut Single

Halle Bailey’s music is finally on the horizon! The superstar is finally releasing her debut solo on August 4, 2023. In the teaser for “Angel”, there are adorable clips of a young Halle performing as a child up to her young adulthood with a soft melody playing in the background.

The Little Mermaid

Photo: Getty Images Don Arnold / Contributor

It was announced in 2019 that Halle Bailey would be playing the red-haired human-wannabe Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. On May 26, 2023, the movie finally premiered. The film landed an impressive box-office roundup for its Memorial Day weekend in the tune of $118 million.

Rising Style Icon

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz / Contributor

Between press tours and red carpets, Halle Bailey has risen to the occasion, dressed and hairstyled to the gods! This year, Halle walked the Met Gala by herself and became one of the best dressed of the evening, especially because of the stunning red bob she did over her locs!

The Color Purple

During Halle’s The Little Mermaid press tour, the trailer for The Color Purple was released. Halle plays Young Nettie in the film, which premiered on Christmas 2023.

Born

Halle Lynn Bailey was born on March 27, 2000, in Mableton, Georgia to Courtney and Doug Bailey. She has one older sister, Chloe Bailey, and a younger brother, Branson Bailey.

Young Artists

Their parents noticed the duo had singing chops after hearing Chloe sing “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” The girls’ parents started posting their local performances on Youtube. Halle is known for her light soprano voice that floats above the deep and rich vocals of her older sister.

Becoming an actress

Chloe (left) and Halle (right) Photo: Getty Images Lester Cohen / Contributor

Halle’s first acting role was as Tina in Last Holiday (2006), followed by playing Tiffany in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (2007). She was also in Let it Shine (2012) as a choir girl.

Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing”

Photo: Getty Images Michael S. Schwartz / Contributor

The duo, called Chloe X Halle were crowned as Season 5 Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” in 2012, a program that was used to give exposure to emerging young music artists. They were then given the opportunity to perform on the Disney show Austin & Ally for their win.

Signed by Beyoncé

The sisters were signed to Queen Bey’s Parkwood Entertainment in 2016 after they grabbed the attention of Beyoncé from their viral cover of her song “Pretty Hurts.”

The Lightskin Porch

Image: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Other’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}] Screen grab from Bloomberg.com

Halle and Chloe starred in Beyonce’s music video alongside other young women in Hollywood which became a joke and criticism on the internet called the “lightskin porch”.

Solo debut

The rising had her solo singing debut at Disney World’s 50 Anniversary event, singing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King.

Solo music?

Unlike her sister, Halle has not yet released solo music. She has expressed on social media and in interviews that she has been working on new music.

Albums

Halle has two studio albums with her sister, The Kids Are Alright (2018) and Ungodly Hour (2020) and a mixtape, The Two of Us (2017). They also wrote and recorded the theme song, “Grown”, for the show Grown-ish. Halle played the recurring character, Sky Forster, on the show.

Soon to be Grammy winner?

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter / Staff

Halle and her sister have been nominated for 5 Grammy awards. Although they have yet to win, it is not far-fetched to believe that they will be accepting that award in the near future whether it’s as a duo or solo, possibly for The Little Mermaid?

Halle is the protective little sister

Although people believed Halle was the quiet little sis to Chloe, she is not the one to mess with. Her older sister has received an unfair amount of criticism for being sexual in her artistic style. Always with her Twitter fingers ready, she has clapped back on her Instagram live, calling people out for their unnecessary comments.

Dating 

Photo: Getty Images Jon Kopaloff / Stringer

Halle was familiar with her current boyfriend, DDG, from the early days of Youtube. He of course is a Youtuber turned music artist and producer. The couple even attended Beyoncé’s 41st birthday party together recently.

The Color Purple

It was announced this year that Halle will be playing Nettie in the new film adaptation of The Color Purple. The movie is set to release in 2023.

A Black Ariel

Halle was cast in 2019 as Ariel in the remake of the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid. Since the announcement there have been nonstop, blatantly racist comments made online about the decision to cast a Black woman as Ariel, with the hashtag #NotMyAriel.

Support for casting Halle

Halle with director Rob Marshall Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez / Stringer

The Little Mermaid director, Rob Marshall, did come out with a statement in support of the casting, recalling when he decided to choose her for the role, “You could tell right away that she was able to harness Ariel’s passion, her fire, her soul, her joy and her heart.”

Promoting excitement and love

In order to spread positivity despite the hate, Halle has promoted the precious moments leading up to the release of the film saying in a Variety interview, “I want the little girl in me and the little girls just like me who are watching to know that they’re special, and that they should be a princess in every single way.” She recently posted a compilation video of Black girls reacting to the much-anticipated trailer that shows the first looks of herself as the mermaid, angelically singing “Part of Your World.” We can’t wait to see this movie in theaters in May 2023.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Best Black Super Bowl Halftime Performances of the Modern Era, Ranked

The Best Black Super Bowl Halftime Performances of the Modern Era, Ranked

Prince, Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar set the bar very high for Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl 58 halftime show. Let’s take a look at who did it the best! …
Say It Loud: This is The Ultimate Black History Month Playlist

Say It Loud: This is The Ultimate Black History Month Playlist

This February, we’re listening to these soul, R&B and hip-hop hits by some of our favorite Black artists …
Rapper Lil Jon Speaks Out After Missing Son Is Found Dead

Rapper Lil Jon Speaks Out After Missing Son Is Found Dead

Lil Jon is facing an unfathomable loss in his family and now he’s sharing his devastation with his fans …
You'll Never Guess What J. Cole's Net Worth Really Is?

You’ll Never Guess What J. Cole’s Net Worth Really Is?

After J. Cole dropped what’s expected to be his last studio album, we’re looking at the insane net worth he’s gained over the years …
A$AP Rocky's Interaction With Kids in a Harlem Classroom Might Just Surprise You

A$AP Rocky’s Interaction With Kids in a Harlem Classroom Might Just Surprise You

Rapper A$AP Rocky is flexing his rap skills and just how good he is with kids in a new, viral video. And it’s way too heartwarming! …
Viral Video Shows Brazen Chicago Daylight Shooting That Killed Woman as Baby Rode in Back Seat

Viral Video Shows Brazen Chicago Daylight Shooting That Killed Woman as Baby Rode in Back Seat

Steps away from Chicago’s St. Sabina Church, a brazen shooting caught on camera killed one woman and wounded another as a baby sat in the backseat …
GloRilla's Sister Blasts Her for Not Giving Back to Family, But the Internet Says Not So Fast!

GloRilla’s Sister Blasts Her for Not Giving Back to Family, But the Internet Says Not So Fast!

Rapper GloRilla’s family business is being put out on front street thanks to her sister. But folks online aren’t taking it the way she probably thought! …
Which Stars Could Join Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl LX? We Have An Idea

Which Stars Could Join Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl LX? We Have An Idea

Bad Bunny is gearing up to take the stage at the 2026 Super Bowl! And we have a good idea of who might join him …
Black Super Bowl Firsts You Never Knew About

Black Super Bowl Firsts You Never Knew About

Check out some of the Black NFL players and staff who made history at the Super Bowl championship game! …
British Airways Flight Turns Into Full-On Sunday Service Mid-Air

British Airways Flight Turns Into Full-On Sunday Service Mid-Air

Passengers on a flight from London to Jamaica took to the aisles to sing and pray, but not everyone was feeling it …
Trump Just Took His Most Viciously Racist Shot at the Obamas to Date

Trump Just Took His Most Viciously Racist Shot at the Obamas to Date

Trump’s latest attacks against Barack and Michelle Obama during Black History Month have the internet in a frenzy …
Professor: Why Black People Should Skip The Super Bowl  This Year

Professor: Why Black People Should Skip The Super Bowl This Year

On the NFL’s biggest stage, Black labor is everywhere and Black leadership is nowhere …
Christopher 'Kid 'n Play' Reid Shares Shocking Health News

Christopher ‘Kid ‘n Play’ Reid Shares Shocking Health News

Kid from the popular 90s rap dup Kid’n Play is opening up about a shocking health experience and urging fans to take action for their own lives! …
You <i>Have</i> to Read Whoopi Goldberg's Hilarious Life Update

You Have to Read Whoopi Goldberg’s Hilarious Life Update

Whoopi Goldberg is once again going viral for her comments about love and relationships and it’s clear to see why! …
The Historical Reasons Black Folks Are Rooting for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Historical Reasons Black Folks Are Rooting for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

Wondering why Black folks are excited for Bad Bunny’s halftime show? Well, you may be shocked to find out the historic connection between Black Americans and Puerto Ricans …
The Mystery of a Philly Woman Found Frozen to Death Under a Bridge After Being Kicked Out of Nightclub

The Mystery of a Philly Woman Found Frozen to Death Under a Bridge After Being Kicked Out of Nightclub

A Philadelphia family is demanding answers after a woman was found frozen to death under a highway bridge after she was kicked out of a nightclub …
A Bullet Destroyed a Black Iowa Teen's Jaw, Here's How AI Made It Right

A Bullet Destroyed a Black Iowa Teen’s Jaw, Here’s How AI Made It Right

After undergoing multiple surgeries to replace a jaw that was shattered in a tragic shooting, Mya Buie is getting a well-deserved second chance …
Sparkle Denies ‘Grooming’ Allegations Following R. Kelly Victim's Explosive CBS Mornings Interview

Sparkle Denies ‘Grooming’ Allegations Following R. Kelly Victim’s Explosive CBS Mornings Interview

After Reshona Landfair’s viral CBS Mornings appearance, her aunt Sparkle is denying claims that she enabled R. Kelly’s abuse, calling the allegations of grooming an “absolute lie.” …
Grand Jury Calls Close Friend of D4vd to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

Grand Jury Calls Close Friend of D4vd to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

Reports that a grand jury could indict D4vd in connection to the death of Celeste Rivas are coming to light …
Internet Responds to Joe Budden Calling Out Rappers for Being Too Quiet About ICE Raids

Internet Responds to Joe Budden Calling Out Rappers for Being Too Quiet About ICE Raids

Joe Budden has had it with the hip-hop community and its alleged lack of concern for all the ICE raids and chaos. And he’s got something to say about it! …