Meet Adrienne Bailon’s musician husband and their blended family including kids from his first marriage

Like his wife, Israel is a singer. Professionally, he’s known as Israel & New Breed and has been nominated for 17 Grammys, winning six of them. Aside from just singing, Israel is a songwriter, music producer and worship leader.

In 1994, Israel married his first wife, Meleasa Houghton, who is also a singer. The two met at a ministry event in Pittsburgh and were together for 22 years. During their relationship, Meleasa was actively involved in Israel’s music career and ministry as a pastor. The couple divorced in 2016.

After marrying Meleasa, he welcomed three children. The two are parents to Mariah, 29, Israel Jr., 24, and Milan, 22. While Meleasa and Israel are no longer together, they are active co-parents. 

For Milan’s 22nd birthday, who he affectionately calls “Lille,” Israel wrote to Instagram: “I’m lowkey freaked out that my Lillie is 22 today!!! She just told me she feels old. Help us Lord.”

The Cheetah Girls actress and Israel were friends for years before their romantic relationship began. Adrienne even set him up with some of her friends after he was divorced. In 2016, Adrienne told People that while the two were hanging out, a friend came up to them and said: “You guys have old love.”

“We both heard that, and it had an impact on us. That was such a special choice of words, and I felt it was correct. I felt a connection to her that I still can’t define,” Israel said.

After six months together, Adrienne and Israel got engaged while on a trip to Paris. Three years later, they tied the knot in the City of Love. After the wedding, Adrienne told People: “I genuinely just feel so blessed and grateful. I’ve never felt what I feel right now. I can’t even describe what it is, but it’s such a peace mixed with total excitement.”

In 2022, the couple welcomed their son, Ever, via surrogacy. In a conversation with People, Adrienne shared about her experience using a surrogate. She said: “I got to be honest, even the process of surrogacy can be quite nerve-wracking. Somebody else has your child with them. We call it extreme babysitting for nine months.”

Adrienne often gushes about Israel’s parenting style. In a 2022 interview on Amazon Live, she said: “He’s so awesome and so hands-on. When he’s here, I normally take the night shifts and then he’ll let me sleep in all morning, which I love, and he’ll cuddle with the baby. He’s just there if the baby starts wanting a bottle. He’s on it.”