One thing that we can rely on to keep us on our toes, is celebrities popping up pregnant at some of the most unexpected times. And 2021 is no different as babies have been making their debuts left and right. Last year, celebs such as Christina Milian, Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj, and Eniko Hart all welcomed their bundles of joy and now, it's time to double back with a new year.
We can't wait to see who else announces they are expecting as the year goes on, but for now, here are all the pregnant celebrities that you'll be hearing about in 2021. Congrats, all!
Cardi B + Offset
Cardi B and Offset of Migos perform onstage at the BET Awards 2021.
Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET
After revealing that she and husband Offset are expecting baby number 2 at last week's BET Awards, Cardi B took to social media to confirm that our eyes weren't playing tricks on us. Accompanied by an intimate maternity photo, the "WAP" rapper shares:
"We listened to each other, communicated, prayed and then God blessed us and our family with another little blessing. Our home feels so blissful and very busy, but we are ready and so happy!! Thank you soo much everyone for the congrats and well wishes"
The couple are already parents to daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus, who turns 3 in July. Offset is also dad to daughter Kalea (6), and sons Kody (6) and Jordan (11), from previous relationships.
Ludacris + Eudoxie
Ludacris and Gabonese model Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, married back in 2014. Since, they have welcomed a daughter Cadence (5), and back in May, announced that their rainbow baby is on the way. The couple made the announcement on their Instagram accounts on the Lova Lova's birthday. She captioned a photo of her flaunting her baby bump in front of bouquets of flowers:
"Blessed year indeed."
Luda followed up with,
"How is it YOUR birthday [and you're] giving me the greatest gift?"
The couple is also parents to Ludacris' daughters Karma and Cai. They're also raising his youngest sister, Christella.
Erica Mena + Safaree
They may be going through some things, but back in May, the Samuels announced that they were expecting their second child together. Since, there has been a bit of ups and downs, but Safaree shared the happy arrival news on a now-deleted Instagram post captioned:
"MR Straittt Jr is here!!"
Mena has recently revealed that their son's birth was an early arrival amid their divorce. The couple are also parents to their 17-month-old daughter, Safire.
Aja Naomi King
Our girl Aja Naomi King is a new mommy! The How to Get Away with Murder alum announced via Instagram that she recently welcomed her first child, and showed off her postpartum body. King even penned a letter to her unborn child, opening about her pregnancy struggles and previous miscarriages.
"I suffered two miscarriages and even now trying to capture what it felt like in words is simply absurd to me because I will never have language enough for it."
She continued:
"At first I wasn't sure about sharing my experience because I felt like so many other people had way worse experiences than I did, but I realized that I can't treat pain like an Olympic sport, as if it's a competition and only those who have the worst stories win the right to talk about it."
King has not revealed her baby's name or birthdate, but we couldn't be any happier for her!
Usher + Jenn Goicoechea
Usher and his girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea, are expecting their second child together. She debuted her baby bump on the red carpet of the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards, which Usher hosted.
Goicoechea, who is an Epic Records A&R exec, wrote on Instagram:
"'Another One' in my @djkhaled voice #Iheartawards"
The couple have not announce the sex of their baby-to-be or when Goicoechea is due but they've been pretty busy as Usher and Goicoechea already share daughter Sovereign Bo, whom they welcomed in September 2020.
Sydel Curry + Damion Lee
OK, so if you didn't know, Golden State Warriors player Damion Lee is married to Stephen Curry's sister, Sydel. And the Curry family is growing by one as later this year, Sydel and Damion are expecting their first child.
Sydel Curry-Lee had a rather difficult journey to getting pregnant, which she recently documented on social media.
"A small glimpse into my #ivfjourney. While there is so much to this part of the journey, I wanted to share what it looked like for me. I dealt with this in private (off social media) for a lot of reasons & thankful that I did because, whew the hormones. it was hands down one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do, but it wasn't impossible."
This would explain why, in a now extremely viral video, brother Steph, and sis-in-law Ayesha, went absolutely apeshit when they learned the news. Loooove!
Ne-Yo + Crystal Smith
Ne-Yo and wife Crystal Smith's Miss Independent has made her early debut, y'all! Sharing an image of the smiling singer and their newborn daughter, the entrepreneur announced Isabella Rose Smith's early arrival on Instagram.
"God said don't make plans honey!" She came 4 weeks early but right on time for mommy!"
The couple announced that they were expecting in February, after surviving a divorce announcement and very public separation.
"LADIES N' GENTS. Introducing the newest member of the Smith Clan ISABELLA ROSE SMITH! Welcome to the world lil' mama. And know that I got you thru when, where and whatever. Now and forever. You got 3 big brothers and a big sister that all love you and got your back too. Not to mention a whole tribe of friends and family. @itscrystalsmith we did that Lovely, yes we did. Thank you for this gift of a little princess. I LOVE YOU. #ATHO4L #ProudPapaMoments"
A happy ending that gives us all the feels!
Meghan Markle + Prince Harry
After a very tumultuous few years, Meghan Markle has somehow managed to keep her mental health in tact to give birth to her second child. Their daughter Lilibet "Lili" Diana, joined brother Archie, last month and the family in LA. Meghan and Prince Harry released a message about their new joy, saying,
"On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili. She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we've felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family."
Continue to protect your family and peace, guys!
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Credit: Malcolm Roberson
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Aside from this trip, I’d only been to Vegas once — and it was quick. I was speaking on a panel in LA for CultureCon during Juneteenth weekend when I realized Usher’s residency had a date when I’d be nearby. I bought a last-minute (expensive, but worth it) ticket and flew in for less than 24 hours just to see him. Worth every dime. This time, though, I was curious to see what else the city had for me.
As a guest of Caesars Entertainment, I was invited to experience the softer side of Vegas, specifically their first-ever spa buffet experience. We often look at Vegas as a place for casinos, elaborate shows, world-class dining, and nightlife. Now I won’t debate that all of that is true — but there’s so much overlooked relaxation tucked away in every corner.
Let’s Talk Accommodations
I stayed at Caesars Palace and my suite in the Augustus Tower opened to sparkling views of the Strip, with the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance. My itinerary was filled with champagne dinners, luxury SUV car service by Caesars Entertainment (that knew how to navigate around the Strip traffic effortlessly), and hours indulging in their new All You Can Spa program at The LINQ — a playful twist on the buffets the city is so famous for.
Honestly, my first thought of Caesars Palace was Think Like a Man Too, which was filmed here. But walking into the property myself, it felt bigger, grander. Like I’d stepped out of the country without leaving the desert. Caesars Palace was originally built to bring the grandeur of Rome to the strip— and it worked. The first time I experienced Rome was as a teenager, and staying here felt like I had some of that nostalgia with me, only a four-hour flight away.
Courtesy
From my room, I could see the Eiffel Tower glittering across the way. All of it, as designed, felt very royal. My dad has called me the Princess of Zamunda since I was little (so much so that I thought Zamunda was a real place lol), so it was very on-brand for me to stay at Caesars Palace for her first full weekend in Vegas.
Because the legendary Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace was under renovation (I can’t wait to return when it opens), I had the chance to try The Spa at The LINQ — home of the new All You Can Spa experience. And truthfully, every treatment felt curated just for me. Guests are given four hours to build their own spa “buffet,” choosing from facials, scrubs, wraps, and massages.
Here’s every service I had:
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- 80-Minute CBD Mud Wrap with Foot Massage My first mud wrap ever. The therapist guided me through it, even letting me feel the clay, and ended with a foot massage I’m still dreaming about. She was so sweet and a local who gave me the 411 on how to experience the Strip the way locals do.
- 50-Minute Signature Facial I was paired with a Black esthetician who understood my skin. She gave me thoughtful recommendations and sealed my treatment with a serum that left me glowing and ready for a night out. She even complimented me on my daily skin care.
- 50-Minute Body Scrub I’ve never been a scrub girl (I had a Turkish scrub once that turned me off), but this one converted me. My skin felt renewed, and she even warmed up my lotion.
- 80-Minute Mind & Body Massage with Hot Stones + CBD I love firm pressure, and my therapist delivered. She let me choose an aromatherapy blend called Love, and the hot stones melted every ounce of tension.
All of my therapists were women of color, and that intentionality mattered to me. Each service ended with an affirmation card, and I left every treatment feeling cared for in a way that was personal.
Between services, I had a champagne lunch that felt like an episode of Girlfriends. I remembered watching those spa-day scenes growing up, thinking I couldn’t wait to have moments like that as a grown woman. Sitting there in my robe with my best friend beside me, sipping champagne and catching up on life before we got into the action and excitement of Vegas is a moment I’ll always remember. That and how crisp those grapes were that they had on our charcuterie board.
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My Black Girl Luxury Vegas Recs
- Nobu at Caesars Palace My welcome dinner and the perfect kickoff to the weekend. Yellowtail jalapeño, wagyu beef, spicy tuna, shishito peppers, and a 24K gold-draped dessert you’ll only find in Vegas. Pure decadence. I also peeked at the Nobu Hotel tucked inside Caesars. If I came back, I’d definitely stay there.
- Rock + Roe at Caesars Palace I’m more of a R&B girly than rock-and-roll, but after some Veuve Clicquot and two caviar bumps, I was singing along to Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition," making friends with strangers (I had a very funny chat with a couple next to me who thought I was stood up and then discovered I was a journalist on a work trip and loved that for me) and I ended up staying until they closed at 2 a.m.
- Flamingo’s GO Pool Cabanas The go pool just underwent a $20 million renovation - and they truly spared no expense. My cabana felt more like a living room by the pool than a daybed, complete with couches, flat-screen TVs, IV drips, and a swim-up bar. I loved being close enough to the energy but tucked away enough to nap in peace, and I appreciated that they offered both cocktails and mocktails.
- Bacchanal Buffet One of the best brunch restaurants in Vegas. I went for the crab brunch, with short rib benedict, hashbrowns, eggs, seafood towers, and southern breakfast options that rival my favorite spots when I visit family in the deep South.
- Caramella at Planet Hollywood Their king crab scampi with fresh capers changed my life — and I was literally whisked into their speakeasy hidden behind a wall that looked like a candy shop. I thought the manager was just offering me a sweet for the road, but instead I ended up in a stunning club with some of the best music I heard all weekend. My only regret? Not staying longer because I had tickets to DISCOSHOW at The LINQ which was also fun! It felt like I was being transported back into the 70s and each floor had their own speakeasy bar.
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What I Love Most About Vegas: It’s A Side Quest Playground
You could start your day at a crab brunch, end up in a salt cave by 3 p.m., and then find yourself in a beach club at 3 a.m. screaming every word while Jeezy performs. That kind of spontaneity felt healing in its own way.
As we get older, side quests become things we tell ourselves we don’t have time for. But the truth is, we need them more. Life gets heavier, and joy becomes an act of radical self-care. A reminder that you deserve to rest deeply and play wildly. There’s room for both.
Black women are leading leisure travel spending in the U.S., yet simultaneously report some of the highest daily stress levels. That’s why side quests aren’t indulgent for us. They’re necessary. Escapes filled with 24-karat gold desserts, naps in luxurious cabanas, healing waters, and spa days with our best friends aren’t frivolous — they’re what keep us grounded and remind us that rest and joy can coexist.
Black women don’t always get the mental space to play. Even if we have the financial means, so many of us don’t have the time or permission to just… daydream. To imagine. To follow a whim. Vegas gave me that space — and reminded me how much I deserve it. I can’t wait for my next side quest, whether it’s in Vegas or halfway across the world.
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