Singer Scarlett Lee has given birth to her first child, a baby boy named Elias, born on Wednesday evening weighing six pounds nine ounces.
The 28-year-old former X Factor contestant announced the arrival of her son on Instagram on Friday, sharing the first photograph of the newborn alongside a personalised pillow, blanket, and bib displaying his name.
Writing on social media, Lee revealed that Elias was born on 12 August 2026 at 11:05 pm, weighing 6 pounds 9 ounces. She described her baby boy as her dream child, sharing how she had wished and prayed for his arrival.
"Here he is, Welcome to the world our dream boy Elias born on the 12th of August 2026 at 11:05 pm, weighing 6 pound 9," Lee wrote in her Instagram caption. "He was every 11:11 wish, every birthday candle I blew out, he was the main one I’d close my eyes and wish for, every shooting star I searched for, every coin I threw into a wishing well and most of all a prayer I prayed the most and I couldn’t be more happier that I have my son."
Lee expressed her joy at becoming a mother and thanked her mother and her partner for their support during the delivery. "I couldn’t of done it without my Elias and my mum," she added. "I’ve never been happier and I can’t wait for our life as a family as 3. Thank you for choosing me to be your mummy my boy I love you with all I have forever and always." She also expressed her thanks to Darcy's Designs Embroidery for providing a bespoke hospital set.
Pregnancy announcement and poem
The country music singer had previously delighted her followers by revealing her pregnancy on Instagram. She shared a poem on her Instagram story alongside a framed ultrasound photograph of her baby.
The poem read: "Ten little fingers, two little toes. Two beautiful eyes and a cute button nose. Singing along to mummy at all her shows."
Announcing the pregnancy at the time, Lee wrote: "For this child we have prayed and the Lord has granted our hearts desire. Baby Cole coming August 2026. We cannot wait for our next chapter of being mummy and daddy and I cannot wait to share my music journey with our little blessing."
Rise to fame on The X Factor
Lee first rose to prominent public notice on the British television singing competition series The X Factor in 2017. Working as a makeup artist, she became an instant fan favourite on the ITV series, where she was instantly recognisable for her deep fake tan and strong vocals, ultimately reaching the Six Chair Challenge stage.
She returned to compete in the 15th series of The X Factor in 2018. Displaying her vocal talent across successive live shows, Lee advanced all the way to the grand finale, where she finished as the runner-up behind series winner Dalton Harris.
American Idol audition and judges praise
Six years after her initial X Factor appearance, Lee appeared on the US television singing contest American Idol as a country music singer. Looking worlds away from her earlier television appearances, she auditioned before the panel by singing Scottish singer Emeli Sande's 2013 hit song Clown.
Her vocal performance blew the American judges away. Pop star Katy Perry admitted her initial reaction to the song choice was, "Are we being pranked here," noting that Clown was one of her favourite songs due to its vulnerability.
"That is one of my favorite songs. It's so vulnerable," Perry told Lee after the performance. "You're fun and a little bit funky. Your personality is so big, and sometimes people don't take you seriously. But when you sing a song and you sing a song like that, then you cut through all of the layers. It doesn't matter the makeup, it doesn't matter the outfit. You become Scarlett Lee the artist. The possible next American Idol. You become serious. So I'm taking you seriously. Your soul is shining through."
Fellow judge Lionel Richie, 74, was equally impressed with her vocal execution. "Oh, my goodness. You do know that your trip was worth it. It was so well executed. I really enjoyed what you did," Richie told her.
Country singer Luke Bryan, 47, agreed, telling Lee: "What I do love is you have a neat personality. You have a neat little aura and vibe going on." Perry, Richie, and Bryan voted unanimously to send Lee through to the Hollywood stage of the contest.
Music career and new projects
Following her appearances on British and American talent shows, Lee has continued to pursue her career in music. Last year, the singer teamed up with English television personality and model Katie Price to record new music material, remaining focused on her musical ambitions alongside starting her new family.
