Derek Blanks
After months of rumors and speculation, Ashanti officially announced on April 17, 2024, that she and Nelly are expecting their first child together.
She shared the news in a fun Instagram video. In the clip, Ashanti’s friends and team are helping her prepare for a glamorous event, asking how long she needs to get ready.
ET spoke exclusively with the singer behind the scenes of her maternity shoot with photographer Derek Blanks, during which she shared how Nelly reacted to her pregnancy.
“I was so shocked and happy and emotional,” Ashanti said of confirming her pregnancy. “I always dreamed about it. I wanted it so, so bad and I just feel like the timing was perfect.”
The maternity shoot is on the beach, which Ashanti told ET is “authentically” her.
“To be on the beach, out in nature and the sunshine, that’s what makes me smile and makes me happy genuinely from within,” the singer explained. “Then, obviously, the princess girly, glam Ashanti vibe is there as well.”
