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This week, Adrienne Bailon‘s relationship to Isreal Houghton was made public when the two singers were spotted in Tulum, Mexico. In February, Houghton, 44, announced that he’s be divorcing his wife of over 20 years.
Although they have been separated for quite a while, it’s being questioned as to whether Bailon was the reason. Houghton admitted that he had been unfaithful five years ago.
A worship leader at Joel Olsteen‘s church in Houston, Texas, Houghton — first name inspired by the Bible — has built himself a solid reputation as a Christian musician. He also gets credited as the frontman of Israel & New Breed.
Here’s what you need to know about Houghton:
1. Houghton Is a Grammy Award-Winning Christian Musician
Israel Houghton — pictured above — is a well-known Christian musician that also gets credited as the frontman of Israel & New Breed. (Getty)
Houghton’s music is notorious for its cross-cultural style of Christian music that blends together jazz, gospel, rock and reggae elements. He was also the producer on Michael Gungor‘s album, titled “Bigger Than My Imagination.”
During the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Houghton (Israel & New Breed) collaborated with Alicia Keyes for George Michael‘s “Freedom ’90.” He also appeared with BeBe Winans and Aretha Franklin at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. During his appearance, Houghton was part of a segment paying homage to Gospel music.
He dished to CBN about the message he hoped to convey through his faith and music.
My goal is not just to get to heaven, but to truly build something lasting. So the songs I write, the people whose lives I touch, I want it to be a lasting thing.
2. There Was Speculation That Bailon Was Responsible for His Divorce
Israel Houghton (R) and his now ex-wife Meleasa Houghton (L) at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles. (Getty)
Although Houghton has been separated from wife Meleasa for quite some time, speculation continues as to whether he cheated on her — prior to their split — with Bailon.
On February 23, Houghton came clean on his Facebook page about his infidelity, stating that he “failed and sinned in my marriage.” Click here for the full confession, which has since been removed from the social media site.
Houghton and Meleasa met at Houghton’s ministry in Pittsburgh and tied the knot after four months together. The two penned songs, became parents and established a strong ministry together. Houghton — who said that he “repented” for his actions — said the two are on friendly terms, according to the above-mentioned Facebook post. They were married for over 20 years.
After Bailon and Tamar Braxton addressed Chris Brown and Karrueche Tran’s relationship on The Real on November 3, 2014, Brown clapped back at her on Instagram that same day, accusing Bailon of fooling around “wit married men.”
However, on his Facebook page, Houghton said that his new girlfriend had nothing to do with his past indiscretions.
My marriage had been over for quite some time before going public with my divorce announcement. It seems to be simple math that I had not even met Adrienne during the time my marriage was falling apart. Adrienne is a woman of integrity & character… Most of all she is a true friend, and she should not be blamed for my past indiscretions.
3. Houghton Has Three Children
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Houghton has three children from ex-wife Meleasa; Mariah (oldest child), Israel II (middle child) and Milan Lily (youngest child). In the April 20, 2010 Facebook video above — posted by Mariah — Milan and Israel II are shown.
In an undated interview, Houghton spoke to CBN about doing great things for not only his own children but also the children of the church.
I’m more interested in building a legacy and a dynasty with my children and with spiritual sons and daughters that God gives me opportunity to lead and to mentor and to inspire.
In regards to his own kids, Houghton told Beliefnet that his spiritual foundation started at home.
“I don’t leave home to go help other people live if I’m not modeling that in our home setting.”
4. Houghton Went Public With His Romance to Bailon On a Mexican Getaway
On March 22, an US Weekly source confirmed that Houghton and Bailon were officially an item. The new couple were shown on vacation in Tulum, Mexico at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa. The two kicked back on the beach, spent time at a spa and indulged in tequila, reported the site.
While Bailon and Houghton were donning similar bands on their ring fingers, the site’s source reported that it was merely “a coincidence.”
[They] just have the same rings from Cartier that they bought separately. They normally hang out in group circles but over spring break decided to take a trip alone together for the first time.
Interesting enough, Houghton was an executive producer on Bailon’s 2013 movie I’m in Love With a Church Girl. On Tuesday, he explained on his Facebook pagehow he got romantically involved with Bailon.
I met Adrienne Bailon a bit over 2 years ago, we worked together & became friends. Our circles connected & we remained good friends. From a friendship, as two single adults we have very recently begun to explore a dating relationship.
Daily Mail reported that Houghton and Bailon were also “spotted kissing.”
5. Houghton Had Congratulated Bailon On Her Now-Broken Engagement
As mentioned, Houghton and Bailon were friends prior to taking their relationship to the next level. However, Houghton had been supportive of Bailon when she got engaged to her now ex-boyfriend Lenny Santiago. In the Instagram photo above, they bond over her them congratulatory news. Bailon and the Roc Nation executive dated for six years before they split on September 16, 2015.
Since the post was made, several of Houghton’s Instagram followers have sounded off on its irony.
Here are two:
@faithketay wrote: “Your replacement is always sooner than you think lol”
@chelley012 wrote: “@celusma this is hilarious to me! This is who she’s with now?
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Israel Houghton: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know