Mom: Tamar Braxton
Son: Logan Herbert, 2 months
This Is Why I’m Hot: Braxton was among the many stars who gave birth this summer. But she’s the only one to bounce back with a plan—and a fierce new go-get’em attitude. Not only did she begin taping her daytime TV show, The Real, weeks after giving birth, but she’s planning to release a new album on September 3rd. This fall, fans can catch this on-the-go mommy on tour with John Legend.
Mom: Paula Patton
Son: Julian Feugo Thicke, 3
This Is Why I’m Hot: Motherhood propelled Paula Patton to even greater heights in her career—and rightfully so. After giving birth in 2010, she went on to star in a number of big budget films including Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and this summer’s action thriller 2 Guns opposite Denzel Washington, who she shared a steamy love scene with. (And for the record, Patton’s body has never looked better!) This fall, fans can catch her in the upcoming comedy Baggage Claim.
Mom: Alicia Keys
Son: Egypt Dean, 2
This Is Why I’m Hot: In 2010, Alicia Keys gave birth to her first child, Egypt. Months later, the superstar hit the studio to record her latest combustible album, Girl on Fire, which spawned five singles and a hit international tour. “Being a parent has made me more open, more connected to myself, more happy, and more creative,” said Keys to People.
Mom: Beyoncé
Daughter: Blue Ivy Carter, 2
This Is Why I’m Hot: Once Beyoncé gave birth at the top of 2011, her star power shot through the roof—topping numerous highest paid and most powerful lists. As if that wasn’t enough, Queen Bey showed us how it’s really done when she hit the stage in Atlantic City only five months after giving birth. Beyoncé kicked off 2013 with a mega performance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans—a performance that left the internet reeling with excitement. Months later, Beyoncé launched her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, which made a special stop at the 2013 ESSENCE Festival.
Mom: Nia Long
Children: Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, 13, Kez Sunday Udoka, 21 months
This Is Why I’m Hot: We have a confession, Nia Long has always been hot! But when she gave birth to baby Kez in November 2011, this mother of two began appearing all over the place—most notably her August 2012 cover of ESSENCE. This fall, she’s heading back to her old stomping ground and will star in The Best Man Holiday.
Mom: Tamera Mowry-Housley
Kid: Aden John Tanner Housley, 9 months
This Is Why I’m Hot: Yes, Tamera Mowry graced the cover of ESSENCE in 2013, but she also quickly landed a TV hosting gig alongside fellow supermom Tamar Braxton. And she’s showing no signs of slowing down! “I feel sexier now, as a mother, than I ever have in my life,” the actress told ESSENCE. “I’m more in tune with my body. I don’t take any crap anymore either.”
Mom: Tia Mowry-Hardrict
Son: Cree Hardrict, 2
This Is Why I’m Hot: In 2011, Tia Mowry gave birth to her first son, Cree, and we collectively let out an “awe.” About a year later she would lose her spot on BET’s The Game, but this mother proved she’s tougher than your average. In 2012, Mowry went on to publish a self-help book on motherhood, all while pulling in the ratings on her reality show with her sister. It was recently announced that this vegan mother would star in a new Nick at Nite’s comedy series, Instant Mom.
Mom: Jill Scott
Kid: Jett Hamilton Roberts, 3
This Is Why I’m Hot: Motherhood only fueled this Grammy winner to be more creative and it shows. In 2011, Scott released her fourth studio album, Light of the Sun, which spawned a number of jazzy hits. Also, in the short time after giving birth, Scott appeared in a number of major films including the Lifetime production of Steel Magnolias. This September, she will appear in the upcoming all-star film Baggage Claim.
Mom: Mariah Carey
Children: Monroe and Moroccan Cannon, 2
This Is Why I’m Hot: Carey performed right up to the minute she gave birth in April 2011. Months later, she was on the cover of nearly every major magazine talking about her 70lb weight loss and flaunting her newly trim body. She then landed an $18 million dollar contract with American Idol. And this summer, the chart queen released her latest single “#Beautiful” featuring Miguel from her upcoming album. “Motherhood is an amazing thing,” said Carey to OK Magazine. “I never thought I would experience it because I always said I don’t think I would do it because my career was always my life…”
Mom: Jennifer Hudson
Son: David Otunga, Jr., 4
This Is Why I’m Hot: Since giving birth in 2009, Hudson has completed six films and released an album—girlfriend is always on the go! Wherever you look for Hudson, her mini-me isn’t far behind—especially on Instagram. Her most recent film, Winnie Mandela opposite Terrence Howard, hits theaters September 6th.
