5 Shocking Revelations About R&B Singer Mario's Girlfriend Esmeralda Rios And Their Baby News

R&B star Mario Dewar Barrett is officially off the market and stepping into the biggest role of his life: fatherhood. As of December 2025, the "Let Me Love You" singer is in a committed relationship with his girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios, and the couple recently made headlines with the announcement that they are expecting their first child together. This news has not only excited fans of the early-2000s icon but has also thrust Esmeralda Rios into the spotlight, prompting a deep dive into her life and the nature of their highly-publicized relationship.

The relationship between Mario and Esmeralda Rios has been a major talking point in pop culture, especially given the singer's recent confrontations with critics regarding his dating preferences. From her professional life as a real estate professional to the swirling rumors about their romance, here is a detailed look at the woman who has captured the heart of the Baltimore-born R&B sensation and the full biography of the man himself.

Mario Dewar Barrett: A Full Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Mario Dewar Barrett
• Known Mononymously As: Mario
• Date of Birth: August 27, 1986
• Age (as of December 2025): 39
• Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• Occupation: R&B Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Dancer
• Years Active: 2000–present
• Notable Hits: "Just a Friend (2002)," "Let Me Love You," "Crying Out for Me," "Break Up"
• Acting Roles: Jamal in Step Up (2006), Benjamin Coakley in Empire, and parts in Freedom Writers and Rent: Live.
• Current Relationship Status: Dating Esmeralda Rios (Expecting first child)
• Awards and Nominations: Multiple Grammy nominations, Billboard Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards.
• Musical Style: Contemporary R&B, Pop, Soul

The Woman Behind the R&B Star: Who is Esmeralda Rios?

Mario’s current girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios, has a background that stands in contrast to the glitz and glamour of the music industry, offering a refreshing sense of stability to the R&B star's life. She is not a celebrity, but a successful professional in the competitive world of real estate.

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A Career in Real Estate and Finance

Esmeralda Rios is a Mexican-American real estate professional, primarily working as a Realtor in the Studio City area of California (ZIP code 91604).

Her professional profile indicates an extensive background in commercial real estate, including expertise in lease administration and finance. This focus on the business side of property management suggests a highly organized and financially savvy individual.

While she maintains a private life, her relationship with Mario was brought into the public eye when the couple began sharing intimate moments, particularly their pregnancy journey, on social media. She is often described as a partner who has brought joy and a new chapter to Mario's life.

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The Surprise Baby Announcement

The most significant and recent update on the couple’s relationship came in August 2025 when they announced they were expecting their first child.

Mario, who has always kept his personal life relatively private, shared the exciting news via Instagram Stories, posting maternity photos of Esmeralda.

The news of the baby has been a focal point for fans, marking a major milestone for the "Let Me Love You" singer as he prepares to become a first-time father at 39. This development solidifies Esmeralda Rios's role as his long-term partner.

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Addressing the Controversy: Mario’s Response to Colorism Claims

The relationship between Mario and Esmeralda Rios, who is of Mexican descent, has unfortunately been met with some public scrutiny, leading to a controversial discussion about the singer’s dating history and preferences.

The 'Dating Outside His Race' Scrutiny

Mario has repeatedly had to address claims and speculation that he "doesn't like Black women" because he is currently dating a Latina woman and has been linked to non-Black women in the past.

In mid-2024, the R&B artist first seemingly confronted these colorism claims, sharing screenshots and messages to defend his choices and push back against the narrative that he exclusively dates outside of his race.

The singer has been vocal about the importance of love and connection over race, stating that he chooses his partners based on who they are, not their skin color. This controversy, while difficult for the couple, has added a layer of topical authority to the discussion around the couple's profile, highlighting the societal pressures faced by public figures in interracial relationships.

Mario's Notable Dating History and Relationship Timeline

Before his committed relationship with Esmeralda Rios, Mario’s dating life had been relatively low-key, but he has been linked to a few notable figures over his career. Understanding this history provides context for his current, serious relationship.

1. Kris Stephens (2021–2023)

One of Mario's most recent and public relationships was with songwriter and producer Kris Stephens. The couple was together from around 2021 to 2023. This relationship was often documented on social media, giving fans a glimpse into his personal life before Esmeralda.

2. Jillian Barberie (2004)

Early in his career, around 2004, Mario had a short-lived relationship with television personality Jillian Barberie. This brief encounter was one of the first high-profile links for the young star following the success of his hit song "Let Me Love You."

3. Dez (2012)

In 2012, Mario briefly dated a socialite known as Dez. Like many celebrity relationships, this one was short-lived and did not receive the same media attention as his later romances, but it remains a part of his public dating timeline.

The Future: Family Life and New Music

The current focus for Mario and Esmeralda Rios is undoubtedly the arrival of their baby. The pregnancy announcement has signaled a new, mature chapter for the R&B icon, shifting the narrative from his music career and past relationships to his role as a family man.

While Mario continues to work on his music and acting projects, the stability provided by Esmeralda—a successful professional outside of the entertainment sphere—seems to be a grounding force. The public interest in Esmeralda Rios stems from her significant role in this new phase of Mario's life, as the couple prepares to welcome their first child and build a family together, all while navigating the intense spotlight of celebrity life and social media scrutiny. Their story is a testament to finding love and commitment on one's own terms, regardless of public opinion or past controversies.