Backstreet Boys star Kevin Richardson and his wife Kristin had an Independence Day to remember on Wednesday - they spent it as first-time parents.

The pop star, 35, became a dad early on Tuesday when his wife gave birth to baby boy Mason.

In a posting on his MySpace page, the proud new father writes, "We are officially parents. At 4:56 a.m. Tuesday morning, our son Mason made his entrance into the world."

"He is a healthy 8lbs. 2 ounces/20.5 inches long and has a full head of dark hair. He and Kristin are perfect and I am a new man. Thank you for your positive vibes and prayers."

Richardson and his wife, 36, have been married for seven years. They met when they were both working at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida.