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| Copyright 2006. Restrictions apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use. This site was originally launched 4/04 as www.geocities.com/fantasiabarrinofans. This website is the first ever Fantasia page on the internet. |
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| Archive News - Past news stories |
| News Articles - Fantasia's Rise to Stardom on AI |
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| Read the latest news about Fantasia Barrino |
| Fantasia Barrino Helps Reward Students for Their Dedication to Literacy and Education - The increasingly competitive job market in the United States has made education and literacy more important than ever. That is why beauty brand Suave® and Dollar General® stores teamed up with American Idol winner, recording artist and Broadway star Fantasia Barrino for the Fourth Annual "Suave Essay Contest" to recognize students who are committed to education. Fantasia Interview with Oprah - Audio and transcript of Oprah's interview with Fantasia Fantasia Proves Broadway Isn't Just Dumping Ground For Failed 'American Idol' Singers - "Fantasia showed that Broadway is not the graveyard for American Idol," Murphy said. "She blew that notion out of the water, basically. Read more... The O Interview: Oprah Talks to Fantasia - She once was lost. But Fantasia Barrino found the faith to take a long shot—an open call for American Idol. In the September issue of O Magazine, on newsstands & online Aug 21. 'When I See You' #1 - According to Billboard.com, Fantasia's "When I See U" remains No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for a fourth week. Ask Fantasia a Question - She'll answer selected questions at ABCNEWS.com. Another Musical? - The New York Daily News says the singer is negotiating with the producers of a big musical to be based on the life of Ada (Bricktop) Smith. Read more... Fantasia nominated - Fantasia is nominated for a2007 Teen Choice award for her movie "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale" under tha category of "Choice TV Movie." Go vote! 'When I See You' #1 - HipHopRnbSoul.com reports Fantasia's hit song "When I See You" tops the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for the second week in a row Fantasia adds bright color to musical - Bridgette A. Lacy of The News & Observer writes, "We have come to see the brightest light on Broadway, the toast of the town, in a role she was born to play." Two-page article When I See You #1 - Groovevolt reports, "Fantasia’s 'When I See U' tops the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart after jumping from No. 2 to No. 1. This is Fantasia’s first No. 1 hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart." Fantasia Launches Essay Contest - "I am thrilled to partner with Suave and Dollar General on a program that delivers such a vital message about literacy and education," said Fantasia. More... Fantasia Performs - Fantasia performs "I'm Here" at the 2007 Tony Awards The Color Purple: Second Look - Adam Feldman of Time Out New York writes, "Fantasia...lights up The Color Purple like a sunrise. Fantasia is, quite simply, transcendent: A natural star, she pulls the whole show into her orbit, and in the process restores Celie to her rightful place at the center of the musical. To see The Color Purple now is not just to witness a great Broadway star being born, but a Broadway musical being revived to a health it had never known." Entire review... Her ‘Purple’ passion - Joe Dziemianowicz of the NY Daily News writes, " new face on Broadway has done something that producer Oprah Winfrey couldn’t — convinced me “The Color Purple” is a must-see. 'American Idol' winner Fantasia gives such a powerful performance in her Broadway debut that it’s almost, to borrow a lyric from the show, 'too beautiful for words.'" The article.... Fantasia Brings Star Power - Fantasia's inner beauty and innate acting talent achieve wonders for the show and creates a transporting experience for the spectators. Fantasia, "makes everything click gloriously into place: This nine-lived cat is also one tremendous catalyst." More... Fantasia Wins at Theatre World Awards - Fantasia is one of the winners of the 63rd annual Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2006-2007 theatrical season. Awards will be received during an invitation only ceremony. Fantasia Lights Up 'Purple' - "Twenty-two years old, and with no professional theater experience, it was quite a surprise to learn that Fantastia would play a role so large," writes Matt Windman, "But even if she lacks the professional polish of LaChanze, Fantasia is giving a genuinely authentic and powerful performance. The role fits her like a glove, and there is not a single moment where one doubts that she is truly embodying this unfortunate yet resilient character." Fantasia a Hit on Broadway in "Color Purple" - "Fantasia...exudes a gentleness that makes the woman's stoicism, some might say passivity, seem palatable and, what's more, heartbreaking. And we haven't even gotten to her way with the songs....Director Gary Griffin has his hands full trying to keep the thick plot from slowing down the evening's momentum, but Fantasia's galvanizing presence, particularly her emotional connection to the material, makes'The Color Purple' soar." More 'Idol' Worship Fitting For B'Way's Fantasia - Clive Barnes of the NY Times writes, "THAT she could sing, we knew...But that she could act . . . and act so wonderfully. So tenderly, so touchingly, so effortlessly. That came as a surprise...there is some elemental quality to Fantasia that is either greatness or something close to it." Please take the time to read the whole article. "Something extraordinary is happening at the Broadway Theatre that is not to be missed." Bright lights, dark themes - Dan Kane says, "I’m not sure who I was cheering for most at the finale of “The Color Purple” — the character of Celie, who after a life of hardship, cruelty and disappointment has finally found true happiness, or “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino, whose performance in the demanding central role of Celie is a triumph. Fantasia Is No Gimmick - Linda Winer at NewsDay writes, "This is no casting gimmick. Fantasia Barrino...makes a phenomenal stage debut as Celie in "The Color Purple." Read the entire review here. Diva Talk: Chatting with Fantasia - Great interview by Andrew Gans. Fantasia talks about her role as Celie. Fantasia's Yahoo Launch - Check out Fantasia's new video premier online at Yahoo! Fantasia a Box Office Fantasy - Fantasia Barrino's first week in the starring role of "Purple" shot weekly sales for the Broadway show up from $366,598 to a staggering $1,183,722. This is the musical's highest tally ever for an eight-performance week. More... Fantasia's Jet Cover - 4/21: Fantasia appears on the cover of Jet magazine dressed as Celie. See page 52 for the story! Jet's Current Issue Color Purple Opening Night Photos - Brought to you by Broadway World and Film Magic. Fantasia Rehearses 'The Color Purple' - Get behind the scenes of Fantasia's first rehearsal, read her interview with MTV, plus see previews of three of her show-stopping songs, "Our Prayer," "What About Love," "I'm Here" Fantasia in Footlights - "At first, I was terrified," she confessed the other day at the Broadway Theatre, in her soft Carolina drawl. "So many people are coming, and they are expecting to see me do so well. Check out this interview! Fantasia's Arrival Pumps Up Box Office - Fantasia Barrino's fans know the R&B diva as a one-named wonder, Fantasia. But around the hit musical "The Color Purple," the 22-year-old star could be called the $6 Million Woman. More... Little Patti - Patti LaBelle was interviewed on the Tom Joyner Show and said that Fantasia is "Little Patti." "She's gonna grow. I really really really like her voice." Listen to the interview here. Fantasia's Movie Wins Award - A total of 25 national and local cable programs and their principals were among the Gracie Allen Award winners named by American Women in Radio and Television Tuesday, includingThe Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale on Lifetime Television (outstanding dramas-specials). The national awards will be presented Monday, June 18, at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel. (More) Confused about The Color Purple Tour? - Fantasia will not be performing in the Color Purple tour. She will be starring in the Broadway version of the musical. Click here for more information. Fantasia Accomplishments - Buddy TV's article says, "Barrino, a 22- year old African American singer, earned four Grammy nominations for her first album Free Yourself. She was also named number one artist of the Adult Urban Company for 2005. In addition, she harbored numerous music awards since her win on the third season of the popular reality talent series. After her Idol stint, she landed several projects which includes American Dreams, The Simpsons, and an autobiography, Life Is Not a Fairy Tale: The Fantasia Barrino Story." Barrino Confirms Color Purple Role - Fantasia is the first Idol winner to star in a Broadway show, and to prove she's got what it takes to play the part, Barrino performed Celie's heart-wrenching I'M HERE ballad on the TV talent contest. Read on... Fantasia Video - YouTube video of Fantasia's "I'm Here" performance on American Idol (2/22/07) Fantasia Joins 'The Color Purple' - Following an inspiring live performance on American Idol, and during an interview/performance on The Oprah Winfrey Show (airs 2/28), the producers of THE COLOR PURPLE confirm that Fantasia Barrino is set to make her Broadway debut in the starring role of Celie beginning Tuesday, April 10, 2007. More... Fantasia Returns to American Idol - Former "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino will sing on Thursday's show, Fox announced Wednesday.Fox said Barrino would have a "special announcement" during her "American Idol" appearance, but gave no hint what it would be about. Calling All Fantasia Fans - Oprah is looking for YOU. Click here to tell Oprah why you are Fantasia's biggest fan, and while you're at it, try to be one of the lucky people to get tickets to the taping! You can write even if you cannot go to the taping. Will Fantasia Join Broadway's Color Purple? - E!online reports that Barrino will join the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical in the role of Celie, the part created by LaChanze to Tony-winning effect. Barrino is expected to make her Broadway bow in the spring. More Testimonies of Faith - Fantasia, along with others such as Vivica A. Fox, Al Jarreau, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Della Reese, will be featured in a documentary, "Testimonies of Faith." Black History Month Vignettes on BET - Fantasia will be included in BET's Black History month vignettes that pay tribute to legends who paved the way and inspired us all. More... BET's Celebration of Gospel Takes You Higher - Urban Network writes of Fantasia, " - well, ya’ll know the sound of her powerhouse voice. God surely gifted her with a voice like no other." See the entire article MSG Concert Review - MTV News writes, "Special appearances by Snoop and West have surprised some audiences during Foxx's Unpredictable run, but on Monday, all he needed was the woman who has been rolling with him on every date: Fantasia." They also state that Fantasia "sanctified the venue with her deep-rooted soul singing." Read more... Fantasia Interview - Duane Wells from gaywire.com refers to Fantasia as "Real with a capital 'R'." Read the interview here. Evolution of the 'Idols' - Baltimore Sun writer Rashod D. Ollison writes, "...before her life story became the stuff of true urban legend, there were Fantasia's greasy, quirky vocal style (think Shirley Caesar tempered with salty belter Esther Phillips) and magnetic stage presence that captivated millions." Fantasia Considered for Part - Cicely Tyson, “American Idol’s” Fantasia, Billy Dee Williams and gospel star Karen Clark are among the talents Aretha Franklin aims to line up for “From These Roots,” the Broadway-bound play based on her best-selling autobiography of the same title. Read about it. Fantasia Profile - Bill Lamb from About.com writes about Fantasia's accomplishments. Number One Pick - HiphopRnbSou.com nominates 'Hood Boy' by Fantasia as their #1 pick of the week. Top tracks are staff selected with the help of a group of tastemakers including DJs, fans, and industry experts. AI Judge Weighs In - Randy Jackson, a judge on American Idol, while talking about Jennifer Hudson says, "I think she's done amazingly well but I remind people every time, the girl that won that year, her name was Fantasia Barrino, and if you want to know why she won go back and listen to that 'Summertime' version she did. It's the best Idol performance to date." ‘AI’ Champs Aim to Please - Rito Asilo says, "In her latest CD, 'Fantasia,' the Season Three champ’s 14-song follow-up to her successful “Free Yourself” debut, makes a bold move by going full-throttle R&B, and succeeds..." read more Nominated for NAACP Awards - Fantasia has been nominated for three NAACP Image Awards in the following categories: Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, and under recording categories Fantasia is nominated for Outstanding Female Artist. Fantasia Interview - Carlton Hargro has in interesting interview with Fantasia. Check it out here. Fantasia in Concert - Unimaginative Jamie Foxx has rays of life, but he's no Fantasia. Chicago Tribune writer Andy Downing says, "The 'American Idol' champ, decked out in a sparkling mini-dress that could have been lifted from Beyonce's 'Dreamgirls' wardrobe, worked through a host of soulful originals, including the funky 'Bore Me (Yawn)' and a slow-burning, steamy 'I Nominate U.'" The Fantasia Barrino Story in iTunes - Lifetime Television original-movie fans who might have missed The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale can now download it and other titles to their iPods as part of a deal between the distaff network and Apple Computer. Not an Idle Star - Read this great article by Fred Shuster of the Daily News. Fred says, "Soul music historian David Nathan says that Fantasia is one of the few vocalists of her generation who really sings from the same place Aretha sings from." 'Fantasia' Review - "As far as contemporary R&B albums go, 'Fantasia' tops recent high-profile offerings from Beyonce or Janet Jackson." Check it out |
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