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Alisons
Member
01-10-2003
| Friday, June 04, 2004 - 1:27 am
Fantasia in unexpected places: Last night on E! they were doing an interview of Nicole Kidman (part of the Stepford Wives marketing) and Nicole mentioned that she's into reality TV, was addicted to American Idol and LOVES Fantasia. Nice to hear!
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, June 07, 2004 - 4:37 am
Upcoming Fantasia Appearances: 6/7/04 (Mon) - CFDA Fashion Awards (NY Public Library) 6/8/04 (Tues) - 106 & Park (BET) 6pm 6/8/04 (Tues) - The Late Show (CBS) 11:35 6/9/04 (Wed) - Kidzworld Chat Online 7pm 6/14/04 (Mon) - The Center (BET) 3pm
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, June 07, 2004 - 5:00 am
Fantasia's example: Go for it anyway Link BY MARY C. CURTIS What's a 17-year-old pregnant high school dropout supposed to do? She could hide in her room, lock the door and never come out. She could visit a far-away relative and return home refreshed and noticeably thinner. She could work at a succession of dead-end jobs and become a frustrated, bitter example for her child. She could get an abortion, go back to school and act as though nothing in her life had changed. Or, if she's Fantasia Barrino, she could admit she's made mistakes and become the best mother she knows how to be. She could gather up some self-esteem and pursue a dream of becoming a performer. She could lose a shoe on the way to becoming a winner. The millions of people who voted Barrino the latest "American Idol" obviously approve of her choice and her voice. But others have decided that who she is makes her unfit for her "title." The first time I heard the comment I thought it was a joke. What's an "American Idol," anyway? It's not a sacred trust. It's a fabricated singing crown bestowed by an over-hyped TV ratings blockbuster. Those kids weren't competing for Pope. If you think your child will look to a TV singer for life wisdom, the contestants on Fox are the least of your worries. Fantasia Barrino of High Point, N.C., went to a singing audition and did pretty well. Who knows what kind of career she eventually will have, but right now she has a recording contract, a car and a chance. Sounds like the American dream. You'd think Barrino would be a perfect example of a person who didn't give up. Instead, a girl whose first name might as well be "19-year-old single mother," is being told by some that she should never have tried. Though not a regular viewer of the show, I caught enough snippets of Barrino to admire her voice and her confident attitude. Then I heard others describe the confidence as arrogance, her style as ghetto. They picked apart her family and her accent. I didn't see any of that. Maybe I didn't bother picking apart her flaws because I have enough of my own. Going for it - knowing that every piece of your life will be on display, knowing you will be judged too old or too young, too chubby or too sassy - takes a lot of guts if you're an adult. The "American Idol" contestants are under 25. I wonder how many critics of any age would take that chance. Barrino and the others put it all on the line, and I say more power to them. I most regret the times I was too timid, not too bold. I suspect it's the same for most people. That's why I'm surprised there are still those who sit in judgment, deciding what opportunities are off-limits to which people. I don't know how they keep their ledgers in order. Never mind pleasing Simon, Paula and Randy. For the arbiters of correctness, Barrino will never be good enough; her penance will never be done. At 19, one high-school dropout was smart enough not to listen.
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Essence
Member
01-12-2002
| Monday, June 07, 2004 - 5:49 am
Here's the cover:

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Sadiesmom
Member
03-13-2002
| Monday, June 07, 2004 - 5:55 am
I am curious if she will run into any problems just using Fantasia (like CHER), instead of both names. I did a search for Fantaisia a while ago and came up with all Disney stuff. I can see where it might draw people to her because of the Disney like sounding name (the wrong people, probably the ones prefering the Disney sound), but isn't there a chance that she will get lost in the crowd because of all the other Fantasia stuff out there? Or is this just an internet junkie question?
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, June 07, 2004 - 6:01 am
Thanks Essence! Turned out I had saved the image from a site but it wasn't a jpeg. D'uh. Ha, Sadiesmom! I did an image search for Fantasia and I got a mix of Disney stuff and porno shots, including some rather surreal stuff, but I digress. I think using Fantasia by itself will be fine. After all, Madonna's name is also something else, but I only get two images of the biblical Madonna on Google when I do an image search.
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Jan
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, June 07, 2004 - 7:10 am
Tish..that was a great article on Fantasia and so very true! Thanks for copying it here for us 
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Essence
Member
01-12-2002
| Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 6:31 am
Kelly Clarkson Hopes To Record With Fantasia, Expects 'Idol' Tag On Her Headstone 06.04.2004 9:37 PM EDT "I'd love to do a song with [Fantasia]. She's got so much grit and emotion in her voice. It's beautiful." — Kelly Clarkson HOLLYWOOD — A true "American Idol" collaboration could be coming soon. "I was talking to Fantasia during rehearsals and we were saying it might be cool to tour together just 'cause we have kinda different vibes, but we still like the soul," Kelly Clarkson said after the show's finale, where she performed with Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard and Diana DeGarmo (see " 'I Made It' Declares Tearful 'Idol' Winner Fantasia Barrino" ). "I'd love to do a song with her as well. She's got so much grit and emotion in her voice. It's beautiful." Fantasia and Kelly will both be recording albums in the coming months, but the most recent winner will also be juggling a summer tour, which could make a collaboration tricky. Clarkson, meanwhile, is hoping to write and record with a variety of artists and has already logged studio time with former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody (see "Ben Moody Bringing Kelly Clarkson's Music To Life")... <The rest of this article can be found here>
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 7:01 am
I hope Fantasia doesn't record with Kelly, to tell the truth (no disrespect to Kelly intended). I see her more with people like Mary J., Patti, and Aretha...oh and Chaka too. She is their successor. But I think it'd be cool to hear her duet with Ruben, as long as there is no line about cake in the song. It'd be like Ella and Louis Armstrong dueting, except this time, it'd be the man with a smooth voice and the woman with the gravel.
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 12:29 pm
Fantasia at Council of Fashion Designers NYPost The fashion flock has elected a new idol. Zac Posen, 23, was presented with the Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Talent at last night's fashion Oscars, an annual event hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Posen — whose escort, Natalie Portman, is among a roster of celebrity clients that includes Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Mendes, Denzel Washington and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs — wore a skin-tight cream suit to accept the award from actress Selma Blair and designer Narciso Rodriguez. The CFDA award for accessories went to hipster milliner Eugenia Kim. The $2,000-a-plate gala kicked off on a raucous note. Newly minted American Idol Fantasia Barrino belted out a rocking rendition of "New York State of Mind" to an exuberant crowd that included Martha Stewart, Beyonce, Kristen Davis, Heidi Klum, Donald Trump and Melania Knauss. [There are some great pics of her at the Awards and at P. Diddy's post-awards party. I have to find a place that will let me download them]
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Hobobabe
Member
03-18-2003
| Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 7:01 pm
Tish, thanks for posting lists of Fantasia's post-Idol appearances! (I can't get enough of this girl).
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Yankee_in_ca
Member
08-01-2000
| Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 7:09 pm
That Fort Wayne article on Fantasia was great -- thanks for posting it Tish. I couldn't have said it half-as-good myself. But the author articulated many of my thoughts perfectly. I never saw the arrogance and I was always uncomfortable with people who criticized her accent and pronunciation. To me, that last criticism was indicative of [ ] .... forget it, I won't say the word I wanted to use and open that can of worms again! Anyways, enjoyed the article.
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 7:32 am
Some pics of Fantasia in Michael Kors at the CFDA.

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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 8:00 am
she looks beautiful. Thanks Tish for finding and posting these pics.
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 11:46 am
What Stylish Young Women Are Wearing: More NYTimes [...]A possible shift from strident sexuality to a more decorous look is also reflected in young women's choice of role models. Some who a year ago looked up to sultry stars like Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera have transferred their allegiance to sweet-faced new personalities, including Mischa Barton, who wears pert headbands and flat shoes on the television hit "The O.C."; Fantasia Barrino, the "American Idol" winner, who favors conservative trouser suits and sundresses; and the 17-year-old twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who are inclined to virginal calf-length dresses and buttoned-up jackets. [...]
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Friday, June 11, 2004 - 4:45 pm
"Summertime"--studio version--is available to AOL users now. Non-AOLers like me can listen to it HERE
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Babyruth
Member
07-19-2001
| Friday, June 11, 2004 - 6:36 pm
Thanks, Tisha!! Woo! <goosebumps>
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, June 14, 2004 - 4:32 pm
Women's Wear Daily says of Fantasia: FANTASIA’S FUTURE: There’s no question Fantasia Barrino, the 19-year-old “American Idol” winner, will be embraced by the music industry, but she’ll undoubtedly be pursued by the fashion crowd, too. “I think she’s incredible and amazing,” said Trey Laird, owner of Laird + Partners, the ad agency that handles Gap and Donna Karan International. “I normally think that reality TV is so cheesy, but she’s special and she’s really unique and has her own style.” Laird declined to say whether Gap would sign her up, but added, “Any smart company would.” “People love her because she’s herself. With Clay Aiken, they made him up and he came a long way and grew. But Fantasia was a diamond when she walked in the door,” said Laird. “And she looks good in clothes.” David Lipman, chairman and creative director of Lipman, the ad agency that handles Burberry and David Yurman, said, “I think she’s the best ‘American Idol’ ever in the past three years. Her opportunities are endless.” However, he said companies may be gun-shy because the first two ‘Idols,’ — Reuben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson — haven’t been that marketable. “It’ll take her a little longer than she deserves. When I first saw her [during her audition], I turned to my daughter, and said, ‘This is a giant star. There’s your winner.’” So does he see her future filled with front-row seats at fashion shows, a fashion ad campaign or her own sportswear line or fragrance? “Time will tell,” said Lipman. “She has to focus on her music now and shouldn’t sell out to do too many commercial things. She should let it come to her in a way that’s organic and natural.” And as far as pursuing her for one of his clients, Lipman said, “I can see Fantasia in my life for sure. Exactly how, I’m not sure. But I hope she doesn’t do too much too soon. A little bit of mystery is not a bad thing.”
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Essence
Member
01-12-2002
| Monday, June 14, 2004 - 5:04 pm
I don't know if any of you caught her interview/performance on the Early Show, but if you didn't you can view it HERE
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Roxip
Member
01-29-2004
| Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 6:57 am
Essence, thanks for the link. I enjoyed seeing Fantasia - she looked more relaxed and comfortable (and less tired) than in the earlier interviews right after the AI final.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 8:01 pm
I got the following in an email: Hey FANTASIA BARRINO FANS!! You are invited to attend a free live television taping of FANTASIA BARRINO, fresh from her American Idol win. JOIN FANTASIA FOR THIS SPECIAL PERFORMANCE AND SEE YOURSELF ON NBC ON JULY 4, 2004!! FANTASIA BARRINO's performance will be part of an NBC Primetime 4th of July Special. (She will be performing an excerpt of the show -- 2 songs). The taping will take place next MONDAY, June 21st, 2003 between 8 PM and 11:00 PM in Manhattan at GRANT's TOMB. You must rsvp asap in order to be part of this incredible experience! NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE SITE WITHOUT BEING CONFIRMED ON OUR LIST. THANKS THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO FANS LIVING IN THE NEW YORK CITY AREA, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE NY, NJ, CT AREA. THANKS You can rsvp by emailing us at fantasia@broadwayvideo.com with the following information in both the subject line and body of your email: 1. FAN/Fantasia 2. full name 3. number of tickets (max. 4 tickets per request) 4. phone number(s) 5. email address (best address to reach you at - give us a personal address and a work address just to be safe. Thanks) i.e.: FAN / Fantasia / John Adams / 4 tickets / prez@foundingfather.com / (212)555-1212 We recommend that you rsvp as soon as possible. Please do not send more than one email. You will receive a confirming email or phone call with all of the relevant details if we can accommodate your request. YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMING EMAIL NO LATER THAN SUNDAY AFTERNOON but we will try to confirm you within a day of your request. We will reply to you as soon as we can while ticket supplies last. NOT EVERY REQUEST WILL RECEIVE A REPLY. Tickets are free of charge. FANTASIA BARRINO and NBC look forward to making you part of this special event.
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Roxip
Member
01-29-2004
| Friday, June 18, 2004 - 5:49 am
Makes you almost want to go to New York for the event, doesn't it?
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Essence
Member
01-12-2002
| Friday, June 18, 2004 - 10:43 am
Fantasia will be performing on the Today Show on Monday.
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 7:45 am
Fantasia: The Next Diva High expectations for the new "American Idol" Rolling Stone On the biggest day in Fantasia Barrino's nineteen years -- May 26th, the day she was named the third-season winner of American Idol -- the High Point, North Carolina, native ended her night like she would any other: watching the Shrek DVD with her two-year-old daughter, Zion. "She doesn't really understand what's happening," Barrino says. "All she knows is that Mommy was on a TV show called Idol, and she knows that I'm a lot busier than I used to be." Barrino seems worn out after giving dozens of interviews and jetting back and forth between Los Angeles and New York. During the few hours she had before performing at a fashion-awards show, the lanky single mom is getting the star treatment at Edris, a chichi salon in Manhattan's meatpacking district. "Back home, people are going into the salon where my hairdresser works, saying, 'I want the Fantasia,'" she says while waiting for the bleach on her eyebrows to work its magic. "What's the Fantasia?" On Tuesday, Barrino will release a single featuring "I Believe" (co-written by former Idol contestant Tamyra Gray) and her rendition of "Summertime" and "Chain of Fools." Then, on July 14th, she will go on the road for a fifty-one-date American Idol arena tour with ten of this season's finalists. During the tour, Barrino plans to squeeze in studio time for her debut album, which her label, J Records, hopes to release this fall. Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson all enjoyed Number One debuts for their albums, and Barrino should be no exception. But this particular Idol winner has already distinguished herself as not just a reality-TV star but a musical talent as well. Her raspy voice, buoyant stage presence and confidence were consistently praised by judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, who told her that she "didn't need this show." When her label's head, Clive Davis, BMG North America's chairman and CEO, appeared as a guest judge on May 16th, he told Barrino that if he had seen her perform in a basement in Kansas, he would have signed her on the spot. "She's the only one in the competition I would have made that statement about," says Davis. "Fantasia comes with more people by far believing that she is not just an entertainer but that we may have found a young Mary J. Blige." Davis says he is currently soliciting material for Barrino's album from a variety of songwriters, arrangers and producers -- including Missy Elliott. "She has to show that she can compete with the best young artists around," he says. Her brash vocals have been compared to both Macy Gray and Donald Duck, but her speaking voice is unexpectedly quiet -- almost a whisper. She is relentlessly positive and on-message, reiterating at every turn that she's mostly just interested in being "real" and proving that you can overcome adversity if you believe in yourself. So it comes as a surprise when she suggests, out of nowhere, "Why don't you ask me how come the father of my child all of a sudden is coming around doing interviews? He's talking like he was there, and he wasn't there." Barrino says that neither she nor Zion has regular contact with Brandel Shouse, and she was shocked when he started talking to the press. For now, that's the only aspect of fame that's bumming her out. That, and how the price of a manicure and pedicure soared as soon as she won American Idol. "I'm used to paying twenty-five dollars," she says. "Last week, a girl came to my hotel room and did my nails, and it cost $240. They didn't even soak my feet! And you know my feet need to be soaked."
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Thursday, June 24, 2004 - 12:53 pm
Fantasia is fantastic 'Idol' finally delivers a winner with Barrino's 1st single NYDailyNews Fantasia Barrino won as America's 'Idol,'...and she's got the voice to justify the win. Has America finally found an "Idol" who can sing? Unlike every other grinning hack chosen by the vast "American Idol" audience so far, 19-year-old Fantasia Barrino doesn't just robotically hit the notes in a song. She burrows into the core of the piece and shows us its meaning. Barrino again proves she can infuse a song with feeling on "I Believe," her first studio single - backed by two other cuts - in stores today. Dedicated "Idol"-ators already have seen Barrino perform the trio of songs, at various times, on the show. The lineup includes two covers - of George Gershwin's "Summertime" and Aretha Franklin's '60s smash "Chain of Fools" - plus the title song, which was tailored for her. Interestingly, that last one was co-written by Tamara Gray, a losing "Idol" from the first season. The greatest proof of Barrino's skills is her ability to overcome the "how dare she" factor in covering the classics she's given here. It takes genuine chutzpah to tackle the Queen of Soul's "Chain of Fools." And while Barrino obviously can't escape Aretha's gigantic shadow, she carves out a small place for herself by offering a chunkier, funkier take on the song. The down-home huskiness of Barrino's voice captures a whiff of the Southern soul history Aretha epitomized - a rare feat for most modern singers, schooled in malls. The young star, who hails from High Point, N.C., also has something of Patti Labelle in her - not just in the power of her voice, but also in the deep-fried sense of place she communicates. Barrino also clicks with "Summertime," an easier feat than "Chain" if only because it's associated with scores of singers rather than just one. Here, she is as emotionally connected to jazz as she is to soul - navigating the song's supple and difficult melody with aplomb. Perhaps Barrino's toughest challenge is to survive the dross she has to sing in "I Believe." It's one of those awful "inspirational" pieces about dreams coming true - thousands of them no less, according to the lyrics. It's a savvy lyric in a commercial sense, with sentiments that underscore the most potent myth of the show - and of the country itself - that everything is possible. But Barrino brings to this treacle a salty rasp that makes you believe - if not in the song, at least in her.
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