Biography - Fantasia

Fantasia Barrino’s powerful voice earned her the “American Idol” crown almost three years ago, and since then she has proved she can hold her own without the watchful eyes of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Ryan Seacrest. This soul-R&B-hip-hop powerhouse has already released one double-platinum album, and her second hit stores in December 2006.

Barrino was born on June 30, 1984 in High Point, North Carolina. She found her voice early in life, as she comes from a musically gifted family that traveled around the Carolinas as an act. Barrino had a rough life as a teenager, however, and dropped high school after being sexually assaulted. She later became pregnant by her boyfriend at age 17, and after the relationship disintegrated she faced a tough life as a single mom. Barrino’s eclectic, playful voice, however, would not be laid to rest, and in 2003 she had a successful audition for the third season of “American Idol.” She quickly became a favorite, particularly after a stunning rendition of the Gershwin hit “Summertime” left her and most of the audience in tears. She went on to defeat other popular contestants like “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson, and became the third American Idol after the final live show against runner-up Diana DeGarmo.

After dropping her last name, Fantasia released her first full-length album “Free Yourself” in November 2004 to considerable acclaim and sales. The album sold over two million copies, and produced several top singles on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop and Adult Contemporary charts. Her latest album, “Fantasia,” has seen the soul singer move closer to hip-hop, particularly with the dance-worthy lead track “Hood Boy.” The album has been met with deservingly phenomenal reviews – another step towards the fantastically talented Fantasia’s transformation into the next Aretha Franklin.