CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT

ENJOY THIS PROFILE ON FANTASIA. I’M A FAN OF HER MUSIC. I’M NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT SHE’S BEEN GOING THROUGH LATELY, BUT ASIDDE FROM ALL OF THE PERSONAL ISSUES, SHE IS UNDENIABLY TALENTED. NO ONE CAN DISPUTE THAT. IT APPEARS AS IF SHE’S BACK ON TOP OF THINGS. ENJOY.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Former "American Idol" star Fantasia Barrino will return to reality television in a new unscripted series on VH1.

The nine-time Grammy nominee has received a series commitment from the network for a show, as yet untitled, that will premiere in early 2010.

The project will chronicle Fantasia's life as a recording artist and young single mother.

The North Carolinian rose to fame as the winner of the third season of "Idol" and has gone on to a successful career as a recording artist. Her autobiography, "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," led to a Lifetime movie in which she played herself.

(Editing by Sheri Linden at Reuters)

First "Rudy Huxtable" gets her own show, now "Tasia Mae" is reportedly getting one too:

Fantasia Barrino must have loved being on reality TV. The former American Idol star will be back in the game come early 2010 – starring in a new unscripted series on VH1.

"Fantasia has one of the most fascinating stories in show business, from her tough upbringing to her meteoric rise on the national scene thanks to American Idol,'" Jeff Olde, executive vp original programming at VH1, tells the Hollywood Reporter.

"Her challenges from fame and her unwillingness to fail have combined to create a larger-than-life talent who appeals to music lovers around the world. So many people wanted to work with her on this, but Fantasia is now part of the VH1 family, and we're so happy to have her."

The nine-time Grammy nominee, who has also been on Broadway and played herself in the Lifetime movie version of her autobiography Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, will chronicle her life as a recording artist and young single mother on the series.

"Fantasia's life has been an open book, but at 24 years old, her story has just begun," executive producer Randy Barbato said, according to the Reporter. "We look forward to smashing expectations and revealing the fresh, funny and unexpected side of this one-of-a-kind country girl and superstar."

TV Review: Fantasia's fairy tale an uplifting TV movie

Thursday, August 17, 2006

By L.A. Johnson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Fantasia Barrino's spirit-affirming, A+ life story is better than the B/B- Lifetime movie that's been made about it.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," which premieres at 9 p.m. Saturday on Lifetime (with replays at 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 p.m. Monday), is a typical woman-triumphing-over-adversity Lifetime film.

Loosely based on her New York Times best-selling autobiography, "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," the two-hour, made-for-TV movie follows Fantasia's rise from a pint-sized singing standout in her family's gospel group through her turbulent high school years -- during which she was raped, dropped out and had a baby -- on to her victory in the 2004 season of "American Idol" as a powerful and stylized singer with a most uncommon voice.

The film opens with Fantasia singing "Chain of Fools" on an "American Idol" episode, then being approached backstage by "Idol" producers, who tell her some in the public doubt she's "Idol" material because she's a high school dropout and a single mother. They tell her she can quit the show if she wants to, and there would be "no shame" in walking away. Of course, she soldiers on.

Angered by the film's opening scene, real-life "American Idol" executives told the New York Post nothing like that ever happened. There have been nothing but crickets-in-the-forest sounds from Lifetime about whether that scene is based on true events or the writers simply took dramatic license.

In a scene reminiscent of the film "The Color Purple," when prodigal daughter Shug Avery makes a cathartic, gospel-filled return to her father's church, a pregnant Fantasia returns to her grandmother's church for a tearful, spiritual healing and rebirth.

Despite her limited acting experience, Fantasia does a commendable, natural and believable job playing herself, and multitalented stage and screen veterans support her well in her inaugural film role.

The divine Loretta Devine, of the original Broadway cast of "Dreamgirls," the motion picture "Crash" and the TV show "Grey's Anatomy," does a fine turn as a stalwart and steady family matriarch, playing Fantasia's minister grandmother, Addie Collins. Viola Davis, who has won numerous stage awards including a 2001 Best Featured Actress in a Play Tony for August Wilson's "King Headley II," does a good job as Fantasia's mother, Diane Barrino. Kadeem Hardison, of "A Different World" fame, puts in a solid performance as her father, JoJo Barrino, and Jamia Simone Nash of "My Wife and Kids" is cute and credible, using her own power-packed voice in her portrayal of the young Fantasia.

Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning director, choreographer, producer and actress Debbie Allen directs the film and does a funny cameo as an "American Idol" contestant at one of the early cattle-call auditions.

Fantasia made recording history when her first single, "I Believe," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her first album, "Free Yourself," sold more than 2 million copies, and her sophomore effort, tentatively titled "Young Girl, Old Soul," is due out in the fall.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale" is a good movie based on a great story. Fantasia's "American Idol" fans are sure to enjoy it, as will anyone who loves a true rags-to-riches-feel-good-American success story.

About Fantasia:

Fantasia Barrino began singing at the prodigious age of five before small audiences at her church in Highpoint, North Carolina. Music has been her main source of joy ever since-she toured with her mother, father and brothers all around the South, recorded two gospel albums with her family, and at the age of 19 became an American Idol winner. Her first album, Free Yourself, was released on November 23, 2004.

About "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale"

About Her Book:

In Life is Not a Fairy Tale, Fantasia Barrino shares her fascinating and compelling personal story and turns her struggles and success into life lessons. With her sassy, self-confident style, Fantasia has worked through many mistakes to develop a keep-it-real, down-to-earth wisdom. After a childhood anchored by family, church and gospel music, Fantasia fell into the common teenage trap of trying to grow up too quickly. At the age of 17, she found herself quitting school, pregnant and in an abusive relationship. Though she could have surrendered to such hardships, Fantasia persevered. She rediscovered her faith in God and in herself, promising to work hard to create a better life not only for her daughter, but because she deserved one.

Fantasia's book shares the mottos of faith and strength that helped her to find her way off of the unfortunate path that she had taken and on to one of unlimited potential and success.

Fantasia's life lessons include: You Make Your Bed, You Lie in It Cultivate Your Gift Never Give Up Get Your BoBo On Keep Your Head Up Give Props Where Props are Due Like Mother, Like Daughter Learn from Your Mistakes Know Who Your Real Friends Are Don't Be a Hoochie Mama It Aint' About the Bling Keep It Real

Fantasia's story inspires all who read it to believe in themselves, their talents and their dreams. Fantasia's unique voice enlivens her book with attitude and sincerity, while her story proves that confidence, dedication and faith are enough to pull anyone up from the lowest points in their lives and move them towards their greatest potential