
Fantasia After 'Idol': From Fairy Tale to Bad Dream

Six years after triumphantly winning the third season of 'American Idol,' Fantasia Barrino was rushed to a North Carolina hospital this week where she is being treated for an
aspirin and sleeping pill overdose. This tragic U-turn in her fortunes has many asking: How did her fairytale life turn so quickly into a nightmare?
"Fantasia wrongly assumed that after she won 'Idol' that all her worries would disappear, and for a while they did," a friend of the singer tells me.
In 2004, Fantasia's debut single, 'I Believe,' made her the first artist in history to ever have their first single debut at number one. It remained in the top slot for eleven consecutive weeks, becoming the top selling single of 2004 in the USA. Her debut album, 'Free Yourself,' was released in November 2004 and was a huge hit -- in its first week, the album sold over 240,000 copies on its way to going platinum and earned Fantasia four Grammy nominations.
It was official. Fantasia, the single mother who once worried about paying her rent, was now the one thing she had only ever dreamed about becoming: a star.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=921115&pid=921114&uts=1281529770
http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/music/?s_channel=us.musicpop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1
http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf
Fantasia Fotos
Fantasia poses backstage during the VH1 Upfronts at Pier 59 Studios on April 20 in New York City. Check out more pics of the 'Idol' champ >>
Getty Images
Getty Images North America
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: (FILE PHOTO) Singer Fantasia poses backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. Fantasia has been hospitalized after an overdose of pills. According to her manager Brian Denkins she is now in stable condition. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singer Fantasia and TV personality Ray J pose backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia;Ray J
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singers Brandy (L) and Fantasia speak backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandy;Fantasia
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singer Fantasia and TV personality Ray J pose backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia;Ray J
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singer Fantasia and TV personality Ray J pose backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia;Ray J
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singer Fantasia poses backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singer Fantasia poses backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singer Fantasia poses backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Singers Brandy (L) and Fantasia speak backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandy;Fantasia
Fantasia Fotos
NEW YORK - APRIL 20: (L-R) Singer Fantasia, TV personality Ray J and singer Brandy pose backstage during the Vh1 Upfront 2010 at Pier 59 Studios on April 20, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fantasia;Ray J;Brandy
Fantasia Fotos
In August of that same year, Fantasia played herself in a hit Lifetime Television original film based on her autobiography, 'Life Is Not a Fairy Tale.' Nineteen million viewers tuned in to catch the flick its debut weekend. Everything was going perfect for the young lady from North Carolina.
The following year, her self-titled second album, 'Fantasia,' was released, and although it didn't do as well as her first CD, it was certified gold. Fantasia surprised everyone the following year when she announced she was putting her recording career on hold to star in the lead role of Celie in the Broadway musical 'The Color Purple.' (I saw her in the production and she was simply breathtaking.)
However, that's when things started to go wrong. First, Fantasia hurt her vocal cords while on Broadway, causing her to miss several shows. She was also dropped from the powerful 19 Entertainment management company and watched as her beloved $1.1 million home in Charlotte was put up for auction after she failed to repay money she was loaned to cover her 2006 taxes.
"It was very clear that the people she was surrounding herself with were not giving her great advice. It's very easy to think when you are on the top that the ride will never end," one industry insider tells me. "By the looks of things, she has very little to show for all the hard work she did. Where is all the money she earned? Very, very few artists have long-term careers like Madonna, the secret is to save as much as possible and make smart decisions while you are at the top. I'm afraid Fantasia didn't do this."
In addition to her financial troubles, Fantasia found herself at the middle of a very embarrassing scandal last week involving a married man and a sex tape.
"It all just got be too much for her," a record industry insider tells me. "Everyone wanted to be her friend the year she won 'Idol.' Now she's alone, wondering where have all those people gone."
Even with all the fair-weather friends, Fantasia isn't without her loyalists, including fellow 'Idol' winner Taylor Hicks.
"I've always been a huge Fantasia fan right from the first time I saw her on 'Idol,'" Hicks told me
exclusively. "It was great to catch up and perform on stage with her at the 'American Idol' finale a few months ago. She was totally on her game and I hope to see her back singing again soon."
Add a comment
That was only on the gay charts. Clay could sing. but Fantasia has a gift.I will pray for her. all things are possible through him. And if those without sins was going to line up to throw stones. There would be a line of 1. Stay strong. Take care of yourself and your instrument. you will always be in demand. i don't get to see you nearly enough.
Clay did not "win"... he was second. The article was refering to "winners". She is a "winner"... not number 2!!!! I do like Clay as well... I love his "spirit".
Who cares about Clay Gayken!
Fantasia, you really need to be ashamed of yourself. I heard about this waaay before it was printed. I know love is blind, but why would you go after a man who has a family already?
Didn't your mother and grandmother teach you better? Go and Sin no more.
Reply
Betsy, I have just one thing to say to your post...Do no judge lest ye be judged!
Judge not lest you be judged. We see What Fantasia did, God Knows why she did it. Yes the actions look bad but God and God only know what truely happened, her motives and this married mans motives. Only God knows the heart people just see the actions!
Keep you panties up dear. Never go with a man that is still married. You are still you, you still have a lot to learn. And never ever film. Still shots or moving ones.
A little judgemental aren't you??? She made mistakes in her life we all do. Why take it so personal. No one is perfect.
everyone makes mistakes dont judge her you dont even know what she is going through shake my head...like wtf
It was highly likely that the guy went after Fantasia, rather than her after him. He knew he was married before Fantasia knew it. He knew he had a family. Don't always lay the blame on the woman. I found in my 68 years there are some men, even ministers, who will go after other women, family or not. Give this women a break. Lift her up, don't tear her down any more than she's probably already has out-done you on that score.
BESTY ROSS, you and I both know that men LIE LIKE H-E hockey sticks. You don't know what he said to her, get real and think. I'm sure you have been lied to before. I am tired of people like you who thinks it's always the other persons fault, may it be man or woman. as for the wife she should not have said or done any thing to Tasia, her husband was the one who stepped out on the marriage. As the sayoing goes what you won't do someone else will. Tasia we love you. @ Mary, very well said.
I heard about it before it came out also but this man wasn't with his wife at the time. He went back to his wife. Were all on her but nobody has said anything about the man. Yes what she did wasn't right but you are not God and I'm pretty sure that you have done somethings in your life that you know wasn't rigt so to her, keep your head up, confess your sins to god, ask for forgiveness and move on.....Oh yeah didn't your mom and grandmother teach you about judging people. It's not your job...Sorry but it's the truth.
Don't be so quick to judge. How do u know he wasn't leaving the women anyway. The wife may just want headlines. 15mins of fame.
She did not know that she was sleeping with a married man. I saw the news today and it said that she was embaressed and sorry for the family she hurt.
I agree 100% with you...I hope the NC law gets her every state need that law...she should pay for your mistakes, take it like a women...mrs cook is...you had enough sense to tell her she's not women enough how about you...weak...after you got caught..A happyly married women
Shame on you. Dont you know better!!!!What were YOU taught? How could you kick a person when their down! Shame on you and all the naysayers.No one is perfect she just won a talent show.
Go after a man with a family?? Most men today over age 25 have a family and these men are not married. So... what the heck does that have to do with anything... The issue is that she dated someone who was married wether he had a family or not... he was married and apparently still hanging with his wife... He probably told Fantasca that they were separated like most men that want another woman will say... he is the "big" problem here.. And his wife might have been involved as well... Fantasca will learn from this and move on to a better man that can truly love her without baggage and he'll to honorable... This "tape thing" was probably his idea... to set her up along with that wife of his... I pray the court system will see thru. this foolishness... Anyway...women should stop blaming the other woman... blame your husband or man and blame yourself for hanging or being married to such a "fool". As the wife is stupid as well. Hang in there Fantasca you'll be OK... now that other woman and her husband will forever have issues. That "hunk" of a man she has will be forever playing the field with other woman. So "grow up" Mrs. Cook and "let this mess go"!!!!!!!
Well Besty Im sure ur closet is not clean as is all the others with their remarks. Have u been or r u married? do u know whether or not ur spouse have cheated on u or have u cheated? chances r the answer is "YES" but does it make it right? The Bible states None Are Perfect and if u haven't noticed that includes U!
Mary, you gave Fantashia such good advice. I'd be ready to jump off a cliff if I found out I was dating a married man who made a sex tape. The Devil is busy People. Don't let him have any victories.
Reply
Phyllis, at what point do you think she knew he was married? How about the beginning. And do you truly believe that she did not know about the tape? You are sadly fooling yourself if you don't think she knew everything all along. All of you are right, the Lord does tell us not to judge, that is his and his alone to do, but many times in the his Word he tells us to have good judgement and to be a great witness for him. From her life even before Idol it looks like she had walked away from God's teachings. I will not judge her for that because it is not my right to do that, but I will say she makes a very poor witness for Christ. Anyone can say they have Christ in their heart but their actions and how they live their lives tell the truth about if they live a lie. I will pray that one day she finds Christ and takes him for real as her savior. Only time will tell.