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.
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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 >>
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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."
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your name says it all
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She could be in serious trouble. The only defence she has is playing dumb and the I didn't know he was still married crap.
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The only one that definitely knew he was married was HIM period. Why not blame him also??? She probably wasn't his first either.
defense....spelling.....
Having money is only the beginning of trouble. People will use you, if you allow them to. The worst thing anyone who just came into money, is to listen to friends, or family.
Married men are a huge mistake, they belong to someone else.
I hope someone tells her the 'code,' that all respectfull woman go by.
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Fantasia, you're gonna learn that people who pretend to be your friend just want their own 15 minutes of fame and are really not who you think they are. They will get close to you just so they watch you go down. Be strong.
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HI FANTASIA IF YOUR READING THIS .......I;AM FROM CHARLOTTE NC ALSO .....AND HAVE MUCH LOVE FOR YOU #1 FAN AND WILL ALWAYS BE ..........PLEASE THINK ABOUT YOUR LITTLE GIRL ...SHE NEEDS HER MOMMY AND REMEMBER THAT .....OUR FIRST AND LAST LOVE IS .............SELF LOVE ....JUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT .......HOLD THOSE WORDS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART ......AND THEN LET GOD TAKE IT FROM THERE .......HE WILL ALWAYS LEAD YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ..........I LOVE YOU FANTASIA BE STRONG ALWAYS HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH NO MATTER WHAT.....BECAUSE THE ONLY PERSON THAT CAN BE ALOUD TO JUDGE YOU IS GOD..........GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ............MUCH LOVE...
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You are a real piece of work! You are suppossed to uplift people in their time of need. Yes, she made some mistakes, haven't you??? Think twice before you open your big, negative mouth!
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Asprin & sleeping pills? Must have run out of crack money!
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You are ignorant.
it is heart warming to for once see people sending poitive, words to a person in need instead of kicking them while they are down! Fantasia Let go of the past, and the pain, you are blessed! and have awonderful blessed lfe ahead of you bringing joy to the world with your awesome talent. Love has no reason I undertand! people with a heart understand
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I have been a fan of Fantasia's since she won American Idol. I agree with several of the other postings, especially about forgiving herself and starting over. She also needs to rid herself of the leaches who have attached themselves to her since she became a successful entertainer! You know that any advice she is getting from them has nothing to do with her welfare. I hope she recovers quickly.
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u don't need to be round people that won't all the time and never give back , leave those type of people alone.
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Girl you got LOUSY taste in men you have trobule making good decisions remember Life IS not a Fairytale even though you won American Idol. Hollywood and the industry is fickle...Get counselling and get over it and get on with singing...that you can do.
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Fantasia,
Our prayers are with you and your family. You are a fantastic person.
We love your music, please get well soon.
God Bless you.
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Wow Besty Im sure your SOOOOOOOO Perfect have never done anything in your life to need forgivnes..... Oh yeah I forgive you for making that statement...
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Listen Goof Ball, Fantasia knew what she was doing, stupid she ain't. why when that man would call his WIFE to possibly talk to his children, she would interrupt and tell the WIFE "he don't want you"?
That's real smart Shalese, oh you're smart too. I bet you are going out with a MARRIED MAN too. How Perrrrrfect is that?
Sum yall bein haters jes because Fantasma am a naygro!
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Beulah, stop being stupid and stay on point or you shall go back from whence you came. The Caucasoid Mountains.
How long did you expect the fairytale was going to last? Wake up and smell the coffee! She should have known how hard it was when she was struggling. But, as soon as fame came calling she neglected to keep things in check. You're a grown woman and should have known better. No pity parties from me.
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