We know Fantasia Barrino as a phenomenal natural talent, a woman who dazzled “American Idol” fans and judges with a voice that could hold its own against any overpriced VH1 diva. But it was only a year ago that Fantasia, who has received accolades from Elton John and Missy Elliott, was a single, unemployed mother living in High Point, N. C., with a small bank account and a big dream.
Funny how a little reality TV show can change your life.
Now the 19-year-old “American Idol” winner–who has never had any formal musical training–is a pop force to be reckoned with. She interrupted R&B megastar Usher’s 21-week reign at the top of the Billboard charts this summer with her debut single, “I Believe.” And she hits Chicago this week with fellow “Idols” Amy Adams, Camile Velasco, Diana Degarmo and George Huff, among others.
If you hadn’t won, who deserved to be in your place?
I’ve got to say that George is my favorite. He’s got a voice in him that just brings me to tears. I’m serious. When he sings I just want to bust out and start crying. I love George!
Fair enough. Who was the least talented?
Nah, I can’t answer that. I enjoyed everybody. Nobody on that show sounded the same or did things the same. They all stood out on their own. Even with someone like John Stevens–I loved him! I think he’s the 2004 Frank Sinatra. Being different is a good thing.
What kind of a relationship do you have with Simon now? He clearly loved you during the show.
I haven’t seen him, or any of the judges, since the show. Hopefully I’ll see them again after our tour’s over.
What kind of comments did the judges make when the cameras went off?
They said very little. You’d be surprised. They were really focused on giving everyone the same kind of respect and keeping the contest fair. There were no favorites behind the scenes, and that was cool.
Quentin Tarantino clearly liked you when he was a guest judge.
That was nice. After the show wrapped, he invited us all to a screening of “Kill Bill 2.” I really liked him because he reminded me a lot of me: He’s a chatterbox, he’s hyper, he’s totally crazy. A real wild child, that one. He’s definitely someone I could hang out with.
What’d you think when Jennifer Hudson and La Toya London were voted off so early?
I was kind of angry when Jennifer got voted off. Actually, I take that back–I was really angry when she got voted off, and even angrier when La Toya got voted off. They were talented black women who were a lot older than me, and I looked up to them. … But I try to keep positive about it. I’ve always said, all 10 of us were there because we were all talented. And you never know how America’s going to vote.
Fantasia Barrino with American Idols Live
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
Tickets: $35-$45
