Fantasia Barrino gained her commercial break by becoming the winner of the third series of American Idol in 2004. Her church upbringing inspirations such as The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar and Mahalia Jackson were showcased during the show where she demonstrated a talent for soul that seemed far beyond her years. On the back of the success of winning, her victory single 'I Believe' topped the US Billboard charts. Her anticipated debut album ‘Free Yourself’ was also a huge success, it was certified as platinum selling by the RIAA and earned Barrino her first selection of Grammy nominations in the categories of Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R & B Album.
‘Fantasia’ followed in 2008 and featured a huge hit single ‘When I See U’ which stayed atop the US R & B/Hip Hop chart eight weeks. The album earned the songstress three more Grammy nominations at the 2008 ceremony. Fantasia has also enjoyed success on Broadway, after playing in the musical The Color Purple, her performance was so impressive she was given the Theatre World Award.
Her next album ‘Back to Me’ was released in August 24, 2010 and features the single ‘Bittersweet’. The track charted within the top ten on the R&B chart and won Fantasia her first Grammy award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Her fourth album 'Side Effects of You' reached #2 on the US Billboard and topped the R & B charts and accumulated another three Grammy Award nominations. She has proven that the talent show industry can be a successful launching platform, having now accumulated worldwide records sales of over 5,000,000.
TV talent shows aren't known for delivering what they promise. There's usually little in the way of any actual talent, and those who win are quickly forgotten after that inevitable (yawn) Christmas number one. But while the likes of Shane Ward (Shane who?) have to settle for singing at supermarket opening ceremonies, American Idol winner Fantasia is riding high on the wave of success. It's no surprise, then, that Fantasia's latest tour has sold out on both sides of the pond. Bringing her inimitable R&B to The Academy, Fantasia sets the bar high for slow jams and pumped-up soul anthems alike. Tonight's crowd is made up of R&B aficionados looking for some new blood to bounce and sway to - and Fantasia doesn't disappoint. Opening up with the Emeli Sandé-penned "Lose to Win," Fantasia's soaring gospel vocals fill the room from floor to ceiling with soulful notes as she effortlessly belts out the highs and lows, bounding across the stage with endless energy that demands the audience oblige to her demands to "stand up and party!" In between songs, Fantasia interacts with the fans with a warmth and humour that many artists lack. Far from arrogance and egotism, Fantasia exudes humility and grace - and the fans love her for it. The most refreshing aspect of Fantasia's live show? Her sheer lack of diva-isms. She's so down to earth she's practically on the floor, engaging her audience like a group of friends with her infectious playfulness. But the real star of the show is that voice. The phenomenal sound of Fantasia makes hairs stand on end with a prickle of emotion and empathy. She's balanced, lighthearted, soulful - and actually talented. No charity fundraisers for this reality TV winner: she's here to fill stadiums.