Fantasia Barrino

As a singer, songwriter, and actress, Fantasia Barrino rose from being a high school dropout to the winner of the third season of American Idol in 2004. Her empowering stage appearances often touch on her experiences navigating single motherhood and overcoming her turbulent past. She has become an inspiration to her fans, advocating for resilience and striving for success.

The North Carolina native first became known to the public during her outstanding performances on the third season of American Idol. Simon Cowell, a judge on the show, praised her as one of the best contestants in the history of the international Idol series. Barrino elaborates on her exhilarating journey to becoming the new American Idol during her lectures. She also expresses her delight with the success of her debut album, "Free Yourself," and its hit track "I Believe." This debut single made Barrino the first artist ever to enter the Hot 100 at number one with her inaugural single.

Barrino's powerful religious faith has been a critical aspect of her life and career, a theme she often brings up. She touched on both the highs and lows of her past while filming the Lifetime Television biopic based on her bestselling autobiography "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale." Notably, she won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and has been recognized with several awards, enhancing her multifaceted career.

On October 16, 2014, Barrino was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. She has also appeared in various TV shows and movies, including her portrayal of Celie in the Broadway production and movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple. For her role in the movie, she received nominations for both the Golden Globe Award and the BAFTA Award.

Known affectionately as "Baby Patti LaBelle" by her idol Patti LaBelle, Barrino has released several albums, including "Free Yourself," "Back to Me," and "Side Effects of You." In 2019, she performed at the Grammys in honor of Aretha Franklin, and in the same year, she released her album "Sketchbook." As of now, she is working on two albums, with one set to be a gospel album.