Fantasia straps in for her 'Idol' ride

By Edna Gundersen
USA Today

"I can do a pop song, but I'm not a pop singer," says the "American Idol "winner (who's dropped her last name, Barrino). "I like jazz. I can do a rock song. I want to do country, old school, gospel. When you're a music lover, you love all music. I want to mix it up."

Fantasia's "Idol" ride is a Cinderella story in reverse. Her coronation capped the third season. Now the sweaty chores and challenges begin. An unproven recording commodity, Fantasia's success depends on how many of the finale's 28.8 million viewers support her at the cash register.

The first measure of her commercial appeal started Tuesday, with the arrival of a debut single featuring the audience-tested "I Believe," "Chain of Fools" and "Summertime," all performed by her on "Idol." A tour with "Idol" finalists starts July 14 in Salt Lake City. And Fantasia's first album, to be recorded between concert dates, is due by November on J Records. BMG chief Clive Davis is in talks with possible collaborators R. Kelly, Missy Elliott, The Underdogs and Mario Winans.

Fantasia, 19, listens to a wide range of music, from the vintage gospel of the Clark Sisters to Norah Jones. She hopes to enlist a variety of writers and producers and eventually work with Kanye West, Macy Gray, Al Green and Prince.

"I want to write songs," she says. "I've got a story to tell. And I want to design clothes and act, do a lot of stuff."

In music, she'll do what's within reach.

"Except be a one-hit wonder," she says. "I'm going to work too hard for that. I'm not going to let nobody forget me. I'll be on cereal boxes."

Unwed motherhood and a hardscrabble existence in High Point, N.C., fueled Fantasia's ambition. She dropped out of ninth grade, got pregnant at 17 and struggled to raise daughter Zion while pursuing singing engagements. "I was a single mom in my own place," she says. "I was still singing, and people told me, 'You can't do that. You've got a child now. That life is over.' But I wanted to show my daughter that whatever your dream is, you can have it. I would get weary, but I didn't give up."

A woman with extravagant dreams and modest expectations, Fantasia is discovering that a record contract isn't the only jewel in the "American Idol" crown. Victory brought a spa basket from Denzel Washington, a Tiffany candle from Toni Braxton and a handsome paycheck that permitted splurges at her favorite stores.

"Target and Wal-Mart," she says. "I've got a few extra dollars in my pocket. I pray every day: 'God, keep me humble.' I ask God to blind my eyes and close my ears to all the negativity. I have a happy life now. I'm doing my music."