NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 08: Fantasia performs onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on July 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic)
Josh Brasted/FilmMagicSome may look at her as just a 'country girl' from North Carolina, but singer and actor Fantasia Barrino Taylor is so much more. In case you've been under a rock for the past few months, you've missed quite the transformation of this Black 'southern girl ' to superstar beauty.
She comes from a small college town in North Carolina. High Point has a population of about 115,000 (Data USA) and is made up of about 34% African-Americans. It was here where she grew up with her family and caught the singing bug fairly early. She started singing at age 5. However, it wasn't much of a surprise as most of her family members sang, including her brother Ricco and first cousins K-Ci and Jo Jo of the R&B duo Jodeci.
Life for Fantasia took a turn after she was sexually assaulted by a high school classmate. Not long after, she dropped out of school. Then at age 16 got pregnant by her ex-boyfriend. But, life was again about to change dramatically for the songstress when she auditioned for the wildly popular singing competition American Idol. In 2004, Fantasia won the title of American Idol -- at that time, the youngest American Idol winner ever.
Over the next 19 years, Fantasia would go on to tour, make albums, make movies, and win awards. She would get married and have a baby. After a small hiatus from making music and acting, today Fantasia is on fire. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her role as 'Celie' in the new movie adaptation of "The Color Purple".
And what I love the most about Fantasia, no matter her rise to fame she continues to exude humility and excellence.
‘The Color Purple’ Film Premiere Red Carpet, Ranked
The Color Purple cast and celebrity guests hit the red carpet for the film's premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (Dec. 6). The upcoming movie-musical adaptation of The Color Purple is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones. The film stars Halle Bailey (as younger Nettie Harris), Fantasia Barrino (as Celie), H.E.R. (as Squeak), Danielle Brooks (as Sofia), Corey Hawkins (as Harpo Johnson), Colman Domingo (Albert "Mister" Johnson), Taraji P. Henson (Shug Avery), and Ciara (older Nettie Harris).
The Color Purple (Music From And Inspired By) Soundtrack
This film is a musical adaptation from the original 1985 film that starred Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Laurence Fishburne, Margaret Avery, Akosua Busia, Desreta Jackson, and more. The original was not a musical. On the soundtrack includes Alicia Keys, Usher, Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R., Mary J. Blige, Coco Jones, Mary Mary, Ciara (who plays the older Nettie Harris), Jennifer Hudson, Jorja Smith, Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliott, and Fantasia Barrino.
"I am so immensely proud that the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures chose us to collaborate on a hugely cultural album that musically brings to life this reimagined classic," stated Co-founder & CEO of gamma., Larry Jackson in a press release. "The Color Purple, in its many iterations, is unquestionably hallowed ground in black culture. Just as film director Blitz Bazawule has done a spectacular job in taking the film to another level artistically, we, too, wanted to bring an equally adventurous, creative take to this expanded soundtrack."
The Color Purple hits theaters on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). The Color Purple (Music From And Inspired By) will be available Dec. 15. Take a look at the newest trailer for the film below. Also, see how the cast cleaned up on the red carpet premiere:
15. Fantasia Barrino-Taylor
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)We really wanted to love this outfit but unfortunately we don't think it fits the bill. While wearing purple is not mandatory, if you choose not to then it should be able to have a "wow" factor and this unfortunately does not. Fantasia Barrino-Taylor plays Celie in 'The Color Purple.'
14. Corey Hawkins
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Oh, Corey. While the suit fit and color is fine, it just isn't giving what it's suppose to give for the red carpet. We would have loved to see Corey in some color but we at least appreciate the flower on the suit jacket. Corey Hawkins stars as Harpo Johnson in the film.
13. Andra Day
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)To say this outfit choice is interesting is an understatement. There's always a chance when you take a risk it won't work but Andra Day's premiere outfit is not a total loss. We absolutely love the top but contrasted with the bottom, it is a bit much. A dark colored maxi skirt or possibly even sheer purple tights could have made a better partner for the gorgeous top.
12. Oprah Winfrey
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Oprah wore a purple floor length gown. The dress choice suits the media mogul well. Oprah starred in the original 1985 film as Sofia.
11. Niecy Nash-Betts
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)We love when celebrities have fun with their red carpet looks and this a prime example. Niecy Nash-Betts looks like she is about to have great time in her head-to-toe purple ensemble.
10. Danielle Brooks
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Danielle Brooks looks stunning in her all-purple look. The actress and singer wore a sparkly corset dress with a satin bottom. A highlight from this dress was the satin hood that figuratively and literally took it over the top. Brooks plays Sofia in the film.
9. Tyler Perry
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Tyler Perry understood the assignment. The director wore a purple suit with a lilac dress shirt. He finished off his look with black dress shoes and shades.
8. Nicole Ari Parker
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)We are loving this flapper girl moment on Nicole Ari Parker. Not only did she understand the color assignment, she also looked gorgeous -- as always -- from head to toe. The deep v-cut and the silver gloves are definitely channeling her inner Shug Avery.
7. Colman Domingo
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)When you think about men to watch on the red carpet, Colman Domingo always comes to mind. Domingo wore a merlot colored suit that was cut perfectly for him with the crossover detail. He added a gold brooch and black dress shoes for the look. He plays Albert “Mister” Johnson in the film.
6. Halle Bailey
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)It's the ruffles for us. Halle Bailey wore a dark red ruffled dress that made her look like a princess. The neckline and crossover detail make a great addition to the dress. Her locs were transformed into a boho look that worked perfectly with the dress. Bailey plays the younger Nettie in the film.
5. Angela Bassett
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Angela Bassett "did the thing" with this dress. The Oscar-nominated actress wore a dark purple floor length gown. The shell structure and sparkles make the dress an easy "yes" on this red carpet. We are also not mad at Bassett's gorgeous sleek shoulder length hair and bangs.
4. Alicia Keys
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Alicia Keys did not come to play. The Grammy-winning singer wore a sheer purple dress with a multitude of beautiful different shades. What made the dress unique were the exaggerated sleeves that feel like a cape. This was one of the best purple looks on the carpet. Keys appears on the soundtrack to the film.
3. Chloe Bailey
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Chloe Bailey does no wrong in our eyes. Chloe was there to support her sister Halle Bailey who stars as Nettie in the film. Chloe came prepared with her nude and black gown. Can we talk about those gloves? Chloe absolutely ate this look.
2. Taraji P. Henson
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Taraji P. Henson plays Shug Avery in the film and she let it be known with this gorgeous gown. The details of this dress are insane from the satin bottom, the sheer corset middle, and the 3D-printed top. The look is absolutely to die for.
1. Ciara
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)Ciara's baby bump stole the show. She wore an all-white look with white pants, a button-up shirt and matching cape. The shirt was open to show off her baby bump that was adorned with gold sparkles. The singer plays the older Nettie in the film. She is expecting her fourth child with husband Russell Wilson.
