Fantasia's Dream Comes True
OK, all you incurable
American Idol addicts. In
yesterday's Insider, you read
Fantasia Barrino's reflections on the eve of her final showdown with
Diana DeGarmo. Last night, Miss Fanny ended up victorious! Backstage at the Kodak Theater, TV Guide Online was there when girlfriend strolled into the press room — barefoot, natch — for her post-victory Q&A. As always, the 19-year-old single mom was a total
trip-and-a-half.
Now that you're guaranteed a record contract and lotsa money, what will you do first?
Fantasia Barrino: [Laughs] The only thing I want to do is go to an all-you-can-eat restaurant!
But seriously, folks...
Fantasia: My grandmother has her own day care, where I used to help out. She wouldn't pay me, but she would bless me and say, "I know you need things for Zion, so here's change to go get it." I always had to borrow money from people to get what I needed for Zion. I don't have to do that anymore. Now, I'm able to take care of my own child.
So this oughta shut up those critics who said a single mother had no business in this competition.
Fantasia: I'm a great mom. I sacrificed and left my child for three months. I feel like a good mom and a strong woman because I fought so that my child can have the best! Don't look down on me and talk about me — pray for me because I'm trying.
You looked genuinely surprised to win! Was there ever any doubt?
Fantasia: Yeah, I broke my heel! I was mad 'cause I liked those shoes! I'm just happy I made it through, man. We worked so hard. They worked us. But I'm not gonna change for nobody. I'm still gonna be barefooted. All I have now is a story to tell through my music, and I'm gonna tell it.
Are you officially a diva now?
Fantasia: Nah, not really. Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight... all those women are divas. I plan on being in the game for a long time, so I can be a diva!
Well, you're bound to snag a lip-gloss endorsement deal. Think those famously full, sensuous lips helped you become American Idol?
Fantasia: [Laughs] I don't know! I use a lot of lipstick! I used to hate my lips when I was a kid. I would get cracked on [about] my lips really bad by the other kids. I used to be teased, but they're not going nowhere, so I learned to love 'em. On American Idol, I cracked on my lips first before anybody else could. I said, "My lips are big but my talent is bigger."
You looked skyward and thanked God a lot onstage. Did your faith get you through all the drama?
Fantasia: God puts the breath in my body. He gave me a gift that people enjoy, so I have to thank Him. Every time I sing, I offer it back up. I'm happy!
