[CrimsonTide4]

May 26, 2004

Fantasia Faces Idol Verdict
by Daniel R. Coleridge

What's been your best night on AI so far?

Fantasia: My best night was when I sang "Summertime." I was going through a little something. I was getting tired, missing family and hearing that people thought I was arrogant because I would say things back to the judges. I said, "On this song, I'm gonna go out on TV — with no shoes on! — and sit in the middle of the stage." It worked. When I got up, I was crying because it touched me, and I hoped it touched other people. Obviously, it did.

You stopped sassing Simon and the judges onstage. Did you fear that too much back talk could hurt your chances?

Fantasia: It's not that I was trying to be smart or mean or attitudey. It's just how I am with him offstage. Simon has a lot of mouth, so I give him some back. I am the same way off TV as on TV. Since people were taking it a different way, I thought I should just shut up and let Simon say whatever he wanted to say — and just hold my tongue!

There's talk of big-deal offers for you. Guest judge Clive Davis practically made one on the show! So does it even matter if you win AI?

Fantasia: It really doesn't matter. I came this far out of 70,000 people and made it to the top two. But I'm not gonna do anything different. I'm still gonna get out there and sing like I've never sung before. If Diana wins, I'll be a big crybaby like every Wednesday. I'm sure it doesn't even matter to her. There's a woman for every woman on this show. Diana's for the younger kids, and I feel like I take on a lot of older people who've been through some things. I'm 19, but I've been through some things.

How will your 2-year-old daughter, Zion, affect your career as a pop star?

Fantasia: She's a joy. She's a blessing that God gave to me, and Mommy's gonna work hard so she has the best. She pushes me. I get tired, I get weary, but I have a child to take care of, so I have to work hard.

Has the judges' constant praise swollen your ego at all?

Fantasia: Not really. From time to time, they gave me some comments that were kind of cold. Like Simon said I sound like Donald Duck. If you love what you do, it really doesn't matter. If they say good things or bad things, I'll take it and run with it. I just try to get out there and have fun.

What do you think of Diana as your competition?

Fantasia: When Diana opens her mouth, it's like "Good God almighty. Oh, Lord, here she comes!" She reminds me of Christina Aguilera or Britney, but she's more powerful. I can't put her with anybody — she's Diana DeGarmo. There's nobody like her. She's a young 16-year-old with a powerful voice and a sweet, humble girl. They're all like my little sisters on the show.