http://www.entertainmenttonight.com/...ity/a15742.htm
Update! Where's Frenchie Now?
May 07, 2003
Former "American Idol" contender FRENCHIE DAVIS was booted from the popular FOX series back in February of this year because she previously modeled for an adult Web site. Now the plus-sized singer is turning her early expulsion from the competition into an opportunity to make beautiful music. The talented songstress takes the stage for her Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning Rent on Friday, May 16.
Frenchie has signed on the dotted line as the soloist on "Seasons of Love," and will play three or four small characters in the musical, written by JONATHAN LARSON and directed by MICHAEL GREIF.
At the time Frenchie was expelled from "American Idol," she told ET that financial problems drove her to pose for the site. "Four years ago, I modeled in lingerie on an adult Web site," the Howard University senior said. "From what I hear, the Web site is under new ownership and it's a lot different now than when I worked for it. I would never compromise my integrity to be successful."
Frenchie also confided to ET's special correspondent PAULA ABDUL that things got so bad she had nowhere to live at one point. "The year I didn't have money to pay for school, I was homeless for three months. I went through struggles, even then I knew there was a greater good."
The hardships Frenchie has experienced should serve her in good stead as material to draw from in her Broadway debut. Rent celebrates a community of young New Yorkers facing the soaring hopes and painful realities of contemporary life.
Hybrid Mode
