Fantasia's 360: She Did It!

Long time followers to my blog may remember when I wrote about Fantasia's problems back in 2010.  She had overdosed on aspirin, was kicked off the set of The Color Purple musicial, was a married man's sidepiece, and seemingly on her way to obscurity.

I told several people that if she bounces back, I will write a follow up piece. Fast forward to 2013 and see the upgraded blog on the upgraded winner of American Idol Season 3.

Fantasia made physical, professional, and emotional transformations after giving birth to her second child.  She already had scored a hit and dance with "Collard Greens and Cornbread."  However, the raspy, Macy Gray sounding songstress decided to work on herself externally and internally. She returned to her home in Charlotte, NC and connected with boot camp instructor and former WNBA player Sonya Dalton-McRoberts. I know Sonya personally, and took a class from her in the past. I knew if Fantasia followed her program, she would get dynamic results.

Less than a year later she had dropped over 50 pounds, had a tighter physique and more of a glow and confidence about herself. She frequently posts pics of herself on Instagram not to boast but to inspire and encourage.

This new attitude would be needed as she recorded her next album and made her annual appearance on American Idol, performing as a former winner. Those who had forgotten Fantasia got to see on April 19, 2013 the 360 she had made. She put on a performance that was almost comparable to Beyonce's at Super Bowl XVII. Mrs. Barrino held nothing back.

Her album has been selling like hotcakes, and her singles are gracing the airwaves and topping the Billboard and iTunes charts. She is even receiving early Grammy mentions.

Maybe Fantasia grew tired of the negative publicity and decided it was time to change. Either way, she conquered her demons and fought her way back on top.

It's always good to see stories like this. Fantasia has been on the top and the bottom. She can remain atop the world for a while as long as she stays hungry, grounded, and keeps the right connections. There is no turning back now for the High Point, NC native.

She started out using her voice to make a difference. Now Fantasia's story of triumph over the odds and doubters gives others something good to talk about.