Happy birthday, Fantasia Barrino!

Michelle Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

Tasia keep doing your thing your voice is beautiful and so is your personality and spirit.

Saying your not a fan is one thing but adding she can't sing because you don't like her music is just plain silly.

California blondy Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:33 PM EST

Yes, yes! You've got that right, it's my opinion. No hard feelings toward Fantasia, I'm just simply not a fan of her music.

Suzanne Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

Not that I hate you....I just think you must need your hearing aids adjusted. No doubt Fantasia is a lovely person but her singing is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

benji Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 06:34 AM EST

Fantasia, I live in the Netherlands but Ur Isley brothers Remake Truth is just got 2 me. Baby after every fight , keep on getting up , go higher, it is waiting n U know U got it. Stay Blessed get ready 4 the More, more health, More Blessings

RLP Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

GOD'sleadinglady, I agree that Fantasia is a talented, gifted singer, but she does need to bring some class to her songs and not try to be so "street. I feel that she has lost a LARGE fan base simply because she is trying to be so hood. Its hard to relate her background back to the church when she curses in songs when its so unnecessary. Class is what she needs because she has everything else.

GOD'sleadinglady Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 08:26 PM EST

This is in regards to remarks made by California blondy. I do know what you would call a "good singer" but Ms Barrino can sing! And she won AI based on her talant and nothing else. I'm not a fan of her latest CD and I feel she should try to bring some class to her songs and not try to be so "street", and put on some better clothing. For you to say she can't sing is just your opinion do you think.

Sabrina Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 10:40 PM EST

FANTASIA IS THE BOMB!!! Happy Birthday

Raina Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

I dont how any one could fix their lips to dare say this girl cant sang!!! any such comment comes from a straight up hater! May God bless you for your lack of ability to recognize pure talent!!!!! Fantasia you GO GIRL!!! I love you and so does all of the entire Lancaster SC community!!!

California blondy Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:08 PM EST

Fantasia is a sweet girl, but she SUCKS as a singer.
Her voice is horrible and I don't understand why she ever made it. Ugh!

YoYo Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

Fantasia is the best! I choke up everytime she sings live. She has a special quality that very... very few singers today have. the only singers that mad me feel this way was when Whitney Houston sang :"The star Spangled Banner" and when Tupac sang "Baby Keep your Head Up". Someone please find the right songs for this talented performer!

kym Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

love you you go girl happy b-day say hi to your baby

Sandra Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 07:50 PM EST

I love fantasia like my own daughter i hope her third album will put her over the top where she belongs
Happy B day Fantasia

RLP Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

I love Fantasia, and I was her number one fan when she was on AI. The night she won, I think I cried more tears than she did. However, I don't think the global music-buying population has failed to turn Tasia into a major superstar. She has done that all by herself. When the majority of Americans think of the words "American Idol", they think of wholesome, role model, a person of diversity. There is no way that with the tools Tasia has for her not to have several grammys already. However, since her AI reign Fantasia has tried to go straight hood and ghetto which only target a particular culture, and has turned her back on the diverse culture that voted her to win the show. At this point, its all Tasia's fault that she is not a global music phenomenon.

oakjazz Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

"Sally", did you mean to say the female Al Green rather than the black Al Green? You probably did. Anyway, happy belated birthday wishes Fantasia, hope you tour the UK someday soon, will definitely go see you.

I am just as upset as Michale Slezak about the fact that she's not where those of us that appreciate her talent believe she should be. I hope and pray she gets there soon, she's on her way.

Paula Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 06:44 PM EST

Thanks for the vid clip. I am a huge Fantasia fan, and watching her take of "I Believe" just re-assures me why she won that Idol season...truly an amazing and gifted artist. We have not heard the last from this gem!!!!!

ped Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 06:31 PM EST

A classic isn't made over night. Fantasia WILL be a classic. We were introduced to her, she succeeded, her limelight tapered off a bit, but she kept it going with a successful run on Broadway, and now a 3rd album and a major movie musical...just wait...her time in the limelight has just begun. Many more years to you Fantasia!!!

RW Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 06:17 PM EST

Sally at 4:30: "All she needs is some memphis horns behind her."

I second that -- she's helping to define a new generation of soul. An unstoppable, hard-working goldmine of an artist. I hope Stax is paying attention.

Melanie Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Fantasia is amazing! The haters can't stand it. Keep the Fantasia love coming Slezak, you know we love you!

Guess I'm a Hater then!! Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

This singer sucks, and it's not me "hating". I know I good singer when I hear one. And to whoever said that I'm coming here to comment, yeah I enjoy PopWatch and EW and I don't think I should have to suffer any more posts and Youtube clips of this trashy screecher.

Nat X Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 11:51 AM EST

I didn't watch AI til third season when I didn't have cable and FOX was the only channel we got. I instantly fell in love with Fantasia. And when she sang "Summertime," she was crying, I was crying, the audience was crying, and I voted for the first time. Man, there was just something about her. So, Slezak, some of us understand. She's performing at Taste of Chicago Wed night! (I gotta miss it cuz I'm getting dragged to see Tom Petty). HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Fantasia!

abbysee Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

Fantasia is incredible. Her leave it all on the floor attitude is just one reason I adore her. While there are other anticeptic cuties, singing trite little ditties, there Fantasia, singing with a spirit embued by the pain and triumph of her past, doing it for real. She is a cyclone of energy. I love her. Happy Birthday Miss Tasia.

Louise Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

I love me some Tasia!!!! The girl is just gifted and I'll always remember this site because it's some strong haters out there and she's such a nice person, her fans are so important to her. I can't believe how some people feel about her! I loved Hood Boy and everything else that she sings....the girl is over the top and one day soon it's gonna blossom to the highest degree!

taiga Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

Preach it, Slezak! I'm right there with you. Nobody, nobody but Fantasia could make a cheesy AI coronation song sound heartfelt and powerful. Though for me the waterworks are even fiercer during her results-night performance. When she gets to "I've waited all my life/for this moment to arrive," I'm telling you, there aren't enough Kleenex in the house.

JoeC Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 09:20 AM EST

Wow, Michael, I think you love Fantasia as much as I love Mariah. Didn't think that was possible. If she ever DOES make it big, she'd better thank you in the liner notes of her CD.....or however music is being sold in the next decade or so....Keep pushing dude. Happy Birthday, Fantasia.....

MsStrictlybiz Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 07:42 AM EST

Thank you Mr. Slezak for your wonderful comments! Fantasia truly sings from her heart. Thankfully their are still people who like real singers. I had the opportunity to see Fantasia live in The Color Purle which was my first time seeing her live and I'm still speechless. She was absolutely wonderful. She is a true performer. When she sings with her own band and vocal assistant singers its simply amazing. I anxiously wait her new album. I pray this year will be her year. I pray for those that continue to put her down because its not really that serious.

Lans Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 07:06 AM EST

She's a niche singer/performer. Her style is seventy-ish old school and that style is no longer universally liked. She the next great thing since sliced white bread for those who like her, but just like Taylor Hicks she is as annoying as a fly buzzing around you and no matter how many time you swat at it, it just won't go away. Don't like her helium-pumped cartoon character voice (as someone earlier on this blog pointed out)and I wish she'd just go away.

nunya Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 09:53 PM EST

happy birthday fantasia!! i love how she imbues each of her songs w/ so much emotion and passion. her performances really are revelatory. and as much as i kinda like rihanna, sad to say, but the comment by ns is probably true. oh well.

Lindsay Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 09:40 PM EST

Mr. Slezak as you said haters are going to hate as is evidenced by the remarks some made. What cracks me up is these people hate her "raspy" voice and other things about her yet they go specifically to internet sites with her music or come to articles such as this to comment. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for showing Fantasia love and say Happy Birthday to Fantasia. She must be doing something right because the haters keep hating and going to the sites with things about her to comment. Fantasia you are awesome. God bless you girl.

Nose Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 09:27 PM EST

Hey, Ceballos, hopefully you don't have as many detractors as Fantasia apparently does, so all of your birthday wishes will be full of good intentions! ;-)

Mekeyna Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 07:55 PM EST

I'm so glad someone finally said it. The music buying public has lost their mind not to mention the ability to hear and see. Fantasia Barrino is on of the best things to come out of American Idol but people are so closed minded and judgemental of what she offers. She works her butt off and she is very, very good at what she does. Her stupid management had no idea how to manage her. Give it some time they'll wish they had made a different decision. Anyway, thank you for pointing out what her fans already know. Fantasia is an awesome talent. If you don't belive me head on over to You Tube and watch her perform her peers under the table. I sure hope people wake up and hear the music. Good music coming from an awesome singer. That singers names is FANTASIA!!!

Neenee Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

Fantasia is brilliant!! So many people are so hung up on looks. Just admit the girl is talented. Everybody don't like weave all down their back. Fantasia is just being real and not fake.

JO Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Fantasia is and always will be one of AI's most talented contestants. Unfortunately,most of America is too caught up in image before substance.I agree that she will far outlast today's pop sensations. Superior talent stands the test of time.

2Cents Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

I totally agree with you on this one, Slezak. I love her and this clip gets me every time...It is hard to believe people don't get such an authentic moment in music history. She is and will always be my American Idol....Happy B-Day,Tsia.

Slezak Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

Thanks for catching the typo, BrandonK. A truly tragic one, too!

real_vermonter Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 04:33 PM EST

Gave both videos a try-out. Sorry, don't really care for the style of music. Didn't really like the "pink hair" song she did either on AI this year. She is certainly very talented, though. Happy Birthday!

Sally Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

Forgive me but I enjoy watching her perform. She's a throwback to the 1960s, 1970s singers -- Betty Wright/Dina Washington/Betty Lavette/even Aretha, and therein lies the problem. She's "behind" her time...if she had been a performer in the 1960s/1970s she would be a major classic singer. I call Fantasia the black "Al Green". All she needs is some memphis horns behind her....but she is like Jennifer Hudson -- how and where do you slot them? Jennifer seems to have found her voice and acting chops, but not Fantasia. She's darker than the other top-level singers, she's bossomy and "rounded", so she doesn't fit the "grid". She's got attitude and she's a hard worker. What more could you want? She needs to do a "Sharon Jones" and get a Dap Kings band.

coco Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

Slezak, even though I am a big fan of your column ( and You!!) I can't agree on this one. Her last performance eon Idol was out of control, it's like somebody unleashed her form her room and she just went nuts!
The videos are cool but honestly, she's not that good! I save my love for Kelly and know for Cook.

BrandonK Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

Oops..."if she did", I meant.

BrandonK Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

FYI, it's "populace", not "populous". For my part, she did more pop songs rather than the hip-hop stuff, I'd buy her stuff cuz I do like her voice.

Rasha Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:52 PM EST

Thanks to "artists" like Britney Spears and novelty rap that's miles away from actual rap, America perceives good singers as people who just "scream." It's quite sad!

Ceballos Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:38 PM EST

While I'm not nearly as dedicated to 'Tasia as Slezak is (I mean, is that even possible), I get his love for her A LOT more that I get the whole Trenyce thing. I just don't see anything there at all.

Nose, I LOVED the way you closed your post: "She's not appealing in any sense of the word...Happy Birthday, though, I guess." When my birthday comes around, I want at least one similarly backhanded/half-hearted birthday wish. Seriously though, that cracked me up.

Not a Fan Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

I am so not an Idol fan but I do think it is interesting that also all Idol winners (and runners-up) have had their record deals dropped. Kelly and Carrie are the only ones that have made it big. Maybe the show is way past it's prime?

Preston Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

Fantasia is brilliant-- thanks for the link, Slezak. Her music isn't really my thing, but I enjoyed it. I can't deny, though, that she's a star-- definitely one of the best discoveries ever on AI; there's something transcendent about her singing.
I can't wait to see how she does in the upcoming The Color Purple movie musical version.

Winona Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

Happy Birthday, Chris Tucker!!! I mean, Fantasia... sorry, honest mistake.

Sara Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST

I'm sorry Slezak--I love your columns--but you've got it wrong. Fantasia is a horrific singer, and I can't believe she made it to the end b/c of a bunch of tears and the single-mom card. She sounds like a helium-pumped cartoon character at times and a growling bear at others.

Kristen Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

Listening to Fantasia sing "I Believe" still gives me goosebumps- it's one of my favorites from her first CD. I'm not sure why she's not bigger- I thought her CDS were great. Maybe if she gets better management she'll find that one huge breakthrough single she deserves. Oh, and stop dyeing her hair pink- yikes.

dave k Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

I'm DJing my first wedding this summer, and Hood Boy is the lynchpin on which the entire thing rests. I don't care if no one knows the song at all and it completely clears the dance floor and the bride and groom curse my name to the heavens; the entire 3:42 WILL be played.

bbc Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 03:00 PM EST

Very possibly the worst AI winner of them all. And that is saying something (I'm talking to you, Taylor.) Slezak, you are more than entitled to your opinion, but sometimes your Tasia love comes off like a desperate plea for the rest to drink the kool aid. Sorry man, aint gonna happen.

Nose Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST

Slezak, this is one subject on which we'll have to agree to disagree. I find her screechy and unlistenable, and when she dances, it's like she's having seizure after seizure. I can't understand how or why she won AI, and I can certainly understand why she's not a big star. She is not appealing in any sense of the word. Happy Birthday, though, I guess.

ns Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

She's not a big star because 1) she isn't attractive and that's more important in music than ever; and 2) she's a true soul artist in an era dominated by dance/pop fluff types. I think she should just keep doing what she's been doing. The career longevity for singers like Fantasia can be measured in decades, whereas Rihanna will be forgotten once someone younger and cuter comes along.

Rena Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

Slezak, I love that fact that you still love Tasia, because I love her just as much as you do.

Happy Birthday, Tasia!

Stephanie T. Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST

Well, her raspy voice is a lot more intelligable than Macy Gray's but seriously, what happened on American Idol with that horrid Dairy Queen dipped red hair?