The BV Q&A: Fantasia
By Isoul H. Harris, Special to AOL BlackVoices
What more can be said about Fantasia? She won over the country with her Aretha-Franklin-meets-Macy-Gray-tinged vocals and arresting personality. In the tradition of icons and idols, Fantasia has the drama to accompany the talent. A 19-year-old single mother did not seem the likely choice of the middle American red states -- a.k.a. Bushland -- for the next 'American Idol.' However, Fantasia lifted her spirited voice above the criticism and claimed the title. This High Point, N.C., native beat out 70,000 hopefuls, made history as the first artist ever to debut at No. 1 with a first single and now has a platinum plaque on her wall for a million copies sold of her debut album, 'Free Yourself.'
I recently talked with Fantasia about the catch-22 of being black, Aretha being her mother and why she doesn't have a man.
When you went into the studio, did your vision match that of Clive Davis and the producers?
When I got to the studio, they had most of it done. The writers and producers had listened to all the things that I said about myself. It was crazy to me because I could relate to all of the songs and I came up with, [singing] 'If you don't want me, then don't talk to me! Free yourself dude!'
Are you happy with the way that your album turned out?
I am! It's very soulful and I got to address different situations, and I am very happy about that.
Are you at all worried about the way that your album is being received? The people that voted for you may not necessarily buy your album because it is R&B. Ruben may have suffered a bit from this catch-22 that seems to affect the black 'American Idol.'
I try not to think about it too much. You have to be true to yourself. What's the point in doing something that does not reflect you or does not make you happy? Besides, every song that I did on the show, I put Fantasia's stamp on it. Even with my album, there are all different songs, even with [Willie Nelson's] 'You Are Always On My Mind,' and I tried to do them all my way. I worried a little and hoped that everyone would accept it. But, going place to place so many people of different colors and ages tell me that they love my album. I have this song on my album called 'Good Lovin',' and an older mother asked me, 'Baby, what do you know about good loving? That's my song!'
You have a great ability to take a song from any genre and make people feel it. Where does that come from?
At weddings, they would ask me to sing country songs, jazz songs, etc. I would have to learn them and would do them my way. Music is an art for me.
The song 'Baby Mama' was written for you before you came to the studio?
They sent me a lot of different songs and a lot of them were going in routes that I did not want to go in. Then they sent me [this track] and there was something about it, and I wanted a song that shouted out baby mamas. It talks about how we work hard and go to school while raising kids.
What would you tell a young mother with ambitions about making it?
Sometimes you have to make sacrifices and do certain things that you don't want to do. When it all boils down, you have to put the kids first, and you have to have someone behind you 100 percent. My mother told me, "I will take care of her and you go out and do your thing." It made it a lot easier for me and I was able to leave and go to the 'American Idol' audition in Atlanta. If you have to pack the baby up and hit the road, it can be done. Whatever the situation, you should go for it.
What was the worst job that you ever had?
Well, I never really had a real job, to be honest. I worked at my grandmother's house taking care of kids, and it was great because I had my own child. I would also sing at different gigs for money.
What was it like working with Missy on your album?
She treated me like I was family. She was always cracking jokes. She would call me crazy and we would come in talking loud and we had a blast. She and everyone else I worked with were like, "Hey, man, stay humble, be yourself and have fun." Coming from them, I was like, "That's what's up!" It really pushed me to see how they work so hard.
Who have you met that you have idolized forever?
I talked to Aretha Franklin on the phone. She calls me her child and I call her "Mama!" I love her, she's my idol.
How crazy is it that the one and only Aretha Franklin calls you her child?
I know, right?! I called everybody at High Point and was like "Guess what?!"
Now that your album is out and has gone platinum, do you have time for a personal life?
I do. I do. (laughs)
Are you dating anybody?
No, I am beginning to think that nobody wants me!
Jan. 20, 2005