Fantasia Monique Barrino was born on June 30, 1983.  She was born in High Point, North Carolina.  Fantasia began singing in her church at age 5.  She was a member of the Barrino Family, a croup that traveled and preformed in the Carolinas and other places in South America.  Fantasia has to drop out of high school because she has a daughter, and was a single mother.

 Fantasia made an immediate impression on the judges of American Idol. For her audition she sang "Proud Mary".  Finally, when Fantasia made it to the top 2, controversies including accusations of racism started.  In the final performance, she drew effusive praise, not only from the audience but by the judges too.  On May 26, 2004, Fantasia won the third season of American Idol.

Fantasia released her first single in June 2004 on the RCA record label.  She released her album "Fire Yourself" on November 23, 2004.  she also played Aretha Franklin in an episode of American Dreams.  In May and June of 2005, she went on her first tour with her live band.

Awards

      Billboard Music Awards:

* Top selling singles of the Year (I believe)

* Top selling R&B/ Hip Hop single of the year (I Believe)

     NAACP Music Awards:

* Outstanding Female Artist