‘American Idol’ Winner Fantasia Scores Role in Movie Musical of ‘The Color Purple’
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American Idol winner Fantasia is joining the cast of the movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple. The adaptation is from the hit Broadway musical of the same name. The musical on Broadway is actually an adaptation from the 1985 movie, which was based on the best selling novel. Fantasia joins an all star cast that includes Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Corey Hawkins, and H.E.R.
Filming will begin next month in Atlanta, Ga. Fantasia will play the role of Celie. The role was made famous by Whoopi Goldberg, and earned the actress an Oscar nomination. The American Idol champion is familiar with her upcoming role. She played Celie on Broadway in 2007. The singer garnered rave reviews.
Fantasia left the Broadway musical before its initial end, which left fans and producers confused. She later shared that she developed a tumor on her throat that left her feeling drained and too exhausted to keep up her nightly schedule.
Oprah Winfrey is producing the film adaptation of the musical. The talk show legend famously starred in the original film as Sofia and helped bring the musical to life on Broadway. The original film was Winfrey as well as Goldberg’s film debut. The musical iteration of The Color Purple will also be Fantasia’s first time in a leading film role.
Fans will remember Fantasia’s rise to fame on Season 3 of American Idol. That season also featured Idol alum Jennifer Hudson. Hudson has gone on to win an Oscar for her role in another musical, Dreamgirls. It is possible Season 3 of American Idol will produce two Oscar winning actresses.
I’m so excited to be a part of @WBPictures #TheColorPurple with @tarajiphenson, @HalleBailey, @thedanieb, @HERMusicx, @ColmanDomingo, and Corey Hawkins! pic.twitter.com/XzfKXWJKJm
— Fantasia Taylor (@TasiasWord) February 4, 2022
Fantasia’s Dream Role
The singer shared her excitement on social media. Fantasia recorded herself getting the news from producers about landing the part. She told fans that the reason she has been missing in action was because she has been dedicated to getting this role.
Fantasia also gave a quick glimpse of her nine month old daughter, Keziah. The singer married her husband Kendall Taylor in 2015.
Fantasia is one the more popular American Idol champions. She has been nominated for countless awards including winning two Grammys. She has starred in multiple TV projects as well. Her Life is Not a Fairytale book was a bestseller, and the movie was one of Lifetime’s most popular titles in 2004.
Fantasia also shares something in common with Hudson besides Idol. Both women played Aretha Franklin in their careers. Hudson recently played the queen of soul, which may land her a second Oscar nomination. Fantasia played Franklin on the series American Dream.
