Fantasia
Fantasia Barrino is an acclaimed R&B singer, actress, and author best known for winning the third season of American Idol in 2004. Born on June 30, 1984, in High Point, North Carolina, she rose from humble beginnings marked by personal hardships to become a Grammy-winning artist. Her powerful voice and emotional performances have earned her widespread recognition across music, theater, and film.
Fantasia began singing in church at age five, influenced by icons like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Tina Turner. She faced significant trauma, including a sexual assault at Andrews High School that led her to drop out and move to Greensboro. These challenges shaped her resilient spirit before her breakthrough on American Idol.
Her audition rendition of "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess stunned judges, with Randy Jackson calling it the show's best performance to date. Over 65 million votes secured her win, launching her career instantly.
Fantasia signed with J Records, releasing her debut single "I Believe" in 2004, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became the year's best-selling single at double platinum. Her album Free Yourself sold over two million copies worldwide, followed by Fantasia (2006), Back to Me (2010)—featuring the Grammy-winning "Bittersweet"—and later works. She holds records like the first Idol contestant with a debut single at No. 1 for 11 weeks.
She starred as Celie in Broadway's The Color Purple (2007-2008), earning a Theatre World Award, and reprised the role in the 2023 film adaptation, netting a Golden Globe nomination. Other credits include The Butler (2013) and her Lifetime biopic.
Fantasia released her New York Times bestseller Life Is Not a Fairy Tale in 2005. Married to Kendall Taylor since 2015, she has children and continues performing as of 2026.
Back To Me
Written-By – Charles Harmon, Claude Kelly 3:57
2 Bittersweet
Written-By – Charles Harmon, Claude Kelly 3:57
3 Man Of The House
Written-By – Ryan Williamson, Shaffer Smith 3:21
4 Who's Been Lovin' You
Written-By – Carlos McKinney, Rico Love 3:39
5 Collard Greens & Cornbread
Written-By – Andrew "Pop" Wansel, Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson, Tiwa Savage, Warren "Oak" Felder 3:52
6 Teach Me
Written-By – Fantasia Barrino, James Ho, Jessyca Wilson, Kawan Prather 4:14
7 Move On Me
Written-By – Fantasia Barrino, James Ho, Jessyca Wilson, Kawan Prather 4:10
8 Trust Him
Written-By – Alonzo Mario Stevenson, Herbert Rooney, Tiffany Villarreal, Tony Reyes 3:12
9 The Thrill Is Gone
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Hal David, James Ho, Jessyca Wilson, Kawan Prather, Thomas Callaway 3:39
10 Falling In Love Tonight
Written-By – Daniel Morris, James Scheffer, Rico Love 4:00
11 Even Angels
Written-By – Heather Bright, Jeremy Reeves, Jonathan Yip, Ray Romulus 4:04
12 I'm Here
Written-By – Allee Willis, Brenda Russell, Stephen Bray 5:29
Label: J Records – 88697-66528-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2010
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B
Released on August 24, 2010, Back To Me is the third studio album by American R&B artist and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino. The album is described as her most "down-to-earth" and "organic" work, featuring a mix of modern R&B, classic soul, and gospel influences.
The project was largely conceived after Fantasia’s starring role as Celie in the Broadway musical The Color Purple, which contributed to a more mature and focused sound.
The album emphasizes live arrangements and "old school" grooves reminiscent of 1960s and 70s R&B. Notable producers include Chuck Harmony, Ne-Yo, Claude Kelly, and Jim Jonsin.
Critics praised Fantasia's "sandpapery" and "rough-hewn" vocals, particularly on raw, unadorned tracks like "Bittersweet".
Track Highlights
"Bittersweet": The lead single, which earned Fantasia a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
"I'm Doin' Me": An anthem of independence following a personal rough patch.
"The Thrill Is Gone": A collaboration with Cee-Lo Green that highlights her vocal grit.
"Collard Greens & Cornbread": A throwback track built on a Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell sample.
"I'm Here": A bonus studio version of her signature song from The Color Purple.
The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
The album's title was suggested by comedian Steve Harvey during a visit to his radio program, representing Fantasia's return to her musical roots after years of personal and professional challenges.