That Grape Juice were fortunate enough to catch up with Grammy-nominated R&B star Fantasia Barrino recently. The 25 year old, whose new VH1 reality series ‘Fantasia For Real’ has been a hit with viewers, spoke candidly with That Grape Juice in a 40 minute long conversation about many a topic. Areas discussed include how ‘real’ the show actually is, her new album, the rumours which threatened to destroy her career, her romantic life (yes, we asked about Antwaun Cook!), industry politics and so much more. As ever, we asked the questions you really want answers to…and answer them Fantasia did. A lengthy, yet great read; this is Fantasia for real….Enjoy!
After a brief rest on the bench, our Best You Never Heard feature returns this week with little known gems by Ashanti, Fantasia, Mario and Alexandra Burke.
———————————-
Ashanti – You’re Gonna Miss
Ashanti‘s criminally underrated LP ‘The Declaration’ (2008) housed many a hit, with one of its best offerings being ‘You’re Gonna Miss’. Produced by LT Hutton, the 80′s inspired Synth-Pop meets R&B cut had ‘winner’ written all over it; which makes the lacklustre performance of the album (due to industry politics etc) all the more unfortunate. Still, regardless of the record’s eventual fate, we’ve still been gifted gems like this. Awesome track.
Listen:
———————————-
Fantasia – Til My Baby Comes Home
The incomparable Fantasia served up the hotness on her remake of Luther Vandross’ ‘Til My Baby Comes Home’ from 2005. Lifted from ‘So Amazing…An All-Star Tribute To Luther Vandross’ compilation, the American Idol alum took the song to church and beyond! Passionately sung and really capturing the essence of the track’s lyrical narrative, Ms. Barrino’s version, IMO, gives the original an undeniable run for its money. Some 5 years later, I cannot get enough of ‘Tasia’s vocal runs and riffs on this one. The business.
Listen:
———————————-
Alexandra Burke – Nothing But The Girl
It’s a given that X-Factor sensation Alexandra Burke has a level of talent which positions her as world-class. However the material on her otherwise successful debut ‘Overcome’ didn’t really provide her the firmest of foundations to showcase that (though she ‘s making the best of what’s she’s been given and nailing each and every live performance). The album does indeed boast a few gems though, one of the biggest stand-outs being ‘Nothing But The Girl’. Pennedby Ne-Yo, the song is a delicious slice of Electro-Pop, with a side helping of R&B. If there’s any justice in the world (or her label lol) this has to be a single at some point in the albums shelf-life.
Listen:
———————————-
Mario – Music For Love
R&B crooner Mario delivered his strongest offering yet with 2007′s ‘Music For Love’. Featured on the 24 yea old’s equally as great ‘Go!’ LP, the track is a metaphorical nod to the art of making love. Though such a topic is much-treaded on territory in R&B, the song separates itself from the masses with ridiculously clever wordplay, which makes for it to sound sensual as opposed to sleazy. Some may call it a stretch, but this is a modern day R&B classic, which most certainly should have received the single treatment. Interestingly, a video was in the pipeline, yet was axed for unknown reasons.
After a few weeks rested on the bench, our From The Vault feature is back!
This week’s classic clip is Fantasia‘s soaring rendition of ’The Colour Purple’ gem ‘I’m Here’ on The Oprah Winfrey Show back in 2007. Ms. Barrino performed the song on the show to coincide with the announcement that she’d be taking on the lead role of Celie in ‘The Colour Purple’s Broadway run.
About the actual performance; WOW! Some 3 years later, I still get chills watching this. Raw, emotive, and beautifully sung, Fantasia had me won with this song – which I ironically heard for the first time when watching this performance. Flawless.
Note: Look out for our interview with Fantasia this coming week. A 40 minute (yes, you read right!) in-depth chat, full of honesty and plenty laughs. What’s more, we asked the questions you really want answers to. You won’t want to miss this one!
Check out episode 1 of R&B star Fantasia‘s brand new VH1 reality series ‘Fantasia For Real’ below. Having just watched the show – which premieres on TV this coming Monday – I must say I’m already hooked! As well as the drama (namely the fact she’s taking care of six people financially) and the musical side of things, Fantasia has such a radiant personality that one can’t help but warm to her – and be certain to tune in to the next episode. Good stuff.
Randomness: As much as I love Fantasia’s J Records label-mate (who shall remain nameless) and her BET reality show, Tasia’s clearly knocks it out of the water.
R&B star Fantasia stopped by BET’s 106 & Park to promote her new reality show ‘Fantasia For Real’, which kicks off next Monday on VH1. During her interview, the American Idol alum made a special request to address a few rumours about her private life. You can see what she had to say in the video above.
As regards our own interview with Fantasia, hold tight, it’s on it’s way. It’s simply a case of finding it a little hard to sync schedules. However, rest assured the interview is 110% confirmed and will be taking place place any time between now and late next week. You all were actually notified a little early so to allow fans to contribute questions (as is usual here at That Grape Juice). We really see it as imperative to only conduct the type of interviews we’d like to read. Hence, no phoniness and rehashes of the same ol’ media-trained interview. Instead it’s about asking the questions you really want answers to and ones which make for a genuinely interesting read. Any way enough of my rambling; put simply, it’s coming! Thanks for your patience
Smash-maker Rico Love has been hard at work creating records with the likes of Kelly Rowland, Usher, Jamie Foxx and Nelly recently. However, another name has been added to that list – Fantasia. The songwriter/producer has been hyping up the collaboration on his official Twitter account and took the time to exclusively reveal some additional information about the recording sessions That Grape Juice:
Which artists haven’t worked with yet but you would love to work with moving forward?
At first I said Fantasia; I had never worked with Fantasia but I just worked with her last weekend. After listening to this album, I would have to say Jay-Z.
Speaking of Fantasia, what can we expect from her record?
I just did one record with her that was amazing. I didn’t get the chance to hear the rest of her record but we did one record that I felt was very strong Los Da Mystro and Carlos McKinney. I’m looking forward to getting back in because I was just blown away by vocals and her ability to just capture a record in the making. It’s unbelievable.
Do you have any track titles available?
[Laughs] I don’t want to give that away.
Though not a lot to work with, the details Rico provided are enough to encourage ample speculation about the direction of Fantasia’s record. I am eager to hear what she puts forward because she one of the few R&B acts in recent times who manages to deliver unbridled performances both in the studio and one stage. 2010 is going to be a great year for music!
Check out the official trailer for Fantasia‘s new VH1 reality show ‘Fantasia For Real’, which premieres January 11th 2010. We’ll definitely be tuning into this one!
In other Fantasia news, our interview with her – which was (re)scheduled to take place this week (today actually), has been pushed to the 1st week of January. With the Holiday season upon us and Fantasia currently on a tough studio schedule, a decision was made to re-schedule the interview to be nearer the show’s premiere. The unpredictable nature of this industry can be both a blessing and a….yeah…you get the point LOL. In any case, you can still submit questions for our Fantasia interview by clicking here. Regular readers will know we don’t disappoint with our interviews and ask the questions YOU really want answers to, so be sure not to miss out. Thanks for your patience!
We here at That Grape Juice are pleased to announce that will be interviewing multi-time Grammy nominee Fantasia in the coming week!
The American Idol alum is gearing up for the January première of her new VH1 reality show ‘Fantasia For Real’, as well as her 3rd studio album, which is also due early 2010.
Do you have any questions for Fantasia? If so, be sure to drop them in the comments section. As usual, only legitimate questions will be considered.
VH1 today announced official details of R&B Fantasia‘s new reality show, which will air on the network next month (January 11th 2010 at 10pm). Titled ‘Fantasia For Real’, the docu-series will comprise 8 episodes. Check out the synopsis below:
Six years ago, Fantasia was a young single mother from High Point, North Carolina singing in her church choir and struggling to raise her daughter, Zion. On a whim, she tried out for the third season of “American Idol,” and seemingly overnight the world discovered Fantasia’s tremendous voice. Five years and 8 Grammy® Award nominations later, life couldn’t look more different for Fantasia. Her first album, Free Yourself, was a platinum-selling, chart-topping success, bringing her wealth, fame, and recognition as an accomplished artist. Fantasia has worked with many music industry legends, including Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Missy Elliot. In 2007 Fantasia was chosen to star as “Celie” in the acclaimed Broadway musical “The Color Purple.” Her book “Life is Not a Fairy Tale” made the New York Times bestseller list, and she also starred in a made-for-television movie based on her life.
As Fantasia’s fame has grown, her personal life has increasingly become more complicated. The sole breadwinner for her large family, Fantasia struggles to balance career, family, being single mother and the demanding life of a highly successful performing artist. Fantasia’s VH1 series delves into how she has dealt with the seismic aftershocks of fame, all while managing the daily demands of life on the road and writing and recording new music that will connect with her fans.
“Fantasia has engaged millions of fans not only through her music and her amazing talent but also by her incredible fairytale life story,” said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming & Production, VH1. “Our audience helped Fantasia become an American Idol and now, with this series, they get a backstage pass into her real life as she confronts obstacles to realize her true potential as an artist, a mother, a daughter and a sister.”
I love me some Fantasia, so I will most definitely be checking for the show come January! Here’s hoping it ties-in with a new album, as it’s hard to believe it’s been almost 4 years since she dropped her last record, the incredible ‘Fantasia’.
That Grape Juice. Better with friends ! Immerge yourself in the brand new social reader experience and share the latest gossip with your friends. Login to Facebook below ...
