She also played the role of Celie in The Color Purple on Broadway, and has earned both platinum and gold records. Born Fantasia Monique Barrino on June 30, 1984, in High Point, North Carolina, US, she rose to stardom as the winner of the third season of the reality television series American Idol in 2004. Following her victory, she employed her dynamic gospel-tinged voice in her debut single, "I Believe", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Next, she saw the release of her debut album, Free Yourself, which went on to be certified Platinum by the RIAA and also earned Barrino three Grammy nominations in 2006. The same year, came to light Fantasia's eponymous second album that spawned the single "When I See U" which topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for eight weeks. This sophomore album was certified Gold and earned three Grammy nominations in 2008. In the meantime, she entered the Broadway stage as well, playing the part of Celie in the musical, The Color Purple, which fetched her a 2007 Theatre World Award. The next album, Back to Me, was released worldwide on August 24, 2010 and includes the single "Bittersweet," which peaked in the top ten on the R&B chart. This song brought her a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. In April of 2013, Barrino returned to American Idol singing "Lose to Win." Fantasia's performance was described as "dynamic, passionate and powerful" and was received with a wild ovation from the live audience.
