'''Fantasia Monique Barrino''' (born June 30, 1984), or simply '''Fantasia''', is a popular American soul Grammy-nominated singer who rose to fame as the winner of the third season of the television series ''American Idol'' in 2004. Her debut album ''Free Yourself'' was a commercial success garnering four Grammy nominations. During 2005, Fantasia distinguished herself as one of America's exciting acts, leading to a number of award show appearances and an invitation from Kanye West to join his 2005 tour. In an Allhiphop.com interview, Kanye said "I just thought she was a dope ass performer and I wanted more people to see her." Fantasia was also the #1 artist on the Adult R&B format for 2005 according to the December 13th, 2005 Billboard Magazine. Her sophomore album, tentatively titled "Young Girl, Old Soul", will be released on Tuesday November 7, 2006.

Early life

Born and raised in High Point, North Carolina, Fantasia began singing in her church at the age of five as a member of a singing group with her parents and siblings. The Barrino Family travelled and performed in The Carolinas and elsewhere in the American South and recorded the CD ''Miracles'' for a local label. Fantasia's singing style was shaped by the example of gospel singers like Shirley Caesar and The Clark Sisters.

After a sexual assault that left her feeling embarrassed and harassed Fantasia dropped out of high school. In a later relationship Fantasia became pregnant. At age 17, on August 8, 2001, Fantasia gave birth to Zion Quari' Barrino. Fantasia and her boyfriend tried to make life as a family work, but the rocky relationship did not last. Fantasia was left as an unemployed single teenage mother.

Fantasia's grandfather, Curtis Barrino, was a gospel singer in the 1950's and early 1960's with a group called the Emanuel Harmonizers. Fantasia's uncles Perry, Nate and Julius Barrino formed the Barrino Brothers in the early seventies. The group recorded two albums for the Invictus label, a Motown offshoot that also gave Parliament their first break.

Fantasia's father is the youngest Barrino brother. Joe Barrino sang in a gospel group called Little Cedric and the Hailey Singers. Fantasia's cousins are Cedric and Joel Hailey, better known as R&B singers K-Ci and JoJo who along with the DeGrate brothers formed singing group Jodeci in 1990.

Fantasia's brothers Ricco and JoJo formed the group Infinite 3 and became driving forces behind the Othaz Records label in Greensboro, NC. In July 2006 Othaz Records signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group. Ricco Barrino is a backup singer in Fantasia's touring band.

American Idol

thumb|200px|left|Fantasia Barrino, the winner of season three of ''American Idol''.