By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

When high-powered producer Scott Sanders revealed to me he had something "big" coming up in a couple of weeks -- backstage at last week's scorching hot Joe's Pub showcase for Elisabeth Withers-Mendes -- I had no idea it entailed a major music star joining the Broadway musical, 'The Color Purple.'

Sanders is the lead producer of the Oprah Winfrey-christened production, which he envisioned on The Great White Way some-odd nine years ago.

"Not yet, Karu. Just keep your eyes and ears open," he teased.

Well, today all sorts of folk are buzzing that 'American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino will be the new face of the beloved musical, based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning classic novel that was made into a historical 1985 film, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Whoopi Goldberg.

"I can not confirm anything," theater super-publicist Carol Fineman told The BV Newswire, when pressed for a confirmation today.

However an insider hinted that although the ink hasn't dried on the contracts, it's nearly a done deal that Barrino take on the role of lead character Celie in the harrowing coming of stage story dealing with rape, incest, domestic abuse and lesbianism. Theater veteran LaChanze won the prestigious Tony Award last year for her turn in the part.

Goldberg, as history has it, launched her movie career with her breakthrough debut in the film, which was nominated for 18 Academy Awards.

This wouldn't be a bad move for Barrino, who has transcended the 'American Idol' mold in more diverse ways than previous winners Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and best-selling pop and country starlets Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood, respectively.

The High Point, North Carolina native's memoir titled 'Life is Not a Fairy Tale' -- detail her family drama and sexual abuse -- became a 'New York Times' best-selling book. It was later made into a Lifetime television movie, directed by Debbie Allen., and made history as the network's highest rated production. She also has a MAC Cosmetics product named in her honor, and served as a spokesperson for the America Rag clothing line.

In December, Barrino released her sophomore disc on J Records, a self-tilted hip-hop hodgepodge that is approaching gold selling status. She is currently touring with Academy Award winning funnyman Jamie Foxx.

A record label rep for Barrino offered "no comment at this time" regarding her starring in 'Purple.'

BV Extras:

-- BV reviews 'The Color Purple'