By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

"I ain't never heard the sleep word so much in my life until I got on Broadway. I'm so tired - mentally tired, physically tired. Miss Celie takes a lot out of me. I'm being told everyday that I'm ugly. ... you can't play the part if you don't kind of put yourself in her shoes and live her life. So it's like, I carry that stuff with me."
-- 'American Idol' winner turned Broadway darling Fantasia Barrino about her starring role in 'The Color Purple' musical. (Associated Press)


Comments: (154)
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By: Robbie Rob on 8/24/2007 5:03PM
You are a beautiful woman, and don't you forget that. With such humbling beginnings behind you, there's no way to go but up. The character of Miss Celie accentuates such a low self-esteem, that's it's understandable just how tiring it could be reliving it day after day. But, then again, how wonderful is it, that the play is in such demand, that you're needed and wanted in such a great way, to play such a role. Congratulations to you, my sista....we adore your work and appreciate you very much.
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By: The Black Socialite on 8/24/2007 6:29PM
Fantasia girl - you are doing it up BIG! Congrats on your success on Broadway.
I'm packing my Jimmy Choos to head up there soon to see you!
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By: sharifah sadiq on 8/24/2007 7:41PM
It's a shame that people are calling you ugly and you are taking their view of you to heart. Those people must be "white" women and those of us black women that are jealous of your success. In my opinion "perms" destroy our hair. In my opinion you could be alot more attactive if you grew out the perm and went "natural". There are places like the hair salon on 121 street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem that will do you wonders. Keep up the good work and continue to talk about what is bothering you.
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By: Dayum on 8/24/2007 8:19PM
Does #3 not get that Fantasia's taking about the character in the play? Hair salons in Harlem....too funny.
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By: 1250 on 8/25/2007 11:45PM
#4 I was thinking the same thing.
#3 sharifah sadiq, that's very sweet but Fantasia isn't talking about being called ugly in real life. She's talking about working in TCP and the character that she plays is being called ugly within the play (written by Alice Walker). I think it's cute that you actually offered salons that she could visit, I guess you say if she's that down she must need tips, help or something. LOL that's the funniest thing I've read in a while.
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By: kai boston on 8/25/2007 1:21PM
Idon't see her comments as some of you guys do. I have the same feeling about Fantasia and her lack of style.
I saw her sing at the Tonys and all I can say is her press and curl style has got to go.
I understand she owns a salon in her home town she does need someone to help her with her hair it is absolutly horrendous.
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By: me on 8/25/2007 12:15AM
Yes number 3 Fantasia was talking about the part that she is playing in the play which i saw. Fantasia is fantastic in this role, so much emotion, i laughed i cried and i just smile. I'm so proud of the best American Idol that competition ever had.
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By: Mssylady on 8/25/2007 6:23PM
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL FANTANSIA! For real, Gurlllll, if I looked like you...well, I don't and that's ok. But I wish I could see you in the play, but I've heard from so many that you are FANTASTIC. I saw you on Oprah and both times I cried after your performance. Girl you are not in character just remember the God you serve did not make any junk when He made you. That is why you were chosen to do what you are doing. PTL!!!
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By: me on 8/25/2007 1:34PM
# 7 who was talking about her style we were commenting on the remarks in the article.
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By: Lillian Smith on 9/08/2007 6:25AM
It's probably time for Fantansia to move on. She i such a spiritual person and professional who puts her all into the part she plays or sings. It would be healthy for her to move on. Hope her contract allows her to move on before she enters depression.
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