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The Jan. 11 premiere of 'American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino's new reality show, 'Fantasia For Real,' debuted strong numbers for VH1.
According to a network spokesperson, the "docu-series" scored a 1.4 P18-49 rating and brought in 2.3 million total viewers. It was also the #2 non-sports original cable series for the day.
The timing couldn't be better, either: The season opener of 'American Idol' takes place Jan. 12, and a new J Records project – her third full length recording – is expected in March. For most of the month of Feb., the High Point, North Carolina native will star in the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical when it returns to Los Angeles.
Scott Sanders, lead producer of 'Purple' is elated that Barrino is returning to the show, for which she became a box -office draw when it played on Broadway. "She is a unique talent who, like Celie, the lead character she plays in the show, has her own set of personal struggles and challenges. But, just as Celie does in 'Purple,' I know that Fantasia will always face her challenges head on and triumph over any obstacles put in her way."
'For Real,' which is executive produced by Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and Jeremy Simmons for World of Wonder, follows Fantasia as she juggles her career, family drama and single-motherhood while devoting her energy into recording music.
2008 BET Awards
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Humanitarian Award Recipient Quincy Jones poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Anthony Hamilton poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly (L) and singer Ashanti pose in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly (L) and singer Ashanti pose in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly (L) and singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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Comments: (41)
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By: kemo on 1/13/2010 11:29AM
I love fantasia and I wish her and her family all the best. Keep praying baby girl God will see you through. Much love to ya!
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By: jason on 1/13/2010 12:33PM
that show was good, really good!. I can't wait for the new album and I hope she sets that brother straight.
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By: C. L. Chandler on 1/13/2010 3:21PM
The show was good, like everything else you do and pray for. With God at the helm you can not fail. You will be fine, because you have been chosen, and highly favored to succeed. May God continue to bless you and lift your burdens.
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By: mzessence7 on 1/13/2010 4:26PM
I'm glad that U're back. Everyone have their own reasons that haven't back to work, etc. I'm sure you will get better for this new year of 2010. I pray for your family that need to fix problems around you house, They need to give their supportive for you, your daughter and your cherish music. Only way is God know the answer to take care of you. Keep it up Fantasia!! God bless you!
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By: Demetrius Hunter on 1/13/2010 6:11PM
I think we should commend her in the efforts of her getting that GED Diploma. Iam so proud that someone from my native state is real and shoots for the stars. She is a star!!!
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By: Ondway on 1/14/2010 2:08AM
I am very happy that Fantasia is working on furthering her education as well as making a comeback. She is a very lovely, talented soul. I wish her and her child nothing but the best. I feel that Idol really did not do their part to really promote Fantasia. In my book she is as good as Carrie Underwood.
I have no doubt that she can fill the shoes of Aretha, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and many other great African American female singers. I will definitely be watching her television show. God Bless you Fantasia. I for one am thankful that you were on Idol. I knew weeks before that you were going to be the next Idol, but was stilled truly excited to hear your name said. You go Girl.
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By: shelby weber on 1/13/2010 6:21PM
Why do "some" race card playing people get to have so many shows that out number the minority. So many non minority hoes on shows kissing, sleeping with men, skanks. Why when a black woman does it, it's negative. Double standards and race card playing, entitlementship... lol... haters!
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By: Ondway on 1/14/2010 2:24AM
Shelby, I have learned through the years the best way to fight racism is to not lower yourself to the racist standards. I am caucasian, but know how it feels to be despised for who you are. I have Jewish blood in me, and lived in Germany in the late 50's. The Military moved us in the middle of the night because someone targeted our family for having Jewish blood.
When it comes down to it, we all draw our last breath the same. I look at it this way, what goes around, comes around. I have seen it happen many times.
I was blessed to be raised by parents that taught us that skin color is just that. Nothing more. We all need the same things in life to survive. It starts with parents teaching their children that we are not to judge anyone regardless of race, sexual preferences, or religious beliefs. I did the same with my children and they only see the person, not their skin color.
Take care.
Ann
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By: Tonya Wright on 1/13/2010 8:15PM
I wish nothing but the Best for you and your family. Remember, love. YOU TEACH people how to treat you. I can understand your need, desire and want to please your family. My advice is to get closer to Christ, he will draw closer to you. Your relationship with him is the MOST important ! and he will give you the courage and strength to say NO to those who use you. You are a role model,for others and your success its define in want you have but, for who you are. Material things are swallow and we are to leave it all behind in the end. Align your spirit with the lord, sing his praises in your songs. Don't allow your show, to destroy your fragile family. Seek couseling,if need be... You cant be everything to everybody !!
BE TRUE TO YOU so that your daughter may soley benefit from you doing your best in her reguards.
GOD BLESS NC Girl :) PS. If I see you on the South side. I will speak !
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By: juana on 1/13/2010 8:35PM
SHE LOOKS FABULOUS....U GO GIRL
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