Fantasia Barrino: 'For Real' Reality Show Is a Hit for VH1

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.

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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 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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