
As previously reported by BV Buzz, 'American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino was hospitalized on Aug. 10, due to an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid. Contrary to various sources questioning whether there was foul play, it's now being reported that the 26-year-old singer's overdose was intentional.
In an excerpt from her forthcoming VH1 'Behind the Music' interview, the eight-time Grammy Award nominee revealed that the scrutiny surrounding her pending sex tape scandal had forced her into exile and ultimately toward suicide.
"I didn't have any fight in me. I didn't care about anything. I just wanted out," Barrino admitted during the interview, which premieres Aug. 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. "At that moment, I wanted out. I wanted it to be over with – all of it, all of that [expletive]."
See clip of Fantasia Barrino's 'Behind The Music' below.
"I just sat in the closet and looked at the mirror and took all the pills in the bottle," the 'Fantasia for Real' actress described of the night she overdosed. "I wanted to go to sleep and just be at peace. I knew exactly what I was doing. You can't accidentally take a whole bottle of pills."
Miraculously, the singer's near-fatal experience has given her enough strength and "motivation" to continue her career and promote her latest album, 'Back to Me,' which, coincidentally, is being released the same day as the premiere of her VH1 special.

Following her release from a North Carolina hospital on Aug. 12, Barrino released a statement through her record label, J Records, thanking fans for their prayers and support.
"I can't thank my fans enough for their prayers and support during such a challenging time," adding, "It has given me the motivation to get back to work. ...I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this album, and I pray that everyone enjoys it as much as I do."
Unfortunately, the cause of all of Barrino's recent self-loathing stems from being caught in the middle of a divorce between Antwaun and Paula Cook. On Aug. 4, the missus filed for divorce, detailing in court documents that the singer engaged in an affair with her husband and even "recorded" several of their sexual encounters.
While 'The Color Purple' musical star maintains her innocence, saying she believed Cook was separated from his wife, she admitted to being disheartened by the men who have been involved in her life.

"I was tired of people doing me wrong, constantly, over and over again --dealing with my family, my father, dealing with men and their [expletive]. I was tired," she disclosed to the VH1 special. "My head was hurting me. I was over it."
As for how much of a negative impact the whirlwind events may have on her future career, some media pundits feel that infidelity may have a major impact on her album sales.
"A significant portion of her consumer base is African American women, who don't take lightly the idea of someone breaking up another African American woman's marriage," said BlackVoices' columnist, Jawn Murray, who recently appeared on 'The Joy Behar Show' and 'Nancy Grace' to discuss the issue. "Fantasia has to convince the people she was the one misled by Antwaun Cook, because if they believe she purposely attempted to steal a married man, it could definitely be curtains for her career." The disappointing performance of Alicia Keys' last album is said to be due to her alleged role in ending producer Swizz Beatz marriage.
Terrie Williams, a public relations expert who has worked with Eddie Murphy, Janet Jackson, Russell Simmons and Mo'Nique, believes that Fantasia's visibility on the reality show has invited a heightened level of scrutiny within her personal life. Her suicide attempt is likely a clear signal that more serious issues than record sales plague the singer.
"Many in our community wear the mask of wellness while suffering from deep depression bought about life's ups and downs, whether losing a lover, a job, a home or in whatever we have placed value upon and invested in emotionally," said Williams, author of 'Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting.'
"A suicide attempt is an obvious cry for help for a young woman under many pressures. The great thing is that there are smart, trained people that can help, and the people who love and care for her should make sure that happens. We must share ourselves...healing starts with us."



Comments: (392)
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By: Cookie on 8/24/2010 10:18AM
You said it so well!! He will definitely do the same thing; I know from experience. They lie, cheat and cry (mine is the worse) BUT each time, right back to doing the same thing. I have had it; but I would not even think of committing suicide. I am a good woman and I know it!! I don't need some so called man to tell me. I trust God, who is the head of my life.
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By: Eddie on 8/23/2010 8:17PM
U know whats wrong? She wants a certain man (perfect), when one as money like her alot of scum bags come out of the woodwork. Using their good looks to overwhelm these women who if not for their fame & money would never had a chance to date them. She needs to lower her physical standards she set for a man. The human body is just a vessel for the soul. Its whats in it that counts.
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By: MommyX2 on 8/28/2010 12:31PM
I wish Fantasia well and hope she gets the mental health counseling she needs. However, all of my sympathy/empathy is for her daughter! I don't ever recall anyone saying life would be easy. I honestly feel like suicide is a selfish and cowardly act.
As far as the alleged affair---what goes around comes around!
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By: Hassie on 8/23/2010 8:17PM
It's not worth her life. She's an entertainer, not a personal friend. Her personal life is her own. People make bad choices every day, especially in romance. Hopefully she will learn from this and make wiser choices in the future. Not one of us has any right to judge her based on second hand info from the media. All she owes us is a good performance.
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By: barbara on 8/24/2010 6:55PM
I agree with you 100%. I also think people should not judge. The media and the public did not give Alicia Keys this much attention. The sad thing about this is all the negative comments that are being said about a person you don't know. Enough is enough.
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By: Tariq Shakoor on 8/23/2010 8:20PM
You know, it's pretty obvious that this young lady is a very troubled person. I for one don't believe she has enough talent in singing or acting to sustain a long career. I think it would help her in the long run to get some professional help (therapy) and some spiritual strength. Developing a real strong relationship with God can rescue her from her demons.
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By: Jason on 8/23/2010 8:18PM
Maybe she'll succeed next time.
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By: Mimi on 8/23/2010 8:19PM
I believe Fantasia was fully aware that this guy was married and still with his wife. I think her suicide attempt only happened because 1. she was embarrassed that it all came out 2. she was fearful of the affect that nasty sex tape would cause and 3. she knows that man's wife is going to sue her for all the little money she has! You can't do wrong and expect good things to happen for you...not even if you are a celebrity. You can take the girl out of the ghetto, but you can't take the ghetto out of the girl!
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By: terry on 8/24/2010 12:22AM
Mimi, I couldn't agree with you more. As the saying goes, what you do in the dark will come to light.
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By: cyndie barnes on 8/23/2010 8:23PM
Fantasia, prayers for you to begin a new day to strengthen your relationship with God. God gave you a purpose to have a talent to share with Him. It is not about fame, fans or love you are looking for. At the end of the day it is about the unconditional love God has for you. God sacrified His only Son so you may have Redemption. Do not allow the devil to cheat,lie and steal your dignity and self esteem. Your child needs you and when you focus on what this temporary world can do for you...remember it is temporary and the love from your child and God is all you need. Do not be selfish and stuck on yourself because your child did not ask to be born to a mother to leave her behind because someone lied to you. Last you have choices from being blessed with free will. Remember to focus on the word that is God's Plan.
Blessings to you and your daughter.
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