As previously announced, American Idol winner and platinum-selling R&B artist Fantasia is set to star in her own VH1 reality show. We now have the details and the premiere date — check the press release below.
VH1 will give viewers a close-up view into the complex, touching and surprisingly relatable life of recording artist, actress and American Idol winner Fantasia. The series follows Fantasia as she juggles her career and single-motherhood while devoting her energy into recording her highly anticipated third album. The 8 episode, 30-minute docu-series Fantasia For Real is slated to premiere January 11, 2010 at 10PM on VH1.
Six years ago, Fantasia was a young single mother from High Point, North Carolina singing in her church choir and struggling to raise her daughter, Zion. On a whim, she tried out for the third season of American Idol, and seemingly overnight the world discovered Fantasia’s tremendous voice. Five years and 8 Grammy® Award nominations later, life couldn’t look more different for Fantasia. Her first album, Free Yourself, was a platinum-selling, chart-topping success, bringing her wealth, fame, and recognition as an accomplished artist. Fantasia has worked with many music industry legends, including Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Missy Elliot. In 2007 Fantasia was chosen to star as Celie in the acclaimed Broadway musical The Color Purple. Her book Life is Not a Fairy Tale made the New York Times bestseller list, and she also starred in a made-for-television movie based on her life.
As Fantasia’s fame has grown, her personal life has increasingly become more complicated. The sole breadwinner for her large family, Fantasia struggles to balance career, family, and the demanding life of a highly successful performing artist. Fantasia’s VH1 series delves into how she has dealt with the seismic aftershocks of fame, all while managing the daily demands of life on the road and writing and recording new music that will connect with her fans.
“Fantasia has engaged millions of fans not only through her music and her amazing talent but also by her incredible fairytale life story,” said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming & Production, VH1. “Our audience helped Fantasia become an American Idol and now, with this series, they get a backstage pass into her real life as she confronts obstacles to realize her true potential as an artist, a mother, a daughter and a sister.”
Viewers can catch a sneak peek of the season’s first episode on VH1.com – several days before the on-air premiere. Subsequent episodes will be available on VH1.com the morning after they air. Additional video content from Fantasia For Real including extras from each episode will be available on VH1.com and on VH1 Mobile throughout the season.
The series is executive produced by Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and Jeremy Simmons for World of Wonder. Executive producers for VH1 are Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Jeff Olde.
146 responses to to Fantasia For Real: Coming In January
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MAY GOD BLESS HER.FANTASIA,KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND LET GOD KEEP ON USEING U LET HE IS DOING.I LOVE YOU BABYGIRL,I LOOK AT ALL HER MOVIES AND PLAY ALL HER MUSIC.I PRAY THAT U MAKE SOMEMORE MOVIES. THANK U DIANE #FAN
Fantasia,
I am sooooooo proud of you girl, keep ur head high and always remember God has already ordered your steps you just follow the path. God is you only judge, haters are the devils work, so when people talk bad about you just laugh and tell them that Gods grace and mercy is the only approval you need, and he has already showed you that you have his favor. God bless u and keep you and yours. I’ll be watching the show.
I love Fantasia and her voice is awesome, however, I have a question “why does her entire family live off of her and where were they living beforfe she started to sing?” Her income will forever go down with such living arrangements. i can’t believe that after all this time of living they were not making it until this girl got picked up!!! Is she the only one working in the house? I know she is truly family oriented but to what point? She b ought her mother a house, what happened to that. is she still in the house, does anyone live with her or is everyone living off of Fantasia? She’s still working with a dwindling income, when does she get a break? Maybe the show will clear up some of these questions. I notice no one ever speaks of this maybe I missed something.
Really?! Will anyone watch this? WHY? what a joke- did she not get enough attention by saying she was illiterate on american idol- BORING! I refuse to watch this crap!
Really?! Will anyone watch this? WHY? what a joke- did she not get enough attention by saying she was illiterate on american idol- BORING! I refuse to watch this crap!VH1- I love money was entertainment! The flavor of love was delightful. This new show will be an embarassement to you…
Luv u tasia
u r the real and
true American Idol !_~#^!)~~$$^(+)! carrie she sint got +(^&(+@^`@+%&++( on u wit her overrated !%#“@!_#$@^#)*
I have watched Fantasia from the very first moment she hit the American Idol stage and continue to follow her career. saw her live in Indianapolis and she was awesome! I will definitely watch her special. Many more blessings to you Fantasia!
Fantasia, you are awesome, I can’t wait to see the show. When a person makes it big, everyone expects you to be responsible for them, enough is enough. Fantasia, you will be okay! Ohh and to SOOBoredWiththiscrap, you are the embarassment and you comment was very, very, very illiterate and while we’re enjoying Fantasia, you should engage in My Child can Read!
Hi Fantasia…Congrats on your new show!!! I will be watching. Whenever you need to film the party of Aunt Bonnie and her friends from Dallas, you know Im there!!!
I can’t wait more then interested in watching this show forget thehaters nnegative ppl cus I bet they be the main ones watching it In so much hope of failure
Congrats Fantasia on your new show. I saw the previews tonight and are looking forward to seeing the actual show on Monday. When its time to film aunt Bonnie and her buddies from Dallas, you know I will be a part of that show! God Bless and take care!!!
Fantasia,
I go back to Idol and crying as you sing because your gift is sooooooo real! And from the very first I thought
‘now, that’s the kind of daughter I would have wanted’,
I could almost see how humble you were and I love it!
You continue the path that GOD has set for you and know that you are an inspiration to many. Lacey151
I saw a sneak peek of Fantasia for Real on jan.4th and I love the song she sings toward the end of it going off. Can someone please tell me the name of it???
I think its called ‘move on me’ i think, i cant wait 4 the show mon. jan.11, but dont forget 2 watch her on bet celebration of gospel on jan.10 at 8pm fantasia 2 nights in a row cant wait
I must say I am one of your biggest supporters! I look forward to all the blessings that will flow this year for you! 2010 is your year! And I can’t wait to hear this new single on episode 1!
Fantasia first and foremost I am praying that God will continue to bless you. I pray that everything that you set your hands to that is positive and for your good and the good of all you love turns PLATINUM!!! Keep reaching for the sky. We love you. Congratulations.
I am so happy for you, I’ve loved you from the first time I saw and heard your exceptional unique voice. I understand what you’ve gone through. I have been searching and asking, where is fantasia? I saw you and your Mom on Bobby Jones. I taped it and I play it over and over. You must do something Gospel, you and your Mom.
I thank God for you, your Mom and most of all God, and VH1, Executive producers and all of the above producers.
God has so gifted you, the sky is the limit, please Fantasia, sing, perform, movie whatever your hear desire. BE BLESSED.
Fantasia, don’t even lie. You know this show is just promotion for your new CD…
However, after watching the first episode online, I will admit that this show is pretty nice. Especially that mooch of a brother Teeny. He’s funny to watch.
“Move on Me” seems like a good song for a single too. I may not but your cd, but I know I will be downloading it for “free” when it comes out.
Fantasia do your thang girl! I love you and I will support you. Continue to go to the top and they will either hate it or love it. In this case I know for a fact that I will love it. Well I love you and I will see all 8 episodes.
Fantasia do your thang girl! I love you and I will support you. Continue to go to the top and they will either hate it or love it. In this case I know for a fact that I will love it. Well I love you and I will see all 8 episodes. +#^+(*#%)_^$&#^_ the haters
Fantasia do your thang girl! I love you and I will support you. Continue to go to the top and they will either hate it or love it. In this case I know for a fact that I will love it. Well I love you and I will see all 8 episodes. ^!((“$&&&“+%)$ the haters
maybe she trying to do what keisha did get them on and then move on to her own thing i believe in fam helpin but to what point does it end…….love,live&pray
Get ready it’s TASIA TIME! So excited.
Fantasia i’m glad you brought a change to reality tv. it seems that everything is about who can date who, or kick whoever to the curve and take two seasons or more to do it. thanks for giving the people something worth watching. thanks for keeping it real and not whining like the other females reality show. plus you sound excellent “LIVE” and not everyone can pull that off. looking forward to the comeback. yes i will be buying the cd and not downloading it for free like some folks can’t wait to do. Forever SHINE ON YOUR GRIND.
Love Fantasia to death. Have been told by a few people I look like her.
Nothing makes you stronger than going through some things.
Girl keep your head up!!
Fantasia I’ve been a fan since American Idol. Watched your show tonight on vh1 please tell ur mooching grown brother Teeny that in order to realize a dream you have to put in the work to obtain it. Please stop enabling him from being a man and allow him to grow up and become a productive self respecting man, nobody handed you anything. We all fall down at times but thanks be to GOD he picks us up and dust us off.
1st of all to all tha haters please stop hating because HATING WONT MAKE YOU BETTA!!! 2nd Fantasia i love u (no homo)but dont let the negative comments get to you i loved tha show so much.and if you have any spare time please come to rock hill S.C to perform and if you cant then pretty please come at least some where close THANK YOU
P.S I AM YOUR NUMBER 1 FAN
I saw you in Augusta,Ga 12/04/09,and you were great.You and Uncle Charlie put on a good show!!!Would love to hear from you !!
Fantasia,
Stop looking to man for approval.
When the Lord says YES, what else matters. You can do all things with Christ which keeps you. Understand that sometime family can be a stubbling block as-well. Just like the Lord has provided for you he will provide for them aswell. Gods plan for you is just that, a plan for your life only. Your family has their on path to take. Don’t find yourself standing in the way or will of God. The Lord dosen’t need your help. Remember only what you do for Christ will last. I Love You and will keep you in my prayers.
Fantasia,
I loved the show and I am looking forward to the upcoming shows. I wish it were an hour long. I am a true fan and have loved you from day one. I will buy two albums as soon as you drop it.
May God continue to bless you and give you peace.Love always a true fantasia fan
i think its great to have her mother and younger brother staying with her.. family is very important to her but her brother teeny is just impossible i watched the first episode and fell inlove with the show but her brother was really pissing me off being selfish and not pulling his weight around the house her mother takes care of her daugther while she’s on tour so that is a help to fantasia but teeny does nothing i wanted to slap him myself when he tore up her pool house for his studio he cares only about himself and some family memebers like that need to be out the picture because they will ony bring you down!!!
i think its great to have her mother and younger brother staying with her.. family is very important to her but her brother teeny is just impossible i watched the first episode and fell inlove with the show but her brother was really pissing me off being selfish and not pulling his weight around the house her mother takes care of her daugther while she’s on tour so that is a help to fantasia but teeny does nothing i wanted to slap him myself when he tore up her pool house for his studio he cares only about himself and some family memebers like that need to be out the picture because they will ony bring you down!!!
I am so mad after watching the 1st episode. She need to put her brother out on his !~_&~`@&$(~*)%_ Fantasia’s Aunt Bunny is the only who has her best interest at heart. He is 28 years old, get a job, and how you and your friends gonna call yourself remolding somebody else house. You don’t pay no bills. Test driving Farrarris N*gga please!!! Isn’t enought that ya’ll almost brought her down. Why is she taking care of her whole family? I am sorry that just really irked. Maybe if they see how their actions or nonactions are affeting fantasia. He mom ain’t no help either.
I am glad the she is trying to get her life and career back on track. She has a wonderful spirit. I love her voice. It’s sad her family is putting her through so much drama.
A great show, but how sad for fantasia to have family like she has. I feel really bad for her. fame has its drawbacks.
It made me so mad to see how Fantasia brother Tiny was taking advantage of her. I really wish she would cut him loose. I the previews of upcoming shows he was telling her that she changed. But the thing is,if she didn’t want to change, she wouldn’t have went on Idol. He tore up her pool house like it was his. I really felt bad for her. And to think he thinks he’s a man, he doesn’t even have a drivers license. REALLY. With all those grown folks living in her house, they all need to be working contributing to the household. She got the house, so one person needs to be responsible for the food, one the electric, etc.. and she shouldn’t have to worry about daycare because one of those people that are mooching off of her should be willing to help. One person supporting 6 people that makes no sense. REALLY
I am a white female and I am just one of many of Fantasia’s white fans and I say what race I am because I want Fantasia to know that she has many fans of many races and cultures out here just waiting for her to make her move again!! I voted for her on American Idol and supported her all the way! I have missed seeing her face and am happy that she’s coming back to us!! I saw Fantasia in concert here in Monroe, La when she visited our city. It was great! She called me on stage to sing and dance with her and it made my day!! I know she will remember me because I was very persistent at getting back stage with my daughter to meet her and I did – she let me come back!! Thank you Fantasia for that, I will never forget it! After we took pictures together, before we parted, Fantasia hugged my neck and said to me “pray for me” — I felt this request in my heart and new she was struggling– I want her to know that I did pray for her for a long time, but after a while I did forget and stopped praying for her and I want her to know I am praying for her again –hang in there girl, you are strong and made of good stuff !! BE PERSISTANT, just as I was at the concert to meet you and I did–YOU CAN DO THIS — JUST KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!!!LOVE TO YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU! I’M LOVIN FANTASIA FOR REAL!!
Fantasia,
Just want you to know the older crowd is waiting on your CD as well “Truth is” was one of my favorites. My girlfriend and I stayed up and voted over 75 times each; you deserved to win, hands down. Keep going. God Bless.
MathProfessor
loved the show and still love you fantasia. But could not believe your brother would treat your house like that. He tore it up like it was his and planning on how he will be spending your money. PUT HIS BUT TO WORK LIVING OFF YOU.Be her body guard do something besides take.
I watched Fantasia’s new show, “Fantasia For Real,” & I really enjoyed it!! I have been a fan of Fantasia since she was on American Idol & I am so proud of her. She is representin’ 4 da single mothers out here that r tryin’ 2 make it happen 4 their children! I pray that Fantasia will continue 2 have much success! May God Bless her & her family!I must say that her brother “Joe aka Teeny” is a trip!! Yall have spoiled dat boy for real!!! Fantasia has a heart 2 help others but if it’s becomin’ 2 much of a burden, let it go!! God will NOT put 2 much on u than u can bear!Love U ‘Tasia! Keep up da good work! And thanks 4 puttin’ North Carolina on da map my sistah!! Peace & Blessings 2 u!
SO……………….I’m mad cause I looked at the schedule for the next episode and I didnt see one!!!!!Really dont watch t.v but when i heard she was doing a show I had to see for myself! I love fantasia she is amazing! Her family reminds me sooo much of my own. They “real” and in the time of frustration they know how to “PRAY”! I’m so excited to watch her show. If im not too tied down doing homework in the studio, I will faithfully be sittin in front of the t.v checkin out the next episode. Proud of Tasia! God Bless!
I LOVED THE SHOW AND IT’S ABOUT TIME SOMEBODY FAMOUS IS
REALLY TRYING TO “KEEP IT REAL” FAMILY CAN BE A TRIP AT TIMES,BUT WITHOUT THEM,SOMETIMES YOUR LIFE CAN BE SAD & LONELY.LIKE MY DAD ALWAYS SAYS,”EVERYBODY THAT IS GROWN NEEDS TO STAND ON THEIR OWN TWO FEET” MAYBE THE TIME HAS COME FOR “CERTAIN MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY” TO START SEEING THE TRUTH FOR WHAT IT REALLY IS,STOP LIVING OFF OF YOU AND YOUR GENEROSITY!!!(BEEN THERE,DONE THAT)PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN & STOP LETTING PEOPLE TAKE YOUR KINDNESS FOR A WEAKNESS!!
AS LONG AS YOU HAVE GOD IN YOUR LIFE,HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE
YOUR BACK!!!!LOVE YA GIRL!!!!KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!!!!!!
First of all, I love your voice. I saw you on Broadway in The Color Purple and you were adorable. Now, some motherly advice. I love my family as much as the next person but I would NEVER allow them to do me the way your family uses you. Honey! You need to talk to Oprah…she’s got her family under control as far as the money, intrusions into her life , and using her. I’m NOT a big fan of the mother watching the little girl either. She DID, afterall, let you fall through the cracks and end up with a 7th grade education. She’s not even trying to better her speech patterns. If you aren’t very diligent about not “speaking” in that Ebonics dialect, your daughter will only be able to go so far until that stands in her way. Do not let her fall through the cracks! Kick all of those freeloaders out, get a very good Nanny and a really professional personal assistant befor you lose it ALL…I love you and would hate to see that happen. Your brothers are a “Horrible” example to have around your daughter…Dr. Phil…help this poor child see that this is not loving her family”
Wow….her brother needs to get a life. She is a wonderful person to take care of all those folks. Her brother is unappreciative of all she has done for him….he is lazy. I would have kick his butt out for tearing up my poolhouse. That is her house, not his. I love the aunt…she keeps it real…
Wow….her brother needs to get a life. She is a wonderful person to take care of all those folks. Her brother is unappreciative of all she has done for him….he is lazy. I would have kick his butt out for tearing up my poolhouse. That is her house, not his. I love the aunt…she keeps it real… If I were her, mom and my daughter is all I would take care of…
i missed da show but i know it was good.I realy Admire
Fantasia nomatter wat.But i Will make sure i dont miss another episode.keep up da good work tasia.
luv ya girl
I love the show, but i don’t like the way your brother treats you. to me it seems as if he is just using you.
Hey Tasia
you so real girl it feels as if everybody in america should call you that. I watched your show and I loved the way you keep it real…Soak it up…no that brother of yours Teeny..baby i know how it is when you want to steer them the right way but he just using you. There is no reason why teeny doesn’t have a job he is perfectly healthy and what he did to your pool room girl I would have went off the deep end. Don’t feel guilty for what you have to do, whether you have to kick someone out or buy them something smaller you have to do it in order to preserve something for you and zion. There was a blog comment about your mom letting you fall through the cracks and ending up with a 7th grade education…don’t listen to that because as children you and i both know we get to a point where we think we grown and then we mess up. I commend your mother for staying by your side. If the lifetime movie of your life is true she wanted better for you. Keep your head up boo..your education, a new number one album and all the good things god has for you is coming. The bible says speak those things as if they already are…Love you tasia keep making the music and I am gonna keep buying you…get paid and keep praising god like you do, enjoyed you on the celebration of gospel…momma need a deal too.
Fantasia, listen….You have to get rid of your brother Teeny. HE HAS GOT TO GO! He is getting paid to be on the show so I am guessing this is the reason he is putting himself out there like that. Problem is, this is damaging as far as letting the audience see this on TV. While I know this is reality in a lot of households, this is somehow wrong and disgusting to watch, especially with the cavalier atitude of Teeny. I could not keep my eyes off of the way Teeny is acting….maybe that was the intention of the show. However, it is sending the wrong message. Having said that, I am glad that you are doing well, I am glad to see that your child is doing well. I will buy your album because I know you can sing girl. Peace and Love to you.
don’t give up because what god give you no one can take that away. People talk about jesus but what did he do for us so keep being strong I’m one of your fanes. god bless you and your family.
Fastasia….I did not see the ending of your show last week. I taped it and watched the entire show today.
WHAT! Teeny beat down your pool house! OH MY GOD!
You need to put him out, then send his belonging to him along with a doctor for the mentally challenged. He has got to be out of his mind to do something like that…why did you not call the cops on him….
Most everyone has a person like that in the family, but not to that extent. Your Aunt is the one for this job since no one else will step up. I can see it is hard for you to handle and rightly so, you have a lot on your plate. Let her show him the door. Oh my God, I have to go back and watch the show again..this is so hard to watch. I do hope he did this to add more drama to the show. If so, it worked. It got me worked up for sure. On the other hand, if this was not a stunt for the show…..then where was everyone when he was out there beating down the pool house. My Dad would have skinned him for doing that Fantasia. If your Aunt fail in getting him out, and if there is no one with guts enough to tantalize your Fathers life for filing that lawsuit…..Slide this over to your Auntie…she seems to be made for the job.
Love you and peace be unto you.
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