APPED: Fantasia Barrino the Inspiration & her new son ...Dallas Xavier Barrino

On June 30, 1984 the world was graced with the birth of Fantasia Monique Barrino, in Highpoint North Carolina to parents Joe and Diane Barrino. From an early age, Fantasia began to know of God’s gift of song that had been bestowed upon her. Thankfully, she chose to share that gift with the world, most notably in her appearance on American Idol and more specifically in her performance of the ballad, Summertime. When being announced as the winner of season 3 of American Idol, she validated the win by tearfully crooning I Believe. No doubt the 65 million viewers that voted for that season’s artists, regardless of if they voted for Fantasia or not, were also tearful. Fantasia has had many reasons to shed a tear, some happy and some sad.

As Fantasia stated that night, and continues to state, her life has not been without challenge … and a lot of drama. At 14 she was raped, which she states was a direct contributor to her decision to drop out of high school. At 17, Fantasia gave birth to a baby girl, Zion, with ex-boyfriend, Brandel Shouse. Brandel originally denied paternity, leaving Fantasia to fend for herself. Fantasia attempted to reconcile with Brandel, but her attempt was unsuccessful due to constant fighting, which included her being knocked out by him (by both of their accounts on VH1 Behind the Scenes interviews, links provided below.)

View slideshow: Fantasia - The Inspiration and her sonshine: Dallas Xavier Barrino

Although American Idol was a ray of sunshine, family issues (related to his attempt to sue the publisher of her book, Life is not a fairytale, for ‘portraying him as abusive’) created a wedge between her and her father, Joe Barrino. The reparability of their relationship is yet to be determined. That the whole misfortunate situation was being viewed by the world via her reality show, undoubtedly, did not make times any easier to bear. (Get the book at http://www.amazon.com/Life-Not-Fairy-Tale-Fantasia/dp/074328156X.)

If that weren’t enough, directly after her climb to fame, her illiteracy played a major role in soon finding herself with runaway management, bankrupt and with a slew of lawsuits. Fantasia’s bouts with relationship continued on with her affair with Antwaun Cook, which culminated in a suicide attempt.

Even her latest project, the Mahalia Jackson biopic, has been racked with scandal as
Double Dutch Productions, LLC. (DDP) apologizes to Fantasia for alledgedly unauthorized statements that were made by Adrian Taylor, in the New York Post, Page Six column: (Posted: 1:16 AM, October 13, 2011, Last Updated: 2:24 AM, October 13, 2011): http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/mahalia_team_dispute_claim_qnpwf86Pe8xz4mfUdYlNIL#ixzz1iu5epLg0

Like most celebrity stories, the sensational gets more attention than the less exciting happy, drama-free achievements. Such as the moment that Fantasia walked the stage at her former high school to receive her GED, her major contribution to The Color Purple Broadway production or her successful recovery from surgery to remove throat tumors.

But for a moment, it is Summertime again as she can breathe a sigh and enjoy life’s natural sunshine as she celebrates the recent birth of her baby boy, Dallas Xavier Barrino, who was born on December 13, 2011.

Fantasia Barrino, and her story, is NOT a tragedy. Rather, she, and her story, are a testament of strength and survival. Fantasia Barrino is an inspiration! … for all of us…

One would think that her soulful crooning comes from the soles of her feet the way she kicks off those heels, like the legendary Patti LaBelle.

Fans are awaiting the return of Fantasia to the stage or the living room, as she is known to sing on queue…lifting spirits and warming hearts as she goes!

Keep ‘on kickin’ off those heels and beltin’ out those tunes, Fantasia … and being an inspiration! Praying you have every good thing in life! ________________________________________________________________________

Side Note: Her ever supporting brother and Grand Hustle recording artist, Ricco Barrino, recently released his new piece of work, “Good Woman”. Hear “Good Woman” by visiting Volumestat.com: http://www.volumestat.com/2011/12/04/new-music-ricco-barrino-good-woman/

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Supplemental Article Sources:

Double Dutch Productions, LLC. (DDP) full statement:
’Double Dutch Productions, LLC. (DDP) extends apologies to Fantasia Barrino for the inaccurate, non-factual and disparaging statements of Ms. Barrino’s reputation, character and image, that was stated in the October 7, 2011 article of the NY Post’s Page Six column. The comments made in the article by financing broker Adrian Taylor, were not authorized, approved or condoned by the producers of DDP. The information and comments expressed within this article regarding the project were solely those of Adrian Taylor. Taylor is not an employee of this production company nor an active participant of any facet in the produ-cing of this film. Taylor has been reprimanded on two previous occasions for speaking to the press about this project. He was told that he was not a spokesperson nor a producer of the film, nor involved in the production or publicity of the film. Mr. Taylor’s credit of Executive Producer will be valid only pending a final contract for financing. DDP and its producers disavow any statements or comments attributed to this article that were inappropriately made. Mr. Taylor does not speak for this company or the production of this film.

The Mahalia Jackson family has not made any negative comments non-what-so ever about Ms. Barrino and her participation in this film project.

We at DDP want to assure Ms. Barrino that in no way are we responsible for the information that was included in the article. ANY FUTURE COMMENTS FROM OUTSIDE PARTIES REGARDING THIS FILM THAT ARE NOT DIRECTLY PROVIDED BY DDP OR ITS PUBLICIST WILL BE DEEMED AS VOID, BOGUS AND INACCURATE.’

Summertime by Fantasia Barrino, Youtube:

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fantasia+barrino+youtube&mid=82E05BC25590191B0C1082E05BC25590191B0C10&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1

Behind The Music > Ep. 16 | Fantasia Show Clips

http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/555031/fantasias-childhood-singing-with-her-family.jhtml#id=1646389

Behind The Music > Ep. 16 | Fantasia Show Clips

http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/555035/fantasia-barrino-17-and-pregnant.jhtml

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