‘Idol’s’ Fantasia Reimagines Song That Started It All [Exclusive]

When Fantasia Barrino-Taylor won America’s vote on American Idol in 2004, she was “just a little girl from High Point, North Carolina, who liked to sing.” Now, 20 years later, not only has she embarked on a successful entertainment career, but she’s touched so many lives along the way.  

At age 19, Fantasia made American Idol history, becoming the youngest contestant to ever win the singing competition at that point. On May 26, 2005, the North Carolina native went up against Diana DeGarmo, delivering a riveting performance of K-Ci & JoJo’s “All My Life,” and a beautiful rendition of “Summertime” from George Gershwin’s 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. She ultimately swept the crowd away and a historic 65 million people cast votes, another feat in the show’s legacy. When she received 1.3 million more votes than her opponents, a tearful Fantasia emerged, expressing her gratitude for the moment.

“Thank you so much – I broke my show,” said Fantasia, fighting back tears when the winner was announced. “You know what, I’ve been through some things, but I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at. Thank you all so much, man.”

Today, Fantasia is taking a walk down memory lane, surprising fans with an updated version of the song that changed it all for her. In a full-circle moment just two decades after she clinched the victory on Season 3 of American Idol, the “Free Yourself” crooner has partnered with critically acclaimed music director and producer Adam Blackstone to reimagine the iconic track that changed her life forever.

“No better way to end this Summer than with this Jazz classic Reimagined for #2024!” wrote Fantasia in a caption shared to Instagram ahead of the release of the track.

According to a press release shared with MadameNoire, the new version of “Summertime” intends to honor the legacy of the original track while also connecting it with the younger generation.

“Their new version of ‘Summertime’ not only honors the legacy of the original song but also breathes new life into it, creating a bridge between generations,” read the statement. “Adam’s masterful production and Fantasia’s powerhouse vocals elevate this classic to new heights, making it a must-listen for fans of both artists, as well as anyone who loves timeless music.”

With 20 years under her belt as a successful entertainer, one may think that Fantasia is simply getting started despite already having a Grammy under her belt. The 40-year-old singer delivered a spectacular performance in her groundbreaking role as Celie in the 2023 screen adaptation of the Broadway musical, The Color Purple, earning her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture along with BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.

In April, Fantasia was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 and in the same month she launched her own entertainment imprint, Rock Soul Productions, an entertainment company, which she says is “the manifestation of my evolution as an artist, a creative and a businesswoman.”

Fantasia and Blackstone’s reimagined version of “Summertime” is now available for your listening pleasure across all digital streaming platforms.

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