By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com
Despite being dogged in the press for the amount of absences she had during her Broadway run in 'The Color Purple,' BV Buzz has has learned exclusively that season three 'American Idol' winner Fantasia will return to the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical.
Beginning this summer, Fantasia will resume her role as Celie and embark on a three month run with the show, kicking off at The Kennedy Center in
She will also play dates with 'The Color Purple' when the show travels to
A rep for the production would not confirm the casting news.
"I don't know anything about it, so I can not confirm this story," offered publicist Linda Stewart of It Is Done Communications.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Though news of Fantasia's return is apparently being kept under wraps – well, until now -- I'm told the producers of the show are eager to see the
My source told me that the negative attention Fantasia received by the 'New York Post' in December of 2007 for missing 50 shows was unwarranted because the 24-year-old star single-handedly "made a truck load of money for that show."
(Incidentally, one-named actress LaChanze, who originated the character and won a Tony Award for playing Celie, missed more than 40 days during her year-long stint with the show.)
When it was announced that Fantasia would star in 'The Color Purple' on Broadway, the show based on Alice Walker's novel made 
more than $2 million in presale tickets before she even made her debut in April of 2007.
Though she originally only committed to a six month run on the Great White Way, Fantasia was asked to extend her contract because the $11 million production continued to sellout and make gobs of money during her tenure.
Fantasia left the show in January of 2008 and the show closed more than a month later after playing more than 900 shows and making $103 million.
In March of 2008, the day after performing at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party, Fantasia's doctor had discovered what she called in a recent interview a "throat tumor" on her vocal chord.
Since the condition had gone undetected for so long, Fantasia was told she may never sing again.
The physician further explained that the tumor was the reason she had been fatigued for months while doing 'The Color Purple' and the grueling Broadway schedule had increased the severity of the polyp.
Fantasia's surgery was ultimately a success.
More recently, Fantasia made headlines when her home almost went into foreclosure.
(See 'Fantasia Forecloses: 'American Idol' Winner May Lose Her North Carolina Home')
Additionally, the singer parted ways with 19 Entertainment over "creative differences" and has been recording a new album for J Records that's expected to drop later this year.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (76)
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By: Nita on 2/04/2009 12:09PM
I would love to see Fantasia in the musical movie, if she need to do the show to get back into Ceil then I say do it, but I want her to promote her music also. If she also do the show I hope they will help promote her music while she during the color purple. In Fact yes let her go back then I can she her this summer in ATL.
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By: Marvin on 2/03/2009 2:24PM
Come on Fantasia. If Oprah is going out on the limb for you and giving you a "gig" because she knows your in trouble financially -- don't let her down. She didn't have to do it for you. She (Oprah) is looking out for you as a friend, sister, and she related to you when you sang that sung from the Color Purple years ago about "I'm Beautiful". Oprah has been very clear that growing up she never saw herself as "pretty" but she knew she was smart. Just like we know that you don't look at yourself as being "pretty". That's why you wept quite a bit when you sung that song :)
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By: Maggie B. on 4/20/2009 6:49PM
Please leave Fantasia alone. If you all remember, one of the reasons that Hudson got kicked off the show was busted personality. It was the pits, she must have learned how to be "nice" to people after leaving the show. So it is about talent, but it is also about the heart, kindness therein, how you come across to people, and how you make them feel about you. That Hudson, seemed not to have at least at the time, maybe she learned since then. On the other hand, Fantasia is no great beauty but the voice is awsome. I know she screams and stomps but that is the because no one has taken the time to erase away the hard edges and what she thinks will sell. I wonder how some of you would do if you in her shoes. What you know how to hook it up without guidance? I think not. Don't be so eager to throw stones at a young lady who is trying to get out where you probably are, if not physically, then mentally. As I said previously I know Fantasia does a lot of screaming, but remember where she's from, vocally, The Church! Any you know how it gets in there I think she forget sometimes and can get carried away, but the bottom line is that Fantasia can sing. When you heard her sing Summertime that was her voice, which is one of many compared to Hudson's one. I too wish that she would stop screaming and show the world her true voice. I am from a family of singers and this girl can make her vocal cords do acrobatics. The only thing Hudson has going for her that Fantasia does not is producers, and hopefully she'll get a good one soon. One more little tidbit. The Color Purple is not Oprah's show. They asked her to come in as a producer for two reasons, one is to use her name as a " producer", and for the publicity the cause she was in the movie. If you don't believe this just find some Color Purple advertisement and look at the credits and see where you see Oprah's name. But if she had anything to do with getting Fantasia back on the stage then a heartfelt word of appreciation from a fan of both of them. Download the music sharing program called "Limewire". While a must go, but before I do I guess what to say, pray for Fantasia that she does well in all her endeavors and she shares her story to inspire others. Have a blessed day
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By: Leola567 on 2/03/2009 7:16PM
I saw Fantasia on Broadway in The Color Purple. I must admit that I was not thrilled when I arrived in NYC to learn Fantasia was the star. However, with that said, I cannot say enough good things about her performance. It was nothing less than extraordinary. Her singing was wonderful....I expected nothing less, but her acting was remarkable. I watched her age on stage from a girl of 12 or 13 to a grown woman. Not only did her voice change during this transition, but her facial expressions and mannerisms changed as well. If you have a chance to see her, make it a point to do so. You will not be disappointed.
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By: Susan on 2/03/2009 2:44PM
I think the most unfortunate issue is that Hollywood puts soooo much emhpasis on looks and, let's face it, Fantasia is not attractive - at all. You do not see Cover Girl, Glamour, Revlon, etc. coming after her as they do Beyonce, Halley Berry, Rhinia, Jennifer Hudson. Now, I may be wrong, but I have never seen Fantasia on the cover of a magazine. There is a good reason Oprah wants her for the role of Celine...she fits it perfectly. Can you imagine Halley or Beyonce playing that role. I think not. Sorry folks, but the truth sometimes hurts.
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By: bobby williams on 2/23/2009 8:28PM
she is a true blk woman and beautiful she is she doesnt have white features (THANK GOD) and she was the most gifted of all the a idol winners she can sing rings around all of them. open your eyes
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By: Maggie B. on 4/20/2009 6:44PM
It hurts only if you are a superficial person. Are you?
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By: Lefaye on 4/22/2009 10:10PM
Fantasia has actually been on the cover of Jet in 14 June 2004, and on Essence in 2005. I personally think Fantasia is beautiful. What is ugly or unattractive?
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By: Marvin on 2/03/2009 2:44PM
Well I hope Fantasia will do her part and not miss so many performances like last time. Oprah reached out and helped her as a friend and a Sister. The fact that Fantasia just recently foreclosed on her home tells a lot. Since Hollywood isn't lining things up for her Ms. Oprah stepped up to the plate.
The last time Fantasia was on Oprah and sung a song from the Color Purple -- "I'm Beautiful" and wept continuously after she finished the song. Oprah related to her. Oprah has been very candid saying she never looked at herself as pretty but always knew she was smart. In-turn we know Fantasia doen't look at herself as "pretty" and her inside demons probably tell her that's why she hasn't been getting the gigs. That's why again, she needs to step up to the plate in supporting Oprah on this project since she is helping her "make the bacon".
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By: Rebecca on 2/03/2009 2:54PM
Fantasia You go girl! I think what ever God lays on your heart is what you should do. I believe you are very talented and you can do 'all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you I have always admired your strength and determination you have always had to take care of your little girl. GOB BLESS YOU> I will continue to pray for you.
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