Fantasia to bring evening of R&B to Columbus in October
She was ‘American Idol’ champion in 3rd season
Chart-topping R&B singer Fantasia, who recently added “Central State University student” to a résumé that also includes “American Idol” champion, as well as television and Broadway actor, will perform at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., on Oct. 6.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. May 26 at ticketmaster.com. Prices start at $59, plus applicable fees.
Fantasia caught the public’s eyes and ears nearly 20 years ago with her performance of the classic jazz standard “Summertime” (from “Porgy and Bess”) during the third season of “American Idol.” Then just 19 years old, the North Carolina native went on to win that season and score her first hit with her coronation song, “I Believe,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Since then, the 38-year-old singer — dubbed “The Queen of Rock Soul” — has produced several hits including “Truth Is,” “Baby Mama,” “Bittersweet,” “When I See U,” and “I’m Doin’ Me.”
Fantasia can be seen later this year reprising her Broadway role of Celie in the Warner Bros. musical film adaptation of “The Color Purple.” Currently in production, the film is slated for a December release.
Supporting Fantasia will be another singular-named Southerner, Georgiaborn R&B singer Joe, who found success after meeting producer Vincent Herbert while working in a record store in Opelika, Alabama. A three-song demo led to a record deal and a mildly successful debut album that spawned “I’m in Luv,” which made Billboard’s Top 10 Hot R&b/hip-hop Songs chart in 1993.
Among Joe’s other hits are “Stutter,” “I Wanna Know,” “If I Was Your Man,” “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do)” and “Don’t Wanna Be a Player.”
bpaschal@dispatch.com