Fantasia for Real is an American docu-reality television series produced by World of Wonder which follows former American Idol 3 winner Fantasia Barrino as she struggles to regain control of both her career and personal life.
A self-described "country" girl, Fantasia Barrino won the third season of American Idol at just 19... and her life would never be the same. The fan favourite, whose huge voice even made Simon Cowell drool, seemed destined for super stardom.
Her first album went platinum, breaking Billboard charts and garnering Grammy nominations in four categories. Her autobiographical book made the New York Times bestseller list and she landed the lead role in Oprah Winfrey's Broadway production of The Color Purple.
But then things started to wane, both personally and professionally... and the rumour mill was working overtime: foreclosure, diva behaviour, illiteracy, dropped by her label, fired by her management, dumped by The Color Purple.
Its been an awesome burden to bear, especially for the now 24 year-old who is singlehandedly supporting a family of six while struggling to rebuild her career. But if anyone can make lemons into sweet tea, it's Fantasia Barrino.
Now the time has come for Fantasia's resurrection. Armed with her talents, a new manager, new songs and a second chance to star in The Color Purple, Fantasia vows not to make the same mistakes twice.
But the road to success is paved with obstacles. Fantasia has an out-of-work brother who dreams he's a "boss", a younger brother who's on the fast track to delinquency and a precocious 8 year-old daughter.
Managing her family would be a full-time job on its own, but Fantasia is determined to revive her career and live life on her own terms. How will Fantasia handle it all? With grit, perseverance, laughter and a whole lot of prayer.
In the season premiere, Fantasia is in the studio recording her hot new track, "Move On Me." And with six people living off her dwindling income, she needs a hit... now!
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.