Current:Home > reviewsRekubit Exchange:Fantasia Barrino Reflects on "Losing Everything Twice" Amid Oscar Buzz -Capitatum
Rekubit Exchange:Fantasia Barrino Reflects on "Losing Everything Twice" Amid Oscar Buzz
Indexbit View
Date:2025-04-06 08:56:24
Truth is,Rekubit Exchange Fantasia Barrino is grateful for where she is today.
The American Idol alum, who first played the role of Celie in the 2007 Broadway musical adaptation of The Color Purple, has reprised her part the upcoming film set to debut Dec. 25. And ahead of the movie's release, the 39-year-old has already generated acclaim and Oscar buzz for her portrayal.
It's a moment in time that she isn't taking lightly.
"For me, losing everything twice, having to fight to get back here, it feels good," Fantasia—who has been open about experiencing personal setbacks—told E! News in an exclusive interview at the Elle Women in Hollywood Celebration Dec. 5. "That's why I'm going to enjoy it because my story has always been out there. I've never been afraid to share it. I feel that when you go through tests, that's your testimony. How else do you help somebody else?"
(To see more interviews from the Elle event, watch E! News Dec. 6).
And though she's experienced a lot in her life, the Grammy winner wants others to know they can also overcome any obstacle.
"We go through things, you fall, you get back up," she shared. "So, for me to be in this room with so many amazing women like Danielle Brooks, I'm looking at these women who have a story, who are mothers, who are wives, who've fallen and gotten back up, they're fighting. I want to enjoy this and know that I worked hard to get here."
As for how she feels about the all the praise surrounding her currently?
"It feels great but at the same time, I'm thinking the best reward is watching these women and men leave the theater watching the movie and saying they're healed and they're whole," she noted. "And they can let go of things. All of those Oscars mean a lot to me."
That said, if the "Truth Is" singer were to win an Academy Award, she's more than happy to accept the honor.
"But I think knowing that my work," she explained, "and what I put into it because it wasn't easy—it was very taxing, very hard and I said I would never play the role again, knowing that it's helped people—that's the biggest thing."
In fact, reprising her role was a project she initially turned down, sharing the Broadway experience was "heavy" for her. But, the film's director Blitz Bazawule was able to change her mind once he shared insight into the vision he had for her character.
"Thank God for him, he's so dope," Fantasia recently told E! News' Francesca Amiker. "When he told me he was giving Celie an imagination, I said yeah. Because here's the thing: We go through trials, but we don't do that quietly. There's something that keeps us pushing. There's something inside of you that always imagines, 'You know what? If I keep on pushing, I'm going to get there and that's what he gave her, and I love that.'"
—Reporting by Tessa Evora
veryGood! (58)
Related
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Pennsylvania casinos ask court to force state to tax skill games found in stores equally to slots
- Cierra Burdick brings Lady Vols back to Olympic Games, but this time in 3x3 basketball
- Two sets of US rowers qualify for finals as lightweight pairs falls off
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- When does Simone Biles compete next? Olympics gymnastics schedule for all-around final
- Mississippi man who defrauded pandemic relief fund out of $800K gets 18-month prison term
- Anna Netrebko to sing at Palm Beach Opera gala in first US appearance since 2019
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Mega Millions winning numbers for July 30 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $331 million
Ranking
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- 'Crying for their parents': More than 900 children died at Indian boarding schools, U.S. report finds
- Democrats look to longtime state Sen. Cleo Fields to flip Louisiana congressional seat blue
- Meyerbeer’s ‘Le Prophète’ from 1849 sounds like it’s ripped-from-the-headlines at Bard SummerScape
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Pennsylvania casinos ask court to force state to tax skill games found in stores equally to slots
- Former New Hampshire youth detention center worker dies awaiting trial on sexual assault charges
- Democrats look to longtime state Sen. Cleo Fields to flip Louisiana congressional seat blue
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Georgia website that lets people cancel voter registrations briefly displayed personal data
When does Simone Biles compete next? Olympics gymnastics schedule for all-around final
Is Australia catching the US in swimming? It's gold medals vs. total medals
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Navajo Nation plans to test limit of tribal law preventing transportation of uranium on its land
Dog attacks San Diego officer who shoots in return; investigation underway
Georgia website that lets people cancel voter registrations briefly displayed personal data