FINALIST:Fantasia
Single mom who went from poverty to "American Idol"
When she was 17, she became a mother. When she was 19, she became an American Idol. Fantasia Barrino's unlikely journey from high school dropout in an abusive relationship to independent national superstar has inspired teens and adults alike to follow their dreams.
Barrino, a native of Highpoint, North Carolina, knew she loved to sing when she first started performing in her church at age 5. In fact, she credits God for her singing talent and for lifting her out of a dysfunctional relationship. She told the AP: "I started to see my life going downhill. It was like, 'Wait a minute, this ain't what God had for me.'"
On the reality show "American Idol," Barrino faced criticism from some who said that an unwed mother was not a good role model for their children. She is the sole support of her toddler daughter, Zion.
She stood strong in the face of the critics, even dedicating a song on her new album to single mothers. "I'm not worried--God loves single moms," Barrino told the New York Daily News. "God loves the prostitutes, God loves the drug addicts, God loves everybody!"
Barrino won the Idol competition by a margin of 1.3 million votes out of a total 65 million votes. In a memorable performance, she sang her signature song "I Believe," ending the show and making her dreams a reality.
