It’s mind-blowing to think it’s been two decades since America fell head over heels for Fantasia when she snagged the ‘American Idol’ crown back in 2004. Fast forward 20 years, and our R&B superstar still carries a torch for the talent show that launched her into the stratosphere.
Strutting her stuff on the red carpet for the season 22 finale on Sunday (May 20), Fannie not only gave a pep talk to this yearβs champ, Abi Carter, but also took a hilarious trip down memory lane to recount her own rise to fame from Idol glory.
βTwenty years? Seriously? Every time someone drops that bombshell, my heart does somersaults,β she laughed. βItβs been a wild ride with highs, lows, and everything in between. I was just a kid back then, so my advice to this season’s young hopefuls is simple: find a killer team and enjoy the ride. And remember, don’t take it too seriously β unless it’s karaoke night!β
But wait, thereβs more!
In a chit-chat with ETβs Denny Directo post-show, the GRAMMY-winning diva spilled the beans on her career rollercoaster and her impending leap into fabulous 40s territory come June.
βAt 40, I know what I want and, more importantly, what I donβt want,β she declared with the wisdom of someone whoβs seen it all. βWaking up every morning is step one, but step two is not forgetting to count your blessings, even if your coffee machine just broke. Turning 40? Iβm at peace, baby.β
And thatβs not all on Fannieβs wishlist! The diva’s also eyeing a cushy spot on the βIdolβ judges’ panel. With Katy Perry sashaying away after 7 seasons to drop more pop anthems, the seat is up for grabs.
βKatyβs shoes are enormous,β Fannie joked. βLike, clown shoes huge. Sheβs going to be missed for sure, but hey, Iβd love to step in and guide the next batch of stars β if they’d have me!β
Fantasiaβs ready to trade in her mic for a judges’ gavel, sprinkle some of her magic on the next generation, and keep the βIdolβ dream alive. And all this with a side of humor, because who said being a superstar canβt be fun?