Fantasia Barrino’s life changed forever when she first walked onto the American Idol stage.
Back in 2004, Barrino was a 19-year-old single mother living in North Carolina hoping to make her singing dreams come true.
After performing in front of judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, Barrino quickly won over the hearts of America and became the youngest contestant at the time to win the reality show in season 3.
“You know what, I’ve been through some things, but I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at,” Barrino told host Ryan Seacrest after 65 million votes were cast on finale night. “Thank you all so much.”
Fantasia Barrino has faced several ups and downs in her career and personal life, but her love for her husband, Kendall Taylor, has remained steadfast since their nuptials in 2015. After meeting in a rooftop bar in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, the twosome instantly hit it off — and were married three weeks later. “We […]
More than 20 years after appearing on the reality show, Barrino has been honored with a Grammy award and has found herself on the biggest stages in the world. Keep reading to get an inside look at the singer’s life today:
Fantasia Barrino Discovers Broadway
Fantasia Barrino made her critically acclaimed Broadway debut as Celie in The Color Purple in April 2007. Her performance earned her a 2007 Theater World Award and significantly boosted box-office receipts.
She later appeared in the Broadway musical revue After Midnight in 2013.
Fantasia Barrino Explores Acting
Although Fantasia Barrino first became famous because of her voice, she found success on the big screen by playing Celie in the 2023 movie version of The Color Purple.
“I have a daughter who’s 22 now, and I just wanted that legacy for them to see that it doesn’t matter what you’ve been through,” Barrino said on Today With Hoda & Jenna in December 2023 when discussing the role. “You can do it.”
Barrino also had the opportunity to guest star on TV shows, including The Simpsons and American Dreams.
Fantasia Barrino’s Personal Life
Fantasia Barrino and Kendall Taylor Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME
Fantasia Barrino has been married to Kendall Taylor since July 2015. The couple share daughter Keziah London Taylor, who was born in May 2021. (Barrino also shares daughter Zion and son Dallas from previous relationships.)
During a special Valentine’s Day show in February 2026, Barrino received a special surprise when Taylor came on stage to propose again 11 years after they wed.
“For 11 years, you woke up every morning and you chose me. For 11 years, you’ve been an incredible mother to our children,” Taylor said. “For 11 years, we fasted, we prayed. So I’m a give you a karat for every year you stood by my side.”
Fantasia Barrino’s Singing Career
More than 20 years after winning American Idol, Fantasia Barrino is still traveling the country and performing in front of audiences.
In early 2026, Barrino teamed up with Anthony Hamilton for a joint tour.
She has also received 12 Grammy nominations, winning Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Bittersweet” in 2011.
Fantasia Barrino’s Thoughts on ‘American Idol’ Today
Following her 2004 win of American Idol season three, Fantasia Barrino said it was difficult to navigate the music industry, contracts and fame.
“You have to become a businesswoman and you link up with great business partners, but it doesn’t have a lot to do with love. It took me a long time to figure that out,” she told People in December 2023. “I didn’t know anything about contracts. I didn’t know anything about checking your money and making sure every day your stuff was where it was supposed to be. I just trusted and believed everybody that came into my life.”
Through all the hills and valleys, Barrino said she is “grateful” for the experience.
“If I did not go through that, I wouldn’t be the woman that I am today,” she said.