Jennifer Hudson isn't the only former "American Idol" contestant causing some commotion. News that Fantasia was joining the Broadway cast of "The Color Purple" has given the box office quite a bump, and she hasn't even stepped on stage yet.
The whopping $6 million box-office bump didn't come as a shock to producer Scott Sanders, who suggested the third-season "Idol" champ to Winfrey. The media queen loved the idea. "I wasn't sure how immediate the response would be," says Sanders. "But I was expecting that Fantasia was going to kick things up."
"I think there is a groundswell of support from fans who know Fantasia's personal history," adds Sanders.
Like Celie, the character created by Alice Walker in her best-selling book, Fantasia has grappled with sexual abuse, illiteracy and being a single mom. She has a 5-year-old daughter.
Personally, I think that the Broadway stage is a perfect place for Fantasia. She's a great performer.
(WENN)
