Fantasia gives gospel performance
Two artists associated with Oprah's presentation of The Color Purple returned to their gospel roots Sunday in brief appearances at Bethel AME.
Fantasia, the American Idol winner turned pop singer turned stage actor who portrayed Celie in the Color Purple on Broadway, brought the capacity crowd at the 11:30 a.m. service to their feet with "Jesus Be a Fence Around Me,'' and "The Lord Is Blessing Me Right Now,'' two traditional gospel songs most churches and choirs know.
A red-haired Fantasia made a point to tell the audience about how gospel is still a part of her life. Her grandmother and mother, who were with her at Bethel, are ministers.
"Most of you know I'm a church girl,'' she said to the capacity audience at the church on Druid Hill. "Every now and then I have to give some praise.''
The church influence was evident, from her "holy" dance to the way she directed Bethel's all-women's choir with the sound of her voice. She often walked up and down the church aisles to engage audience members around her.
In the 8 a.m. service, Jeannette Bayardelle, the actress who plays Celie in the touring production of Color Purple, sang two songs, one contemporary gospel song and "I'm Here," a song from the production, which is currently playing at the Hippodrome Theatre through Sunday.
Bayardelle, who grew up singing in a church choir, released her debut CD, entitled Praise Report, in September 2005.
(Photo from Sunday's performance by Steve Ruark / Special to The Sun)
Comments
Hey Fantasia this yo girl Phenique l love your hair how is Zion
Posted by: phenique boykin | May 19, 2008 7:25 PM