This performance was essentially Fantasia's audition tape for "Color Purple" long before she or the world ever knew it. It showed that she was more than a reality tv contestant, but that she had real artistry, acting talents, and the ability to create a character. I'm betting that next year, Fantasia wins the Academy Award for Best Actress for Color Purple. She's earned it.
Yes that was always my favorite part of the recorded version and I believe she killed that part where she says she waited all of her life for this moment to arrive and finalllly I believe.
Hey everyone, don't forget that Fantasia performed this when she was just 19 but she sang it with the experience of a legendary singer. The tone and resonance in Fantasia's voice is simply amazing. And with the soul and emotion she gave in this one, it's no wonder so many critics call this the best performance in Idol history.
Fantasia is not underrated in any way lol she's commercially successful, has a loyal fanbase, decorated, consistent, and has been for almost 20 years now.
I will forever love this performance at this very moment at 8:46pm on 2/2/04 she sang the ending of this song while my first born daughter entered this world. Something special to hear “nothings gonna harm you with momma and daddy standing by”.
THIS is when & where she won American Idol. Not in the finals or semi-finals. Here.....right here. Simon himself said that this was "magical." Randy Jackson said this was the best performance on American Idol, ever. I say that this is one of the top 5 or 6 versions of this Gershwin classic. Ever. Ella....Janis....Billy Stewart...Sublime....Herbie Mann.....Fantasia. Period.
Spot on Rich! I remember watching this and just being transfixed. The great Charlie Parker did an instrumental take on this song and Fantasia used her voice like a saxophone - transmitting mood and inflection, not just singing the words. Awesome!
And I'VE heard Billy Holiday, Celine Dione, Kathleen Battle, Whitney, Sinatra, Leontyne Price, "Sassy" and Miles himself, among other greats, do this number.... But, for my money, these six did the damn thing like no others. ....Oh..and then there's the rendition wrought by "Magic Sam" himself.... damn close!
Unbelievable. This is where she transcended being a great singer and entered into another dimension. And honestly Quentin Tarantino no one cares - Fantasia is fabulous.
What a tool Tarantino proved himself to be. The entire audience - present in the theatre or glued to their screens were transfixed. And he has to go and pour cold water on. Surprised the other judges didn’t call him out….
Greatest Idol winner ever.....hands down no contest. This girl was simply amazing on Idol. People tried to bring her down because she was a young mother, but she would just shut them up with stellar performances week after week. Love you Tasia! That was the season of "The 3 Divas" they killed everyone week after week.
I remember why she was sitting. All of the people that were hating said that she had great stage presence as a performer. So she performed seated to prove a point that she deserved her seat
This girl has talent that very few have. She is able to suck the emotion out of every single note that she sings. That is a RARE thing and it's a total pleasure to listen to her.
I remember watching this with my grandmother and we were both crying....my grandma was yelling and saying fantasia won already😍😍...BEST AI PERFORMANCE EVER!!!!
I watched it with my daddy who was born in 1927, and he absolutely loved this performance. My father passed away in 2017, but every time that I watch this performance, I think of the moment when he was so impressed with her singing.
@@tp1699 R.I.P to your dad 🕊😇 My grandma also passed in 2016. I can imagine how much you may miss your dad. Thanks for sharing a happy memory with us 💯❤
Fantasia, I CRIED TOO, OMG, you're phenomenal. And hey folks, let's all just stop comparing her and Jennifer Hudson, both are amazing singers and performers.
This performance is why she won. I was rooting for her after this performance - and of all the performances i've seen on Idol - this is one that always comes to mind. When I watch the show, I often ask myself, "Was this performance as emotional as Fantasia?" When I try to think of other performances that remind me of this one, only Jordin Sparks, "I who have nothing," comes to mind.
The calm energy that resonated when she first appeared on stage for this song.....I think every household was quiet and waiting...holding their breath!!!! ❤❤🔥🔥 and tears just started flowing when she opened her mouth!!!!
Me too, I didn't watch this season. Didn't like the competitors, but when TASIA won, I couldn't believe it cause she deserved it over her competition. IMO. I was so happy when I tuned into the finale.
I have not and will never forget the moment I heard and felt this performance. Put some RESPECT on her name! She is hands down simply one of the greats
i agree back then American Idol was this huge plataform to create international superstars, Simon, Paula and Randy were real judges searching for the best of the best now American idol is just that cute tv show to keep you entertained.
my friend told me about fantasia so I tuned in to check her out. This was the first performance of hers i saw. I about fell out of my chair. ..been a big fan ever since. The best performance Ive ever seen on any talent show in any season.
it's so easy to get caught up in the emotion of her performance and forget the extremely impressive "technicality" of what she's doing. that's what makes this so good.
This was the moment that Fantasia pulled ahead of everyone and it was obvious that she was going to win it all. One of the best performances in Idol history.
This shows Fantasia's RAW talent! This is pure unaltered, unadulterated, uncut talent! Besides the original, THIS is an amazing performance! There's no one like Fantasia and no one with this style! Gotta Love it!
I know this is meant to be sung as an operatic lullaby but I feel this does the job just the same, beautifully sung, meaningful and emotional. She put her heart into it. And Simon sat amazed. I'm all for it!
It's May 2020 and I gotta be honest. I have NEVER forgotten this performance and every single time I have heard this song since the night they first aired this, I have compared that to this... and as good as some singers are, they just can't touch this.
Just dropped by all these years later after watching a clip for The Color Purple, stage musical version, coming out this Christmas, starring Fantasia. I'm just so happy for her. Remember this night like it was yesterday. Wow.
This is the best performance I watched on Idol. Fantasia has that powerful soulful quality like Aretha...it moves you. It takes you to another place...close your eyes and it's an experience.
Fantasia has the ability to reach into your soul, drag out feelings so deep and so strong you cannot help your emotions. She is the best singer ever to come out of Idol. Carrie Underwood is good, Fantasia is much much better:-))))))
OH MY GOSH LADY, YOU CAN SING! WOW! I stopped watching the show so I missed it, just happened to love the song so I thought I would hear it. My gosh, she blew me away, and what a GREAT STYLE!!!!!!! MY MY MY MY MY!
This, by far, was one of the best Idol performance to date. If you ask me, it was this performance that forwarded her career. It's showed ALL what she could really do. The best part about it, you can tell every inch of went in to it. You better go, girl. Best performance of Summertime I've EVER heard.
The competition was over after this performance. This sealed the deal for her.. from this point, it was just a race for 2nd place.. One of, if not the best performance ever in the history of American Idol.
I was washing dishes in kitchen while half listening to American Idol that evening when, all of a sudden, this amazing voice began to sing. I dropped what I was doing and literally rushed into the living room tv. I was mesmerized to say the least...one of her finest performances imo ⚘
It's 2020 and I'm here enjoying this as much as I did when I watched the original performance on American Idol. Quick question though, who are the 641 idiots who downvoted this? This performance was PERFECTION personified!
Will never forget how Fantasia had households all over the country shook this night. My family was completely silent the whole performance
Facts!!!!!!!
We were glued to that screen
I was too.. I remember like O M F G....
I know that’s real my favorite American Idol 💕
My mom literally stood up lol
still one of the best performances in the history of Idol.
You know it!
She owned it!
have yall gotten her christmas album called "Christmas After Midnight" its a classic
make sure yall dont miss FANTASIA live in Ontario Canada at the Centennial Park on Aug 10
*the best
All these years later, I still remember this performance clearly. The goosebumps are still there.
sboudreaux27 typical . Try and colonize everything 🙄
Skinner Baby 🤣🤣🤣
SAME!
Same Goosebumps in 2020!!!!!!
@@pookiepooh25 you just mad this song was written by a white man.
Simon loved that girl
This performance was essentially Fantasia's audition tape for "Color Purple" long before she or the world ever knew it. It showed that she was more than a reality tv contestant, but that she had real artistry, acting talents, and the ability to create a character. I'm betting that next year, Fantasia wins the Academy Award for Best Actress for Color Purple. She's earned it.
It's ironic that Jennifer Hudson was voted off early during this same season, but went on to win an EGOT.
20 yrs later and still THE BEST PERFORMANCE
Can't believe it's been 20 years❤
YASSSSSS 💜
Without a doubt !!! The best performance!
Big facts! She’s the best Idol winner EASY!
Agree 💯‼️
Here in 2024. Fantasia is still THAT GIRL!! ❤
Fantaisa is Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin rolled into one beautiful singer.
This is exactly when and where she became American idol winner fantasia
I agree. This sealed the deal.
sboudreaux27 simon wanted her so badly you could tell
@sboudreaux27 She sure was! Simon called it!
Yes - correct!
Yep!
She killed "stan-an-ana-a-a-a-a-nding by-y-y-y-y"!
Actual spelling
make sure u get her new song "Enough"
@@melvincampbell827 I did
Yes that was always my favorite part of the recorded version and I believe she killed that part where she says she waited all of her life for this moment to arrive and finalllly I believe.
Simon loved him some Fantasia. He did NOT hide it. LOL 😀
He could have hidden it a bit better (that comment about her lips).🤫🤭
@@katrinab7657 the baby girl wink too 🤣
@@JenniferBrigitteOpticalVortex I forgot she was just 19. She seemed grown. Makes that wink just abit more hmmm awkward. 😀
Hey everyone, don't forget that Fantasia performed this when she was just 19 but she sang it with the experience of a legendary singer. The tone and resonance in Fantasia's voice is simply amazing. And with the soul and emotion she gave in this one, it's no wonder so many critics call this the best performance in Idol history.
So thankful that RUclips allows us to re-live this 2 minute of musical bliss.
The fact that she did it from the floor! One of the best voices of our time!
She put all kinds of seasonings on this song. Highly underrated singer.
make sure u stream her latest single Enough
Fantasia is not underrated in any way lol she's commercially successful, has a loyal fanbase, decorated, consistent, and has been for almost 20 years now.
Underarated 🤷🏿♂️…are kidding …Fantasia is revered 🏆
All of our jaws were on the floor that night. A star was born. Paula was right- Oscar winning.
A masterpiece
I agree with Randy. Best performance in American Idol history
Still!
Neck and neck with Joshua Ledet singing this is a man’s world!
Lol. It was like the 2nd or 3rd season, but he was right.
Still the best performance in American Idol history! This performance sends chills up my spine even in 2014!
Still doing it in 2019.
Now it's 2021, still true
and in 2021!
And in 2022! Love some Fantasia
And in 2024. Happy 20th Anniversary to this masterpiece!
Lol the way Simon says "Fan-taze-ea"
MITCHELL WIGGS LOL RIGHT
HEY MITCHELL 😭
I will forever love this performance at this very moment at 8:46pm on 2/2/04 she sang the ending of this song while my first born daughter entered this world. Something special to hear “nothings gonna harm you with momma and daddy standing by”.
That may be the sweetest thing I've ever heard! Blessings to you and your family.
What a wonderful memory!!
What a beautiful experience!!! Thank you for sharing!
Except this was 4/15/2004 🤣🤣🤣
Beaauuuuutiful ❤
THIS is when & where she won American Idol. Not in the finals or semi-finals. Here.....right here. Simon himself said that this was "magical." Randy Jackson said this was the best performance on American Idol, ever. I say that this is one of the top 5 or 6 versions of this Gershwin classic. Ever. Ella....Janis....Billy Stewart...Sublime....Herbie Mann.....Fantasia. Period.
Spot on Rich! I remember watching this and just being transfixed. The great Charlie Parker did an instrumental take on this song and Fantasia used her voice like a saxophone - transmitting mood and inflection, not just singing the words. Awesome!
Totally agree. There is something magical about Fantasia's voice---like shimmery lights on glass--just beautiful.
Just recently, I heard a chilling rendition of SUMMERTIME by the great Sam Cooke.... goosebumps, is all I can say!
Agree100%
And I'VE heard Billy Holiday, Celine Dione, Kathleen Battle, Whitney, Sinatra, Leontyne Price, "Sassy" and Miles himself, among other greats, do this number.... But, for my money, these six did the damn thing like no others. ....Oh..and then there's the rendition wrought by "Magic Sam" himself.... damn close!
Unbelievable. This is where she transcended being a great singer and entered into another dimension. And honestly Quentin Tarantino no one cares - Fantasia is fabulous.
What a tool Tarantino proved himself to be. The entire audience - present in the theatre or glued to their screens were transfixed. And he has to go and pour cold water on. Surprised the other judges didn’t call him out….
@@poldominicmccann4069 Exactly, he totally ruined the moment.
why was Quentin even there in the first place?
😂😂😂😂😂😂
He can’t even sing wtf was he doing there
Still a masterclass after all these years.
Still watching this in 2023 and Randy's comments are still true...the single best performance in Idol history.
Greatest Idol winner ever.....hands down no contest. This girl was simply amazing on Idol. People tried to bring her down because she was a young mother, but she would just shut them up with stellar performances week after week. Love you Tasia! That was the season of "The 3 Divas" they killed everyone week after week.
Incredible. It’s been over 16 years since this performance aired and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Such an amazing talent!
"till that morning" 1:24 kills me. this could've been easily been part of a James Bond movie.
Def could see her performing a Bond theme song in the future!
I saw this live. :)
You lucky bitch! And I meant that with joy for you and envy!
@@terrybyte8782 😂🤣🤣🤣
This is one of the best live performances ever. Fantasia took this song and OWNED it. One of my all time favorite performances!
I remember why she was sitting. All of the people that were hating said that she had great stage presence as a performer. So she performed seated to prove a point that she deserved her seat
This girl has talent that very few have. She is able to suck the emotion out of every single note that she sings. That is a RARE thing and it's a total pleasure to listen to her.
Still watching in 2019. Still one of THE BEST performances.
Whitney Houston said it best “There is a difference between being able to sing and Knowing How to Sing”
I remember watching this with my grandmother and we were both crying....my grandma was yelling and saying fantasia won already😍😍...BEST AI PERFORMANCE EVER!!!!
I watched it with my daddy who was born in 1927, and he absolutely loved this performance. My father passed away in 2017, but every time that I watch this performance, I think of the moment when he was so impressed with her singing.
@@tp1699 R.I.P to your dad 🕊😇 My grandma also passed in 2016. I can imagine how much you may miss your dad. Thanks for sharing a happy memory with us 💯❤
Even after all these years, still THE performance against which all Idol iconic performances are based. There's NO NEED to speculate as to why.
Fantasia, I CRIED TOO, OMG, you're phenomenal.
And hey folks, let's all just stop comparing her and Jennifer Hudson, both are amazing singers and performers.
This performance still gives me chills!
That run she does at the end on “staaaaaanding byyyy”, LORDT SHE DELIVERED!!!! BEST PERFORMANCE ON THIS SHOW🤩🤩🤩🤩
YOU BETTA SIT DOWN AND SING THE SONG THEN!!! Lol one of her greatest performances.
This moment changed her life
and Ours.
This performance is still hauntingly beautiful and magical in 2020, even during the peak of a pandemic!
This performance is why she won. I was rooting for her after this performance - and of all the performances i've seen on Idol - this is one that always comes to mind.
When I watch the show, I often ask myself, "Was this performance as emotional as Fantasia?"
When I try to think of other performances that remind me of this one, only Jordin Sparks, "I who have nothing," comes to mind.
Over a decade later and this is still one of the best idol performances ever
The calm energy that resonated when she first appeared on stage for this song.....I think every household was quiet and waiting...holding their breath!!!! ❤❤🔥🔥 and tears just started flowing when she opened her mouth!!!!
One of the best performances of summertime ever
make sure u stream Fantasia latest single Enough
1:37 -- That last vocal run was amazing. Fantasia was my pick to win from the beginning but this performance was just so good.
Go to breaking down the riffs with Natalie Weiss. She breaks it down. :)
Best Idol Performance Ever!
I didn't watch this season, but I remember turning on the TV and catching this performance and thinking how mesmerizing it was. Beautiful.
Me too, I didn't watch this season. Didn't like the competitors, but when TASIA won, I couldn't believe it cause she deserved it over her competition. IMO. I was so happy when I tuned into the finale.
I have not and will never forget the moment I heard and felt this performance. Put some RESPECT on her name! She is hands down simply one of the greats
no offense, bu this makes the current idol look like high school singing competition
hahaha I completely agree
The difference is she was singing to get a break in the music industry as a whole, not just to win the competition
Season 12 was the last good one
i agree back then American Idol was this huge plataform to create international superstars, Simon, Paula and Randy were real judges searching for the best of the best now American idol is just that cute tv show to keep you entertained.
FACTS
Baby I can still hear my momma screaming ( sang it girl!!!!!!).
After ALL these years I still have to revisit this performance. THE SINGLE BEST Idol performance ever 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
my friend told me about fantasia so I tuned in to check her out. This was the first performance of hers i saw. I about fell out of my chair. ..been a big fan ever since. The best performance Ive ever seen on any talent show in any season.
it's so easy to get caught up in the emotion of her performance and forget the extremely impressive "technicality" of what she's doing. that's what makes this so good.
I never forgot this performance. Such a natural, beautiful talent.
This was the moment that Fantasia pulled ahead of everyone and it was obvious that she was going to win it all. One of the best performances in Idol history.
It's 2023 and I still think about this performance!❤❤❤
I just watched a list of the top ten performances on Idol - I thought for sure this would be number one. It wasn't even there. It's a mystery.
Sad...this is the best Idol performance ever !!!
Her success, her wins, after wins, just inspires so much hope. This can be life. God is good.
This shows Fantasia's RAW talent! This is pure unaltered, unadulterated, uncut talent! Besides the original, THIS is an amazing performance! There's no one like Fantasia and no one with this style! Gotta Love it!
I know this is meant to be sung as an operatic lullaby but I feel this does the job just the same, beautifully sung, meaningful and emotional. She put her heart into it. And Simon sat amazed. I'm all for it!
It's May 2020 and I gotta be honest. I have NEVER forgotten this performance and every single time I have heard this song since the night they first aired this, I have compared that to this... and as good as some singers are, they just can't touch this.
I still reember watching this with my family here in Sydney. You could literally hear a pin drop with how quiet we were. PURE MAGIC!!!!
Why am I just now seeing this in 2018?! OMG! She killed it! That was absolutely flawless! 😍
Just dropped by all these years later after watching a clip for The Color Purple, stage musical version, coming out this Christmas, starring Fantasia. I'm just so happy for her. Remember this night like it was yesterday. Wow.
My personal favorite. Will never forget that moment.
This is the best performance I watched on Idol. Fantasia has that powerful soulful quality like Aretha...it moves you. It takes you to another place...close your eyes and it's an experience.
i have watched this over and over and over and it just doesn't get old.
Baby, this was one of American Idol's most memorable performances for sure. I watched it and cried like a baby.
That was epic. Wow... I remember when that happened back then.
One of the best performances I have ever seen ❤
this performance made me wanna cry. she was brilliant. I voted my butt off for her the whole season.
Fantasia has the ability to reach into your soul, drag out feelings so deep and so strong you cannot help your emotions. She is the best singer ever to come out of Idol. Carrie Underwood is good, Fantasia is much much better:-))))))
Wow! I wonder if the other idols were like damn " who going up next". Amazing
I think she was the best too
@@gogirlent I would have shaking in my off brand heels lol.
Fantasia Barrino is Android fantastic singer, and will have a long career..
This is the Fantasia I adore. I hate the screaming and shouting. This performance by her is untouchable. Her true talent shines right here.
True it's her voice that shines, she doesn't have to do all of that
She does overdo it sometimes now lol
Here in 2021 and this performance still haunts my soul, it’s so beautiful
This song made her America's Top Idol...for sure.
OH MY GOSH LADY, YOU CAN SING! WOW! I stopped watching the show so I missed it, just happened to love the song so I thought I would hear it. My gosh, she blew me away, and what a GREAT STYLE!!!!!!! MY MY MY MY MY!
She was my favorite of all seasons and this was the best. Unbelievable.
I wept.
This, by far, was one of the best Idol performance to date. If you ask me, it was this performance that forwarded her career. It's showed ALL what she could really do. The best part about it, you can tell every inch of went in to it. You better go, girl. Best performance of Summertime I've EVER heard.
This is why she won!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Best!
This still has me fighting back tears when I watch it. This performance was just so amazing!
Couldn't hold the 😭 back ❤️❤️❤️🔥
Still the best performance on AI ever. Watching in 2022.
Aaaw😍. He was wiping her tears. Everyone loves Fantasia. She's just that lovable.💟💟💟
😢😭🥹 I just caught this! Too sweet ❤
I remember when she performed this, I just burst out in tears...lost it....
My god this is one of the most remarkable and memorable. Everything about is perfect
Still gives me chills
I still get chills from this performance. Just amazingly beautiful.
the greatest female singer out...SUPER
I love Fantasia’s rich voice and I love this song
2k19!!! Still coming back to listen to this ...
The competition was over after this performance. This sealed the deal for her.. from this point, it was just a race for 2nd place.. One of, if not the best performance ever in the history of American Idol.
Haters are gonna hate the best idol performance if not the best top 3
Still brings tears to my eyes
ITS 2021........................ And this is STILL the UNDISPUTED, BEST PERFORMANCE in American Idol history!!! LOVE FANTASIA!!!!!
I've listened to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Janis Joplin sing this song. No one does it better than this rendition by Fantasia.
All those women were better than Fantasia to me, especially Ella Fitzgerald
MAHALIA JACKSON
This was a magical performance. She absolutely nailed it.
Leona lewis also good
Leona Lewis 👌
ICONIC!!! This was a historical TV moment... GO AWF FANTASIA!!!
She did a damn good job with really difficult material. I'm glad Simon worded his comment the way he did.
I was washing dishes in kitchen while half listening to American Idol that evening when, all of a sudden, this amazing voice began to sing. I dropped what I was doing and literally rushed into the living room tv. I was mesmerized to say the least...one of her finest performances imo ⚘
make sure u buy and stream her latest single Enough
The bar was set so high, I don't know if it's ever been reset. This is silky gold and the moment I realized I heard true greatness!!!
Honey I remember this night like it was last night. ♥️♥️♥️ I love Taisa!!
It's 2020 and I'm here enjoying this as much as I did when I watched the original performance on American Idol. Quick question though, who are the 641 idiots who downvoted this? This performance was PERFECTION personified!