Fantasia Barrino

Have a little faith. Don't give up.

True story - I had index cards; I would write things on them and post them on the mirror in the bathroom. And I would speak it. Because you have to speak life. You have to speak what you want. You have to watch what you say because it's power in your tongue.

God didn't give up on me. I am somebody in God's eyes... Let me be a prime example of how I've been through the storm and the rain, and I made it over.

My lips are big, but my talent is bigger.

I think my purpose was just to get out and sing. I love to sing. I wasn't even in it for the - you know, the prize. I was, like, 'Hey, man, I'm going to sing.'

You've got to make it a good example for those kids regardless of how much you mess up.

My main thing is family first. This industry can get you so caught up that you're so busy chasing, wanting to be number one and wanting to be the richest that you lose sight of what life really is about.

I like to play dress up, I'm in love with fashion.

I want to do all types of music, music for all people. I want my music to be encouraging, to help people.

I always say you've only got one life to live, and you're not promised a tomorrow. So, you might as well just have a good time with it.

I've been wanting to sing for a long time. I've been singing all my life, and I've tried different record companies, but it seemed like - it was such a struggle and so hard to get out there. So, I said, 'I'm gonna go on American Idol and see how far it takes me.'

When I'm out on the stage, it gives me this rush and anything that's on my mind and everything I'm going through is forgotten about.

I been through some things but I worked hard to get to where I'm at.

I feel like a good mom. I'm a strong woman now... Don't look down on me. Pray for me because I'm trying.

I caught a lot of flak for being a young mama.

'Cause when I had my child, people tried to make me feel like life was over for me, and I started to believe that.

It's always good when you can bring two artists together who are totally different.

I want people to just to see, all you got to do is have a little faith.

I seemed so different from other kids; I grew up in church and felt a connection with God, and a lot of kids my age really didn't understand that.

When I realized I was having trouble reading, I was too embarrassed to ask for help. Some teachers believed in me, but I just wasn't focused on school - I was into the music and trying to please my dad.