'Idol' Insider: It's Fantasia!
65 million votes -- one brand new "American Idol." After ten months and nearly 70,000 hopefuls, fan favorite Fantasia Barrino won the final round to become the nation's next "Idol," following in the footsteps of Rueben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson.
But before Fantasia's broken shoe and tears, "Extra" got an exclusive look behind-the-scenes as Fantasia prepared for what she told us was her, "biggest night ever!"
And on the star-studded red carpet, which included Sharon Osbourne, Bernie Mac, Nicole Richie and more, the predictions favored the Greensboro native. Jennifer Love Hewitt told us, "I've always been a big Fantasia fan." And Henry Winkler stated, "Fantasia... She is the American idol!"
The predictions, and the red-carpet fashions, were dead on, even Ray Romano, who joked he was sporting his, "I don't have a manager look."
And what about Simon and Randy's matching pin-stripes? Did they plan that? Randy denied it, telling us Simon was, "just trying to copy the dawg, just be cool like me."
But the night belonged to Fantasia, who took the stage, rocked the house -- and when it was over… it still wasn't over, as we met up with the winner and runner-up Diana Digarmo backstage. So how did Diana feel? "Fantasia won," she said, "and it's so great. I'm so proud of her."
And how about Fantasia? She beat 70,000 contestants to become
the next "American Idol." "I can bobo now!"
she declared and broke into a dance.
And we uncovered another reason the winner was so emotional: "I'm sorry I'm crying," Fantasia said. "I'm so excited I can take care of my own child."
And speaking of family, we were there as Fantasia finally caught up with hers, including her daughter Zion and her mother, at the "Idol" after-party, where her mother described her feelings to us: "Just blown away. That's the word for it. I'm excited."
When the night finally came to a close, it marked the end of
a long journey and a new beginning for Fantasia. Her parting
thoughts: "For young moms, single moms, anybody. If you
have a dream, go after it. And I did it, I made it."
You certainly did. Congratulations, Diana, and to all of the competitors. See you on the charts.
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