The Buzz

Fantasia defies doubters in lead in ‘Color Purple'

After it was announced that Fantasia would take over the lead role in the Broadway musical “The Color Purple,” she recalls her co-stars as being warm, friendly and supportive. Still, she knew in the back of their minds that they had doubt about her casting.

Perhaps for good reason. The former “American Idol” champ was taking over for LaChanze, who won a Tony for her portrayal of the downtrodden “Celie,” and the 23-year-old's acting experience had been limited to a saccharine Lifetime TV biopic in which she played herself - not exactly the most challenging of roles.