AMERICAN IDOL - BARRINO CONFIRMS COLOR PURPLE LEAD

BARRINO CONFIRMS COLOR PURPLE LEAD

LATEST: AMERICAN IDOL winner FANTASIA BARRINO has confirmed she's set to make her Broadway debut in OPRAH WINFREY's THE COLOR PURPLE musical. Appearing on a live American Idol last night (22FEB07), the singer announced she'll play the leading role of CELIE from 10 April (07). And to prove she's got what it takes to play the part, Barrino performed Celie's heart-wrenching I'M HERE ballad on the TV talent contest. As well as becoming the first Idol winner to star in a Broadway show, Barrino has also made history by topping the New York Times Bestseller list with her autobiography LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE, which was turned into a TV movie.