In the third season of the reality television show “American Idol”, a young lady from High Point, North Carolina kept the judges on the edge of their seats. Simon Cowell made a statement in reference to her being the best contestant to ever compete in any competition. During the contest, each time she performed she left the judges shaking their heads. They were in awe of the talent being displayed on stage. In May of 2004, at the age of 19, Fantasia Barrino became the youngest “American Idol” champion. Present-day, the Grammy Award winner is headlining a 29-city tour.
Fantasia’s Sketchbook Tour is coming to a city near you and she’s bringing her female friends who are very talented and creative. Ahji Love, Sheria Rashawn, and Tasha Denae will share the stage with Fantasia as they provide the soulful background vocals. The music will be provided courtesy of Divinity Roxx on the bass, Ari O’Neal rocking the guitar, and Tracyan Martin playing the keys.
Joining Fantasia on the Marquee is rising star The Bonfyre, R&B crooner Tank, and the soulful Robin Thicke. The ninth stop of the 29-city tour took place on November 1st at the UMBC Event Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Bonfyre kicked things off as she lived up to the hype. She warmed up the crowd with her contemporary R&B sound. Her vocal arrangement is soulful yet upbeat. The Bonfyre is a rising talent who’s star will continue to ascend.Â
Tank was next to hit the stage as he wore a fashionable coat. After performing a couple of songs, the coat and his shirt came off. He entertained the ladies by singing a few songs top free on stage. His smooth yet sexually-charged set was provocative and captivating. He wrapped up his set by tossing roses to the ladies in the audience.
Wearing all black with shades, Robin Thicke was ready to take the baton. He brought the crowd to their feet as he displayed vocal power and range. In between songs he shared his thoughts on his personal issues such as lawsuits, a failed marriage, and the death of his father. His message to the fans was to always find a way to overcome adversity. One of the highlights of Robin Thicke’s set was him singing and dancing on top of the piano.
It was now time for the main event as Fantasia took possession of the stage. She immediately got the crowd hyped up as she gave them a sample of her new material. Once she accomplished that feat it was now time for her to kick her shoes off. Fantasia has a powerful singing voice which consists of church rooted overtones. She gave the crowd a disclaimer stating no lip-syncing occurs on her stage. She made it known when she’s on stage she is really singing. After performing a few of her classic hits, she took the crowd to church. One of the highlights was Fantasia dedicating her rendition of Donnie McClurkin song ‘Stand’ to a fan she met who is battling Lupus. In a touching moment Fantasia held the fan’s hand as she sang the song.
The Sketchbook Tour is refreshing and exciting. It is pure music. It’s not about gimmicks or shortcuts. It’s all about sharing and entertaining the fans with authentic talent.
