A few weeks ago there were rumors that Fantasia was pregnant. However, we all learned that the former American Idol wasn’t preggers, she just gained weight to play gospel legend Mahalia Jackson.

The film is titled Mahalia! and 18 songs are approved for the flick, which is based on the 1993 book Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel. Considering Fantasia is a singer, most assumed that she would re-record Jackson’s gospel classics. However, it was recently revealed that she will lip-sync.  The producer, Dave LaCour Simien, told the New Orleans Times-Picayune, “We wanted to make sure if we do it, we do it right.”

I think this is a good call. In many of the great biopics the actors were lip-syncing: Angela Bassett in What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Halle Berry in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, Larenz Tate in Why Do Falls Fall in Love?, etc.  Mahalia had such a distinctive voice that Hollywood should leave the vocals to her.

Check out the video below of Mahalia Jackson singing “Trouble of the World” from the classic Imitation of Life. Do you think Fantasia could properly channel Jackson?

Rumors have surfaced that Fantasia is with child – again. But, it’s not true. She is just gaining 45 pounds for a biopic on gospel icon Mahalia Jackson.  Her manager, Brian Dickens, told CNN that “Fantasia’s pregnant with prosperity.” She starts filming the biopic in May.

I love Fantasia but I am a little unsure about her playing Mahalia Jackson.  I would’ve rather seen this go to more of an actress than a singer — but those days are over…  However, you never know, she might surprise us!

In other news, Jamie Foxx revealed on the George Lopez Show that Lopez has been added the Wanda and Sheneneh film.  He will play the cop who is hunting down Wanda and Sheneneh who are robbing banks from Northern to Southern  California.

I don’t know anyone who isn’t looking forward to this film — it’s a guaranteed success.  I am still waiting for a confirmation that Tichina Arnold as Pam will join the cast — this is a must!  Make it happen!

SOURCE

Fantasia Barrino hasn’t been in a movie since 2006’s Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, which was a huge success for Lifetime. It was a story on Fantasia’s life and ranked as the second most-watched movie in the network’s history, bringing in 19 million viewers.

This time she is starring in the straight-to-DVD release, Soul Kittens Cabaret, which also includes Grammy winner Faith Evans. Here is the synopsis:

Soul Kittens Cabaret follows seven women on their journey to self- discovery as they struggle with temptation, personal demons and false promises. While trying to revive Detroit’s hottest club in town, the Soul Kittens take customers on the ride of their lives with sultry sex appeal and silky vocals. Along the way, the Soul Kittens learn the real meaning of sisterhood from the yin and yang of reasoning, Good Conscience (Fantasia Barrino) and Bad Conscience (Faith Evans).

Check out the trailer!