It’s hard to believe it has been almost 20 years since Fantasia Barrino was crowned the Season 3 winner of American Idol. Barrino hasn’t only garnered support and praise from critics and fans, but her Idol family as well. Former series judge Paula Abdul couldn’t help but gush about the R&B singer as Barrino garners Oscar buzz for her performance as Celie in the big-screen revamp of The Color Purple. Abdul also recalled the sweet way she helped the Idol alum ahead of her audition.
The former American Idol judge -- who rejoined Ryan Seacrest and more on it in 2011-- showed her support at the musical adaptation’s star-studded Hollywood premiere where ET caught up with her. Paula Abdul saw Fantasia Barrino’s rise to superstardom first-hand during the reality competition’s third season. While looking back at the the songstress' time on Idol, Abdul shared a touching story involving Barrino almost missing out on her chance to audition, saying:
