Philadelphia resident Crystal Smaller left the Penn Bookstore Friday inspired.
In her hands, she clutched an autographed copy of American Idol winner Fantasia's new book -- impressive because the author did not pen a single sentence.
Fantasia, winner of the third season of the hit Fox show, had to dictate her book to a ghostwriter because she cannot write.
In her book's second chapter, Fantasia reveals that she dropped out of school while in the ninth grade. One reason, she confessed, was that "I really couldn't read ... I had gotten to the eighth grade, but I had really just slid by."
Fantasia soon had a child and began singing to earn a living.
Things turned around for her last May, as she emerged triumphant over about 70,000 Idol hopefuls. She beat finalist Diana DeGarmo by a margin of 1.3 million votes out of 65 million cast. After her victory, her debut single "I Believe" opened at No. 1 and her first album brought her voice to radio stations nationwide.
While competing on American Idol, Fantasia struggled with her limited reading skills, performing songs based on having previously heard them. Now, however, she's focusing on another one of her dreams: earning her GED.
On Friday, a line of about 350 weaved through much of the first-floor of the bookstore as Fantasia's songs "I Believe" and "Truth Is" played. She attracted college students, toddlers and local residents such as Smaller, 36, who stated, "She could out-Patti Patti LaBelle."
The artist showed her gratitude as she hugged fans, posed for pictures, talked into cell phones and made eye contact with members of the audience.
At one point, Fantasia, now 21, left her seated post behind the table and stood in front of it so she could autograph a sweatshirt worn by a young fan.
Wearing jeans and a beige top with gold bracelets, the platinum-selling Idol winner appeared comfortable and self-assured as she listened to fans relate their own stories of inspiration.
American Idol fans such as attendee Felicia Williams, who was the first person in line for the event, said she has watched Fantasia "from start to finish" and owns a copy of her album, which she called "very inspirational."
Co-directors of Social Planning and Events Committee's Special Events arm Lina Shustarovich and Andrea Broadt, who helped organize the event with Bookstore staff, agreed that Fantasia's book could be appreciated by people going through "any type of adversity. People can gain a lot of inspiration from her."
