As previously reported, first-time Grammy-winner Fantasia boycotted the Grammy Awards ceremony last week because she felt snubbed that she wasn't invited to participate in the ceremony's Aretha Franklin-tribute opening number. Apparently she considered this a sign of a lack of R-E-S-P-E-C-T on the Grammys' part. This seemed like a case of bitter grapes on the part of the "Bittersweet" diva, and now Aretha herself, who enlisted 'Tasia to sing on her 2007 duets album, has offered a gentle but firm scolding to the Season 3 "American Idol" champ.
This week, Aretha sent the following eloquently worded statement to to USA Today:
"I was sorry to hear that Fantasia was upset because she did not get the opportunity to participate in my Grammy Tribute this year. I recall that in the past, Fantasia participated in both my MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute and my United Negro College Fund Tribute. Fantasia is still young in the business and although we all love and appreciate her she must understand that in this business of show business she will not always get to participate in everything she would like participate in. I'm sure it was not an intentional omission. I will see Fantasia over the summer here in Detroit."
I seriously hope Fantasia reads this (no, that's not a sarcastic statement--Fantasia DOES know how to read now, as that emotional "Fantasia For Real" episode on which she got her G.E.D. proved). I love me some 'Tasia, but I was disappointed by her immature Grammy behavior, and think she should look to Aretha, the Queen of Soul who's been in the business for decades, as an elder-stateswoman role model here. As talented as Fantasia is, she will surely be up for more awards in the future...and I hope she'll be there in person to accept them.
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