The Bert Show – “Vault: Fantasia Joins The Show”

Original Airdate: January 20, 2026
Host: Bert & The Bert Show Cast
Guest: Fantasia Barrino

Episode Overview

In this engaging and heartfelt episode, the Bert Show welcomes singer and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino. The main focus is her song "Baby Mama," the personal struggles she's overcome, and her new book, Life is Not a Fairy Tale. The discussion dives into social perceptions of single mothers, Fantasia’s resilience, and correcting misconceptions about her literacy. The tone is candid, supportive, and occasionally challenging, with Fantasia offering passionate, unfiltered reflections.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fantasia’s Career After American Idol

• Hosts reminisce about Fantasia winning American Idol ("She’s crushed it!"), noting her success on R&B charts and a platinum album (00:00-00:19).
• Fantasia reflects on where her life might be without her big break:

  “I’ll still be trying…trying to sing, trying to go after it, trying to better myself.” – Fantasia (03:38)

2. The Inspiration and Message Behind “Baby Mama”

• The episode opens by sampling Fantasia’s track “Baby Mama,” a tribute to the struggles and resilience of single mothers (01:02).
• The Bert Show discusses the perceived difference between “baby mama” and “single mom,” prompting a deeper look into societal language and labeling (02:17-03:04).
• Fantasia articulates the intent behind the song:

  “That song, for me, was to bust everybody in the head and say, ‘you know what? Even though we have kids, we can still be somebody.’” – Fantasia (07:13) “It wasn’t to glorify it and tell young ladies to go out and have kids…The verse is talking about how we struggle. But I’m telling all those mothers, I love you, cause I’ve been through it.” – Fantasia (08:41)

• She challenges listeners to hear beyond the chorus, urging attention to the verses and the real-life stories they reflect.

3. Confronting Criticism and Misperception

• Jeff admits discomfort with the idea that being a “baby mama” is celebrated in the song, fearing it sends the wrong message (06:36).
• Fantasia stands her ground:

  “You don’t surprise me by saying that…people have their own opinions about that...My name is Fantasia. But at the same time, yes, I’m a mom.” (07:13) “It ain’t for them. It’s for those women.” (09:53)

• When pressed on whether “baby mamas” can be the backbone of a community, Fantasia responds:

  “Yes, we can. We can be. And like I say, it’s not for the people who don’t go through it…You don’t know what we go through. You don’t know what we sacrifice. You don’t know how hard it is. You don’t know.” (11:20–12:08)

4. Fantasia’s Personal Struggles and Resilience

• Fantasia recounts harrowing details from her past: dropping out of school, abusive relationships, and overcoming self-doubt.

  “One day I looked at myself in the mirror…had a black eye…My lips were huge. And I said to myself, this is not the way I’m supposed to live. This ain’t Fantasia. I have dreams, I have visions, and I gotta go after them.” (04:29)

• On change:

  “You can preach change to a person all day, but unless they want it…it’s not going to happen.” (05:38) “After I had Zion…I started saying, I can’t be hanging out in the streets…let my child see it…” (04:29)

5. Facing and Correcting Misconceptions About Literacy

• The show clarifies an oft-cited statement from Fantasia about being “functionally illiterate” (12:08).
• Fantasia says:

  “That’s the basics…If you put a book in front of me right now, I can read you the familiar. But if there was a word that wasn’t familiar, my fear was I couldn’t pronounce or sound out that word.” (12:36) “There are people going through that right now…afraid to come out with it because of somebody else’s mouth…What people need to know is you got to stop trying to put people down and learn how to pick your people up.” (13:21)

6. Faith, Family Legacy, and Ministry

• Fantasia discusses her roots—her mother and grandmother are preachers—and the power of music as her ministry:

  “My preaching is my singing. That’s how I minister to people…because you sang that song, something in that song made me feel like I can conquer it now.” (16:26)

• Hosts admire her authenticity, suggesting she’ll be unchanged by fame—a point Fantasia receives with characteristic humility and humor.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Overcoming Adversity:

  “But now that I’m at the point to where I am now, I started asking for help. I’m not afraid to say if I can’t pronounce it…I’m not afraid now because I’ve overcome so many of my fears…Yes, baby, I’m a living example.” – Fantasia (15:15–15:50)

• On Critics and Message:

  “You kill people when you do that. And you make them feel like they can’t be nobody. But yes, baby, I’m a living example. And I can tell you you can be whatever you want to be.” – Fantasia (16:14)

• On Her Book’s Message:

  “Life is not a fairy tale. There’s a lot of women out there going through it.” – Fantasia (09:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – Fantasia’s American Idol and music success
• 01:02 – “Baby Mama” song sample
• 03:12 – Start of interview; Fantasia introduces herself to the cast
• 04:29 – Fantasia’s personal journey, struggles, and motivation
• 06:36 – Addressing criticism about “Baby Mama”
• 07:13 – Fantasia’s passionate defense of the song’s intent
• 12:08 – Clarifying rumors about literacy and overcoming fear
• 16:26 – Preaching, music as ministry, and hopes for the future

Tone and Flow

Fantasia is vulnerable, strong, and unwavering—open about her past but fiercely proud of her resilience and her role as an inspiration for others facing adversity. The Bert Show hosts provide a mix of support, playful ribbing, and pointed questions, keeping the conversation personal and authentic.

For Listeners

This episode offers inspiration, raw honesty, and a firsthand look at navigating fame, criticism, and personal hardship. Whether or not you’re familiar with Fantasia’s story, her voice and message resonate throughout the cast’s lively and meaningful interview.