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      *After weeks of rumors, Fantasia Barrino used the “American Idol” platform that made her famous to announce that she will take over the role of Miss Celie in Broadway’s “The Color Purple.”      

      Not only did she belt a re-orchestrated version of Celie’s song "I'm Here" on Thursday’s “Idol” results show, but the High Point, N.C. native also brought along one of the musical’s producers, Quincy Jones, to help promote the new gig.

      As previously reported, rumors of Fantasia’s casting were in the air even as producers announced last weekend that Kenita R. Miller would take over the role originated by LaChanze and continued by Jeannette Bayardelle.  Miller’s run began on Feb. 19th, and she’ll continue to “shake her shimmy” until Fantasia is passed the baton on April 10.            

      Barrino, “Idol’s” season-three champ, is also scheduled to appear Wednesday (Feb. 28) on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to discuss her Broadway debut. Winfrey’s presence as producer of “The Color Purple” has helped the show maintain a high profile ever since its Nov. 1, 2005 opening. It has also helped the musical recoup its $11 million production costs in little more than a year.

      However, attendance has dropped in the last month, and the weekly gross has dipped just south of the $500,000 mark. According to Daily Variety, producers hope the casting of Fantasia will give a jolt to the box office.