I Believe (Fantasia song)
Encyclopedia
"I Believe" is the debut single released by singer and American Idol
season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino
. The song significantly helped Fantasia rise to fame. The song was co-written by former American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray
.
as her last performance within the competition. DeGarmo sang the song first, also on the finale, for her first performance of the night. The judges unanimously acclaimed Fantasia the winner of season 3, a prediction that came true when she was crowned American Idol the following evening. An ecstatic and tearful Fantasia performed her new single "I Believe" minutes after the announcement. DeGarmo's performance was also well-received by the judges.
The song was an instant success for Fantasia when it was released on June 22, 2004. It performed well on the radio and sales charts of the United States and Canada debuting at number one in both nations. This made Fantasia the first artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100
to debut at number one with a first record. "I Believe" is also the winner of three Billboard Awards. "I Believe" is noted for its inspirational lyrics.
The runner up of American Idol Season 3, Diana Degarmo, also sang this song during the final 2 showdown and in addition sang it during the finale as an encore performance.
American Idol contestants, Lakisha Jones
(season 6) and Syesha Mercado
(season 7) sang this song during the inspirational song week.
at number one. The CD was a substantial success in the U.S. and in Canada. In its debut week the single shattered the first week sales record for any single in 2004 in the U.S. "I Believe" was certified double platinum by the CRIA in Canada selling more than 80,000 units. It has sold 527,000 copies in the United States, making it one of the most successful single of 2004. "I Believe" was number one on the U.S single sales chart for eleven consecutive weeks and ten weeks in Canada, giving it the longest stay at number one on the chart by any Idol contestant. "I Believe" also spent six consecutive weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B Single Sales chart. "I Believe" hit number one on more music charts than any other Idol contestant's debut single so far.
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Monique Barrino commonly known as Fantasia, is an American R&B singer, Broadway and television actress who rose to fame as the winner of the third season of the reality television series American Idol in 2004. Following her victory, she released her debut single, "I Believe", which...
. The song significantly helped Fantasia rise to fame. The song was co-written by former American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray
Tamyra Gray
Tamyra Monica Gray is an American actress, singer and songwriter, who finished fourth place on the first season of the musical reality competition American Idol in 2002. Record and television executive Simon Cowell — who judged the show for nine seasons — was disappointed when she was voted off...
.
History
Fantasia sang "I Believe" on the third season finale of American IdolAmerican Idol (Season 3)
The third season of American Idol premiered on Monday, January 19, 2004 and continued until May 26, 2004. The third season was won by Fantasia Barrino, who defeated Diana DeGarmo by an approximate margin of 2% ; the vote total was the highest recorded vote total in the show's history until the...
as her last performance within the competition. DeGarmo sang the song first, also on the finale, for her first performance of the night. The judges unanimously acclaimed Fantasia the winner of season 3, a prediction that came true when she was crowned American Idol the following evening. An ecstatic and tearful Fantasia performed her new single "I Believe" minutes after the announcement. DeGarmo's performance was also well-received by the judges.
The song was an instant success for Fantasia when it was released on June 22, 2004. It performed well on the radio and sales charts of the United States and Canada debuting at number one in both nations. This made Fantasia the first artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
to debut at number one with a first record. "I Believe" is also the winner of three Billboard Awards. "I Believe" is noted for its inspirational lyrics.
The runner up of American Idol Season 3, Diana Degarmo, also sang this song during the final 2 showdown and in addition sang it during the finale as an encore performance.
American Idol contestants, Lakisha Jones
LaKisha Jones
LaKisha Ann Jones is an American singer. She placed fourth on the sixth season of American Idol.-Personal life:Jones was born at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, to a teacher at the Flint Foundation Academy...
(season 6) and Syesha Mercado
Syesha Mercado
Syesha Raquel Mercado is an American singer, songwriter, actress and model. Mercado was the third place finalist on the seventh season of American Idol. Prior to Idol, Mercado was on The One: Making a Music Star and she won Florida Super Singer...
(season 7) sang this song during the inspirational song week.
Chart performance
When the song was released it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at number one. The CD was a substantial success in the U.S. and in Canada. In its debut week the single shattered the first week sales record for any single in 2004 in the U.S. "I Believe" was certified double platinum by the CRIA in Canada selling more than 80,000 units. It has sold 527,000 copies in the United States, making it one of the most successful single of 2004. "I Believe" was number one on the U.S single sales chart for eleven consecutive weeks and ten weeks in Canada, giving it the longest stay at number one on the chart by any Idol contestant. "I Believe" also spent six consecutive weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B Single Sales chart. "I Believe" hit number one on more music charts than any other Idol contestant's debut single so far.
Charts
| Chart (2004) | Peak positions |
|---|---|
| Australian ARIA Singles Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
4 |
| Canadian Singles Chart Canadian Singles Chart The Canadian Singles Chart is currently compiled by the U.S.-based music sales tracking company, Nielsen SoundScan . The chart is compiled every Wednesday, and is published by Jam! Canoe on Thursdays.... |
1 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 20 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks | 12 |
Billboard Awards
- 2004 Billboard Top Selling Single Of The Year
- 2004 Billboard Top Selling R&B/Hip-Hop Single Of The Year
- 2005 Billboard-American Urban Radio Networks Top Selling R&B/Hip-Hop Single Of The Year
See also
- List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2004 (U.S.)
- List of Canadian number-one singles of 2004