Fantasia had a new addition to show off, and the introduction came alongside a fresh look. The singer took to Instagram after picking up her second poodle at an airport in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Tuesday, September 29.
Rocking oversized black sunglasses with her short hair swept across her forehead, the American Idol winner posed with the puppy nestled against her cheek. She introduced the pair in her caption, writing: “Now we have Lola and Tinker Bell.”
The airport moment also offered a glimpse of Fantasia’s casual style away from the stage. She sported a color-block jacket featuring green sleeves, orange accents, and pale blue details, paired with a patterned shoulder bag and a white kennel tote.
Her new puppy, meanwhile, made the trip in a red outfit. “I’m so excited I picked up my second baby from @fionagracekennels at the airport today in Charlotte, North Carolina,” she wrote.
In her caption, Fantasia referenced a flight from Texas and explained that this was her second poodle from the breeder. “I called immediately and said bring her to me ASAP,” she added. “She’s worth every penny.”
Although some fans have speculated that Fantasia is taking a weight-loss drug, the singer and actress has yet to publicly respond to the claims. However, since her American Idol win in 2004, Fantasia has often spoken about the challenges of dealing with expectations surrounding her appearance, including in a November 2016 interview with People about shedding 20 pounds.
“In the industry I am in, you have the pressure of perfection — and I definitely gained a few pounds,” she said. At the time, she explained that she had revamped her eating habits and workout routine with support from Urban Skin Solutions’ medical weight-loss program.
According to the program’s owner, Rachel Roff, Fantasia’s approach included consistent exercise and a diet focused on protein while cutting back on carbohydrates. “Fantasia is a fitness junkie,” Roff told People. “She loves hot yoga, and she has a trainer that she works out with on a regular basis that incorporates cardio and strength training.”
Fantasia said the program helped her “look better and feel better without taking shortcuts or going under the knife.” She summed up her experience by saying: “I have lost the weight, and I feel great!”
In the years since those updates, Fantasia has also brought one of her most memorable stage roles to the big screen. She portrayed Celie in the 2023 musical film The Color Purple, revisiting a character she originally played on Broadway in 2007.
The role added another milestone to a career that took off with her Idol victory, a No. 1 debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with “I Believe,” and a platinum-selling debut album, Free Yourself.
