I Believe (Fantasia song)
| "I Believe" | |
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| Song |
"I Believe" is an award-winning debut single released by the music artist and American Idol season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino, as well as the American Idol season 3 runner-up, Diana DeGarmo. The song significantly helped Fantasia rise to fame. The song was co-written by former American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray.
History
Fantasia sung "I Believe" on the finale of American Idol 3 as her last performance within the competition. Diana sang the song first, also on the finale, for her first performance of the night. Fantasia's final performance that evening is regarded by some fans and critics as one of the most outstanding performances in the show's history. Only her two performances of Summertime (which are widely considered to be the best performances in the show's history) received more praise. Fantasia received outstanding praise and was declared the winner of American Idol by all three judges. The judges predictions came true and Fantasia was crowned American Idol the following evening. An ecstatic and tearful Fantasia performed her new single "I Believe" minutes after the announcement. Diana's performance was also well-received by the judges.
The song was an instant success for Fantasia when it was released on June 22 of 2004. It performed exceptionally 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.[1] "I Believe" is also the winner of three Billboard Awards. With a list price of $12.99, the "I Believe" CD is so far the most expensive single released by an Idol winner and has had the most songs, including "I Believe", "Summertime", and "Chain of Fools". 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. Although she did not win the competition, she did release the song on her single but did not release it on her debut album.
American Idol contestants, Lakisha Jones (season 6) and Syesha Mercado (season 7) sang this song during the inspirational song week.
Chart performance
When the song was released it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 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 20,000 units. It has sold approximately more than 500,000 copies in the United States, making it 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.
Chart positions
| Chart Information (2004) | Positions |
|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 Single Sales Chart | 1 |
| Canadian Single Sales Chart | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
| U.S. R&B/Hip-hop | 12 |
| Australian 'ARIA' Singles Chart | 4 |
| New Zealand 'RIANZ' Singles Chart | 20 |
Awards
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