Fantasia, 'When I See U' (Sessions)

AOL: Who inspired you when you were growing up?

Fantasia: Number one, Aretha Franklin. I love her because she has a story just like mine. She came out of church -- her father was a pastor, my mother's an evangelist. I always say she's anointed and appointed for the job, and I hear a lot of people say that about me. I love Aretha. Elton John just did his own thing. He did great music. Of course, people said things about him, but he just really didn't care and I love that. Prince, also, he was somewhat of a rebel. He wore what he wanted to wear, did what he wanted to do. I love those artists who say, "I'm gonna be who I am."