This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Annual Bayou Classic. The Bayou Classic is an annual extravaganza that brings fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans each November for a celebration of football, family, and the traditions surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
To help celebrate the hallmark year, the organizers tapped Fantasia to rock the halftime stage on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Superdome in New Orleans.
In a custom black catsuit paired with Dolce & Gabbana accessories and rocking her signature cut, Fantasia turned up on the turf with the Jaguars marching band. In a clip posted to social media, the “Lose to Win” singer can be seen performing her classic, “When I See You.” She also pays tribute to Rare Essence, a Washington, D.C.-based go-go band.
Known professionally by her first name, Fantasia kickstarted her career at age 19 as one of the youngest winners of “American Idol,” in 2004. Since then, she’s racked up multiple awards, including a 2011 Grammy and two others from Billboard.
She also starring in the 2023 film iteration of “The Color Purple” with Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey and Danielle Brooks. The film is set for release on Christmas.
The highly anticipated rivalry game concluded with a Jaguars victory, with a final score of 27 – 22.