Award-winning singer and actress Fantasia has unleashed the video for her song “SUPERPOWER (I).”
In the poignant visual, directed by Taylor Fauntleroy, Fantasia reconnects with her 19-year-old self through AI technology courtesy of Metaphysic, a generative AI company.
The 39-year-old sings the stirring tune to her younger self, wearing the same red dress she wore when she was crowned American Idol in 2004. “On my soul, you’re the reason I made it through / Every drop, every tear / Every ounce of my heart, you’re the reason I’m here,” she sings.
According to press materials, Metaphysic “used generative AI to create a neural model of Fantasia based on input data of photography and footage of her when she was young to synthesize a photorealistic AI likeness that is undetectable from her at that age.”
Written and produced by The-Dream, “SUPERPOWER (I)” appears in the end credits of the musical adaption of The Color Purple, as well as the soundtrack. Fantasia stars as Celie in the Blitz Bazawule-directed movie.
“Not only is this a song that is so meaningful to the story of The Color Purple, it’s also a song that speaks to my personal life experience,” says Fantasia.
“Celie is a character I hold close to my heart as I understand her profoundly. What an honor to have The-Dream write her song – our song – and I hope it moves you in the way it immensely moved me.”
“SUPERPOWER (I)” is among the songs shortlisted for consideration for an Oscar nod. The 2024 Oscar nominations will be announced Tuesday, Jan. 24.
“SUPERPOWER (I)” is the third song from The Color Purple soundtrack to receive an official music video. It follows Alicia Keys’ uplifting anthem “Lifeline” and Usher and H.E.R.’s duet “Risk It All.”
The Color Purple soundtrack also includes contributions from Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Halle Bailey, Coco Jones, Jorja Smith, October London and more.
In other news, Fantasia recently performed the national anthem at the 2024 College Football National Championship.
Watch Fantasia’s “SUPERPOWER (I)” video below.