"I Believe" is the debut single released by singer and
American Idolseason 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino, as well
as the
American Idolseason 3 runner-up, Diana DeGarmo. The song
significantly helped Fantasia rise to fame. The song was
co-written by former
American Idolcontestant Tamyra Gray.
Fantasia sang "I Believe" on the finale of American Idol
(season 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 considered by some to be
among 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, 2004. It performed 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 Hot 100 to debut at number one with a first
record. "I Believe" is also the winner of three Awards.
I Believeis 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.
When the song was released it debuted on the 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 80,000 units. It has sold 527,000 copies in the United
States , making it one of 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
Idolcontestant. "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.