Fantasia Barrino Set to Star as Mihalia Jackson in Upcoming Film

Fantasia Barrino has been announced to play the staring role in an upcoming film adaptation of the 1993 book Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The screenplay for the movie was written by Jim Evering, and Euzhan Palcy will serve as director.

The story follows the late American gospel singer Jackson, a civil rights activist, and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Barrino, most known as a winner of American Idol, last appeared on Broadway in The Color Purple, along with the show's national tour. Her third studio album, Back to Me, was released in August, 2010.