Taraji P. Henson and Fantasia Barrino-Taylor may be costarring in the upcoming movie musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” together, but there was a special connection that bonded them long before then.
Speaking to PEOPLE on the red carpet at the 2023 Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements, Henson expressed how her support and honor for Barrino-Taylor dates back to when the singer/actress was a contestant on “American Idol” back in 2004.
“I’ve always been a fan of hers and I was a huge champion for her on ‘American Idol,’” the Empire star said. “I voted as many times as I could, finger went numb. And also my grandfather, who passed away about 20 years ago, was a huge fan of hers. So I’m showing love through him to her.”
The duo, who has been on an extensive and fabulously dressed press run leading to the film’s highly anticipated Christmas release, can also be seen sitting alongside Oprah Winfrey on Friday, Dec. 8 for a new special on OWN.
Along with Henson and Barinno-Taylor, Winfrey — who famously portrayed Sofia in the original 1985 “The Color Purple” film — will also sit down with costars Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, visionary director Blitz Bazawule, acclaimed screenwriter Marcus Gardley, award-winning choreographer Fatima Robinson, acclaimed writer of “The Color Purple” Alice Walker, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg and celebrated costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck.
They’ll all discuss how they brought their collective talent and creativity together to create the special work both past and present. Additionally, Winfrey will also reflect on her role as Sofia and how it changed her life as well as the relevance of the story’s themes in today’s world.
“OWN Celebrates The New Color Purple” premieres Friday, Dec. 8 at 10pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.