Fantasia was the final live act at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Party last Saturday. It was after midnight when she took the stage.
Her rendition of Stormy Weather below brought down the house, and media coverage of the event raved about her performance. Fantasia's style may not be for everyone, but as a fan, I loved it. Stormy Weather
I think the camera angle at the beginning made her look as if she was smiling. Later, she's admittedly playing a little bit--akin to a jazz instrumentalist riffing on a melody. It was her time to have fun. She sings it differently on Broadway.
But I think this performance is precisely why legends such as Aretha Franklin, Barbara Cook, and Patti LaBelle love her. She is completely fearless as a live performer. In a manner of a few minutes, she had the audience in the palm of her hand.
One of Fantasia's trademarks is that she is very connected to the lyrics. Just google Fantasia and "I'm Here." I don't believe there is another singer alive, including LaChanze, who is capable of delivering the song as well as Fantasia.
Regarding Liza, that makes me laugh because I'm a fan of hers, too. I can see how her pronunciation and antics might turn off some people (as they do with Fantasia), but I love her style.