Fantasia lands reality series at VH1

Former "American Idol" star Fantasia Barrino will return to reality television in a new unscripted series on VH1.

The nine-time Grammy nominee has received a series commitment from the network for a new show that will premiere in early 2010.

"Fantasia has one of the most fascinating stories in show business, from her tough upbringing to her meteoric rise on the national scene thanks to 'American Idol,' " said Jeff Olde, executive vp original programming at VH1. "Her challenges from fame and her unwillingness to fail have combined to create a larger-than-life talent who appeals to music lovers around the world. So many people wanted to work with her on this, but Fantasia is now part of the VH1 family, and we're so happy to have her."

VH1's very on-brand project will chronicle Fantasia's life as a recording artist and young single mother. The series is executive produced by Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato and Tom Campbell for World of Wonder, with Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Olde producing for the network.

"Fantasia's life has been an open book, but at 24 years old, her story has just begun," Barbato said. "We look forward to smashing expectations and revealing the fresh, funny and unexpected side of this one-of-a-kind country girl and superstar."

The North Carolinian rose to fame as the winner of the third season of "Idol" and has gone on to a successful career as a recording artist. Her autobiography "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale" led to a Lifetime movie in which she played herself.

The VH1 show's title and episode count have not been determined.

The project was packaged by CAA.