Slimmer singer???? Ms. Keller would make Beyonce look like an Effie.
Fact is, no one is taking into account that the role, in some ways, needs to be reconceived. Film is a VERY different medium than the stage. The kind of performance that plays to the back of the Minskoff (the kind of performance Ms. Holliday gave, I would imagine) would simply overhwhelm the screen. Choosing a different vocal style than Ms. Holliday, but one that is still distincly 'black', is a wise choice. Remember, as has been discussed here many, many times, this show is not about weight. It's about selling out. Denying your race to make it in a white business. And from all reports, Fantasia's screen test was spectacular.
I remember when everyone was gnashing their teeth over Renee Zellweger, CZJ and the Gerbil Boy were cast in CHICAGO. What a disaster THAT turned out to be.
"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."