Frenchie Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frenchie Davis
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Frenchie Davis in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Franchelle Davis |
| Born | May 7, 1979 |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | R&B dance, electronica, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer actress |
| Instruments | Vocals guitar piano |
| Years active | 2003–present |
Franchell "Frenchie" Davis (born May 7, 1979) is an American singer and actress. She is known for her powerful voice and for performing on Broadway. Frenchie first became famous in 2003 when she was a contestant on the TV singing show American Idol.
After American Idol, she joined the cast of the Broadway musical Rent and performed there for four years. In 2011, Frenchie Davis was also a contestant on the first season of another popular singing competition, The Voice, where she made it to the top 8.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Frenchie Davis was born in Washington, D.C. She grew up in Los Angeles, California. In 2014, she earned a degree in Fine Arts from Howard University.
Her performing career started in the year 2000. She appeared in musicals like Little Shop of Horrors and Jesus Christ Superstar. These shows were with the Freilichtspiele Theatre Company in Schwabisch Hall, Germany.
Competing on American Idol
Frenchie Davis was a contestant on the second season of American Idol in 2003. However, she was asked to leave the show early in the season. This was because of some pictures she had taken earlier in her life. The show's producers felt these pictures were not suitable for a family-friendly program.
Frenchie had told the show's staff about the pictures when she first joined. She wanted to be honest about her past. She explained that she took the pictures when she was 19 years old and that it wasn't who she was anymore. Even though they discussed it, the show later decided her participation would not be appropriate.
A Discussion About Fairness
Years later, in 2007, another American Idol contestant, Antonella Barba, faced a similar situation with pictures. However, Antonella was allowed to stay on the show for a while longer. Many people noticed this difference.
Frenchie Davis spoke about it, saying she hoped Idol had changed its rules. She felt it was good if other contestants wouldn't have to go through what she did. This situation led to discussions on TV shows like The View about how different contestants were treated.
Life After American Idol
After her time on American Idol, Frenchie Davis quickly moved to Broadway. In 2003, she joined the cast of the musical Rent. She sang a solo in the famous song Seasons of Love. She also played several different characters in the show. Sometimes, she even played the main role of Joanne. Frenchie performed in Rent for several years, leaving the show in 2007.
In 2004, Frenchie played the role of Effie in a touring production of Dreamgirls. This musical traveled to cities like Sacramento, San Jose, and Seattle. She also performed in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.
Frenchie continued to perform in various musicals. In 2007, she starred as Mahalia Jackson in Mahalia: A Gospel Musical. In 2008, she joined a national tour of the musical Ain't Misbehavin'. This tour was even nominated for a Grammy award. In 2010, she played the Fairy Godmother in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.
Competing on The Voice
In 2011, Frenchie Davis appeared on the first season of the TV show The Voice. For her first performance, she sang "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry. She impressed the judges and joined singer Christina Aguilera's team.
During the competition, Frenchie had many strong performances. She sang "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyoncé and "When Love Takes Over" by David Guetta and Kelly Rowland. Judges praised her powerful voice.
Frenchie did not win the fan vote one week. However, Christina Aguilera used her special vote to keep Frenchie in the competition. This allowed Frenchie to move on to the "Elite 8" round. In this round, she performed "Like a Prayer" by Madonna.
Frenchie Davis was eliminated in the semi-finals, finishing fifth overall. After the show, she joined the other top contestants on a U.S. tour in the summer of 2011.
Recent Career and Activism
After The Voice, Frenchie continued her acting and singing career. In 2012, she starred in the musical God Doesn't Mean You Get To Live Forever. In 2014, she made her first movie appearance in the comedy film Dumbbells.
In 2017, Frenchie played Henri in The View UpStairs. This off-Broadway musical was about a historical event in New Orleans. She also received an award for her activism. This award, the José Esteban Muñoz Award, recognizes people who support and promote LGBTQ+ studies and rights outside of school.
Music Releases
Frenchie Davis has also released her own music. In 2009, she was featured on the song "You Are" by Tony Moran. This song became popular on the Billboard dance charts.
On September 4, 2012, Frenchie released her first solo song, "Love's Got A Hold On Me". This song also did well on the Billboard Dance Chart. It was meant to be the first song from an album called Just Frenchie, but the album was not released.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Frenchie Davis has a vocal range known as Lyric Mezzo-soprano.
In 2012, Frenchie shared publicly that she is bisexual. She is a strong supporter and speaker for the bisexual community. She also advocates for LGBTQ+ young people and for LGBTQ+ people of color.
In 2013, she was a special performer at a big conference for LGBTQ+ equality. She explained why she chose to be open about her identity. She said it was important for young people to see public figures who are proud of who they are. She wanted to show them that "it is ok to be true to you."
Awards and Recognitions
- In June 2017, Frenchie Davis received the José Esteban Muñoz award from CLAGS: The Center for LGBTQ Studies. This award honors individuals who promote LGBTQ+ studies through their work or activism. She shared this award with Nathan Lee Graham and Wilson Cruz.
See also
In Spanish: Frenchie Davis para niños
