Fantasia Barrino, who picked up a Theater World Award the other day for her debut in "The Color Purple," admits there was a time not long ago when her fashion sense was way out of whack.

After thanking God and producer Scott Sanders - in that order, reports The Post's Barbara Hoffman - the 22-year-old "American Idol" beauty recalled how, for her first rehearsal as impoverished, beaten-down Celie, she showed up with "long fingernails and pumps." A cast member told her gently to lose the pumps, and she did. The rest is history.

Wait, wait, wait... WOW!!! What the eff was this? - the 22-year-old "American Idol" beauty?- She's stunning from the ankle down.

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