Fantasia is due to make her Broadway debut tonight in the Oprah Winfrey-produced “Color Purple.” The American Idol winner had never been to a Broadway show when she was given the role, but that hasn’t stopped her from pulling in serious money for the show.

Since the Feb. 22 announcement that she would join the cast, advance ticket sales have amounted to a staggering $6 million.

Fantasia is contracted to play the starring role of “Celie” for six months. Also joining her is Elisabeth Withers who will portray Shug Avery. Withers dropped her debut album, It Can Happen to Anyone, back in January  was released on Blue Note Records.