Frenchie Davis Faces Throat Surgery

By LYNN ELBER, AP

Posted: 2008-03-28 17:08:51

LOS ANGELES (March 28) - Frenchie Davis, the big-voiced "American Idol" contestant who found success on Broadway in "Rent," will undergo surgery to remove a vocal cord polyp.

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Cristian de la Fuente (with partner Cheryl Burke) suffered what was diagnosed as a severe muscle sprain at the conclusion of his 'Dancing with the Stars' routine on April 28.

Davis said she's eager to take care of the condition that's begun to cause tiredness and hoarseness after performances. But she's apprehensive.

"I've talked to other singers who had surgery. One girl said her voice went up. Others' voices got clearer. I'm just excited to see and a little nervous, of course. It's still surgery," Davis told The Associated Press.

Her main concern is the risk of losing her range, she said, but the surgeon has assured her that won't happen. Doctors had been monitoring the polyp on her left vocal cord; when it grew, they advised surgery to avoid long-term damage.

The condition likely is from overuse and singing improperly, Davis said.

"I was doing eight shows a week of `Rent' for four years. When I had a break from `Rent,' I was using it to sing elsewhere," she said. "Now I need a vocal coach to make sure I'm singing properly so it doesn't come back."

The surgery is scheduled for the end of April; recovery will take about a month. That will allow Davis to go ahead with a national tour of "Ain't Misbehavin'," co-starring "Idol" winner Ruben Studdard. It's set to begin this fall in New York.

In 2003, Davis was dropped from "Idol" because of a previous appearance on an adult Web site. In contrast, the Fox talent show took no action this season when contestant David Hernandez's stint as a nightclub stripper was revealed or when racy photos of Antonella Barba surfaced last season on the Internet.

"I guess I had to be thrown to the wolves to afford these other contestants the luxury of being judged on their talent," said Davis, 28. "I guess that's what needed to happen."

It was "interesting," she added, that she was punished for something she did at age 19.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2008-03-28 15:12:24

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89 comments

funnygurlm 11:00:57 AM Mar 30 2008

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hobama- Ol' Dirty Bastard is deceased.

Mouthbreathe much?

davidnzakiya 10:10:00 AM Mar 30 2008

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I LOVE U FRENCHIE! Do your thing girl! They had to get rid of you on Idol because with you there it was no contest! They had to be fair girl and give those mediocre singers a chance. To this day, Idol has not had another "Frenchie". Melinda Dolittle tried but her voice did not quite measure up, and she did not have the Frenchie charisma. And to those who have a problem with Frenchie's weight. She is a big girl, but there is a sexiness about her. I've heard men who are not even into big girls say that there's something about her that is appealing.

coming April 15, 2008:
http://www.thechatterroom.com
Go ahead and bookmark it today. And check back in on the 15th

victoriacoventry 10:05:35 AM Mar 30 2008

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I guess it comes down to the color of your skin versus the color of theirs. I hope and pray the surgery goes well and her career is a success. And, that she's learned from her stupid mistake. What is done in the dark ALWAYS comes into the light no matter how young you are when you do it. If you're striving to make a success in a career where character matters, be careful what you do on your journey. One day your actions just might show up at your door and bite you in the behind.

lanap103 05:21:38 AM Mar 30 2008

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hobamabeotch..you have to be a product of cousins! Stop hating so much maybe your life will be a little happier...lol.

maine4me2 05:14:54 AM Mar 30 2008

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This is news because?????

ritterrit 04:28:49 AM Mar 30 2008

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Frenchie, I am praying for you - I KNOW you're worried about your voice changing/sufferring after the surgery, but just follow the doctor's orders, and DON'T OVERUSE YOUR VOICE while you are recovering. TRUST GOD, know that people out here are praying for you, and everything will turn out beautifully!
Tricia

anteekazoid 04:17:56 AM Mar 30 2008

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Let go of the American Idol hate. They have given you exposure and a career and be thankful you don't owe those idiots anymore. Keep up the good work. You are a major talent.

bbaltered1020 03:42:33 AM Mar 30 2008

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Ive had vocal cord surgery and i hope and im sure youve gotten several opinions. I sang as a teen in a group back in the 50s and 60s and loved the art. After my surgery its left me with a very hoarse voice and i cant sing a note anymore. Dont get me wrong im greatful to be able to speak however this surgery could be life changing for you.Best wishes .

hobamabeotch 03:38:30 AM Mar 30 2008

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Ahh....who cares....if her surgery is unsuccessful, she can always partner with Ol Dirty Bastard as a rapper!! Just one question, does WIC cover this surgery???

jerseygirl1259 02:45:39 AM Mar 30 2008

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Frenchie is a true talent. Honey...I hope you fair well with your surgery. Keep on keeping on! God Bless!

mistyfied211 02:25:39 AM Mar 30 2008

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Frenchie.....you have a phenomanal voice and I hope you keep that gift forever! as far as Idol goes.....how sad that when they find someone good,they have to dig up dirt from the past to makea point!funny how people show ?stuff" every day, but when you are in the spotlight and an the way up they have todig in your past. I still watch Idol but , in my opinion, by being the way the are, it is their loss! they missed out on you and that is a shame.........U GO GIRL..........GOD BE WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED!

mistyfied211 02:25:25 AM Mar 30 2008

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oidioto 02:06:47 AM Mar 30 2008

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pollops from slobbin knob

tranxist1 01:59:45 AM Mar 30 2008

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No surgery is risk-free. Julie Andrews wasn't supposed to lose her singing voice from her vocal cord surgery, but she did. Hope this recovery is problem-free.

scooper938 01:58:12 AM Mar 30 2008

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Frenchie has a good voice. But many performers in the past have had polyps removed from the strain of singing. Most everyone is fine after a long rest. Hope the best for you Frenchie! Don't worry- be happy

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