Fantasia Barrino turns R&B concert into worship service; draws flak over skimpy outfit

American R&B singer-songwriter Fantasia Barrino surprised fans when she turned one of her recent concerts into what seemed like an evangelical worship service. The move drew mixed reactions, with many commending Barrino for delivering soul-stirring performances. The Grammy Award winner, however, has also been receiving backlash for her choice of outfit during the said music event, with many going as far as calling it a racy "bathing suit."

Several fans have posted on their social media account videos of Barrino delivering a soulful and emotional rendition of Jonathan David and Melissa Helser's "Abba." At one point, Barrino invited her audience to lift their hands to God and join her in worship. The artist can also be seen sobbing while singing some of the lines from the song. Meanwhile, exclamations of "Hallelujah!" and "Thank You Lord!" can be heard from the audience, who looked engaged in the song number.

Many, however, point out the irony of Barrino leading the audience in praising the Lord while wearing a skimpy outfit at the same time. For some, the inappropriate choice of attire undermined her good intentions in using her celebrity to do her ministry.

Nevertheless, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Drae Mac of Miami, Florida, was one of the concert goers who felt moved by Barrino's performance and call for worship, regardless of what she was wearing.

"I know God's presence and without a doubt He was there! Fantasia had the whole building worshiping God. I'm not surprised that people were saved. She poured her heart out for God that night. I was truly amazed and grateful to have been there to witness it," he shared with Christian Post.

The controversial concert was part of Barrino's "The Definition of Tour." The artist first came into the limelight when she emerged as the winner of reality TV series "American Idol" season 3 in 2004.