'American Idol' finalists share bond of competition
(CNN) -- "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino and runner-up Diana DeGarmo told CNN's "Larry King Live" Friday that they think of each other as sisters after surviving the nationally televised talent competition together.
"She's like my big sister now," DeGarmo said. "She got me crying and everything."
Barrino learned she won the competition Wednesday night during a live broadcast to a national audience. In addition to winning a recording contract, she also won a Ford Focus.
"My first car," she told King. "I've never had a car."
It's been a year of firsts for Barrino.
"I've never been in a competition before and I just said, 'I'm going to go,'" she told King. "My purpose was to just get out and sing. I wasn't in it for the prize. I said 'Forget that. I'm just going to sing.' "
The two have shared a lot of time together in the three months since the show started. During that time they've been roommates and learned a lot about the other -- including her bad habits.
Barrino said DeGarmo spends too much time primping in the bathroom. DeGarmo said Barrino sleeps to the last minute and is always late.
The two teenagers are both from the South -- Barrino from North Carolina, DeGarmo from Georgia.
Barrino, 19, has a 2-year-old daughter.
DeGarmo, 16, said she takes advice from Barrino including her warning not to have a boyfriend.
"There's a time and place for everything," DeGarmo said.
Both singers are preparing for a summer tour along with eight other finalists from the third season of "American Idol."
Barrino said she is looking forward to releasing her first album which is partially completed.
