It's a useful talking point to note that Jordin Sparks is the youngest winner in the history of "American Idol." Just 17!
Unfortunately, her first CD proves she's also the most unformed.
Sparks comes to her maiden recording as perhaps the only top idol winner unarmed by a signature style. Past winners - or near winners - have each had a particular forte, or at least an allegiance to a style, that gave them something akin to character. See: Kelly Clarkson's faux rock, Taylor Hicks' pseudo-soul, Bo Bice's Hollywood Southern rock, Fantasia's backwoods R&B, Carrie Underwood's big-voiced country and Clay Aiken's Broadway schmaltz.
No matter how compromised - or dubious - those styles may have been, each helped listeners know who exactly the singer is. Or at least who they wanted to be.
But who, exactly, is Jordin Sparks?
From all evidence of her self-titled debut, she's a girl with a voice as flawless as it is flavorless. It's a big and pretty voice, but, like the talents of a workaday model, its beauty allows no distinction in the features.
It's hard, at first, to understand how this could happen. Sparks seemed so winning on the show. When you watch her perform, she brims with charm, aided by a broad-faced smile and a total lack of guile. But none of that shows in the studio. Her demeanor, it seems, had more character than her voice.
The material on the album doesn't do her many favors. It's competent, but nothing more.Almost every track is a ballad, which cuts down on Sparks' youth appeal. Kids should know there's nothing to dance to here, though the result does effectively sell her as a naif.
"Shy Boy" has her ignoring a thug in favor of a wallflower. "Young and in Love" makes her youth crassly obvious, while in "God Loves Ugly" she plays the earnestly homely girl.
There's no evidence of that in real life - at least when we see Sparks. But in a medium where we can't, it's amazing how much of her fades away.
Article from: Jim Farber http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2007/11/25/2007-11-25_american_idol_winner_jordin_sparks_has_f.html
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
'Idol' Jordin Sparks Makes CD Debut
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
NEW YORK (AP) — When teen music stars approach the age of consent, they often test the boundaries of what's appropriate by taking on projects with adult content. "American Idol" champ Jordin Sparks took the opposite approach as she sought out material for her CD debut.
"I wasn't really sure what I wanted to sing about," Sparks said, "but I knew what I didn't want to sing about."
"I wanted to stay away from 'Oh, put your hands all over me'-type thing, because I haven't experienced that yet so the fact that I would sing it would be really dumb — plus I don't feel comfortable singing stuff like that," Sparks, who turns 18 in December, said with a giggle.
It's that kind of wholesome charm, along with her powerhouse voice and striking good looks, that endeared her to "American Idol" audiences this year, making her the youngest winner in the TV phenomenon's six-season history after defeating semifinalist Blake Lewis. And on her Jive Records self-titled debut, record executives — and Sparks herself — wanted to make sure she retained that sweet-as-pie image.
"She's one of the most beautiful people I've ever met on this planet ... You immediately get a sense of who she is and her values," says Jive A&R executive Jeff Fenster, who helped Sparks and her management team select songs for the album.
"You have to make a record that is representative of who the artist is. We tried to keep that in mind from the beginning of the process," he says. "I said to her from the beginning, a big part of my goal was to help her make a record that she was proud of and represented who she is, and I think she felt that way at the end of the day."
To that end, the "Jordin Sparks" CD is decidedly family friendly — much like the talent competition that launched her career. Thanks to her "American Idol" success, and her age, Sparks' fan base has a large kid contingent, but also includes the parents and grandparents who, along with their children, watched as the Arizona teen went from a potential also-ran to the odds-on favorite to win it all.
Sparks wanted to make sure that she didn't alienate any age group with the material she chose.
"I never really thought of targeting a specific audience. I just want to make music and whoever likes it likes it," says Sparks, speaking via phone a few days prior to the CD's release.
"I do love the little girls who come up to me and they are just so excited, and I like meeting the older women who are like, 'Oh my gosh we love you ...' It's really cool," she says. "I'm kind of just making good music, so hopefully there's sort of a balance there to where adults will like it but it's not so adult that little kids won't be able to listen to it."
It looks as if she has found that balance on "Jordin Sparks," a thoroughly pop CD with a mix of romantic ballads, dance grooves and inspirational anthems. The album's first single, the guitar-infused "Tattoo," got a slow start on radio but has been steadily rising on the Billboard pop chart and is now a top 20 hit.
The CD was crafted with the help of pop's top producers, including Stargate, the team behind Beyonce's ubiquitous "Irreplaceable." But Sparks makes clear that her contribution was more than vocals, including a co-writing credit on one of the CD's 13 tracks.
"I feel very very lucky because I had a lot of say in what the album was like," she says. "There's a lot of stuff on the album I could relate to in some aspect."
That's especially true of one the more personal songs on the album, "God Loves Ugly," about overcoming insecurity about appearance. It may seem like an odd choice for the young beauty, but the song resonated with Sparks, especially after she endured some criticism from an overzealous weight watcher for her full figure after she won the "Idol" crown.
"There are days when I'm like, 'I want to put a bag over my head.' But most days I'm fine and I'm content and I like the way I look and I like my curves," she says. "It was just kind of weird, but I kind of let things roll off my back."
It's that same kind of levelheadedness that Sparks seems to apply to the whirlwind that has become her life since her "Idol" run this year. She credits her close-knit family with keeping her grounded: Sparks (the daughter of former NFL player Phillippi Sparks) always has one of her parents or family members by her side, and relies on their guidance when things start to get unwieldy: "I have my mom or my nana come with me anywhere I go ... It's cool because I have them there if something is thrown at me."
The next few months will be particularly grueling for Sparks as she promotes her new CD. It will also represent the biggest test of her young career: Will she follow the multiplatinum path of "Idol" winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, or suffer a Taylor Hicks fate and fade from the pop spotlight?
Even Sparks admits that the whole thing "is a little bit scary." But she thinks her youth has given her an advantage.
"That's the point of this career for me. I'm excited because of my age — I can grow."
- http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hX_S4XKKMAW5NN0eKRkMjDymx2KgD8T29CF81
NEW YORK (AP) — When teen music stars approach the age of consent, they often test the boundaries of what's appropriate by taking on projects with adult content. "American Idol" champ Jordin Sparks took the opposite approach as she sought out material for her CD debut.
"I wasn't really sure what I wanted to sing about," Sparks said, "but I knew what I didn't want to sing about."
"I wanted to stay away from 'Oh, put your hands all over me'-type thing, because I haven't experienced that yet so the fact that I would sing it would be really dumb — plus I don't feel comfortable singing stuff like that," Sparks, who turns 18 in December, said with a giggle.
It's that kind of wholesome charm, along with her powerhouse voice and striking good looks, that endeared her to "American Idol" audiences this year, making her the youngest winner in the TV phenomenon's six-season history after defeating semifinalist Blake Lewis. And on her Jive Records self-titled debut, record executives — and Sparks herself — wanted to make sure she retained that sweet-as-pie image.
"She's one of the most beautiful people I've ever met on this planet ... You immediately get a sense of who she is and her values," says Jive A&R executive Jeff Fenster, who helped Sparks and her management team select songs for the album.
"You have to make a record that is representative of who the artist is. We tried to keep that in mind from the beginning of the process," he says. "I said to her from the beginning, a big part of my goal was to help her make a record that she was proud of and represented who she is, and I think she felt that way at the end of the day."
To that end, the "Jordin Sparks" CD is decidedly family friendly — much like the talent competition that launched her career. Thanks to her "American Idol" success, and her age, Sparks' fan base has a large kid contingent, but also includes the parents and grandparents who, along with their children, watched as the Arizona teen went from a potential also-ran to the odds-on favorite to win it all.
Sparks wanted to make sure that she didn't alienate any age group with the material she chose.
"I never really thought of targeting a specific audience. I just want to make music and whoever likes it likes it," says Sparks, speaking via phone a few days prior to the CD's release.
"I do love the little girls who come up to me and they are just so excited, and I like meeting the older women who are like, 'Oh my gosh we love you ...' It's really cool," she says. "I'm kind of just making good music, so hopefully there's sort of a balance there to where adults will like it but it's not so adult that little kids won't be able to listen to it."
It looks as if she has found that balance on "Jordin Sparks," a thoroughly pop CD with a mix of romantic ballads, dance grooves and inspirational anthems. The album's first single, the guitar-infused "Tattoo," got a slow start on radio but has been steadily rising on the Billboard pop chart and is now a top 20 hit.
The CD was crafted with the help of pop's top producers, including Stargate, the team behind Beyonce's ubiquitous "Irreplaceable." But Sparks makes clear that her contribution was more than vocals, including a co-writing credit on one of the CD's 13 tracks.
"I feel very very lucky because I had a lot of say in what the album was like," she says. "There's a lot of stuff on the album I could relate to in some aspect."
That's especially true of one the more personal songs on the album, "God Loves Ugly," about overcoming insecurity about appearance. It may seem like an odd choice for the young beauty, but the song resonated with Sparks, especially after she endured some criticism from an overzealous weight watcher for her full figure after she won the "Idol" crown.
"There are days when I'm like, 'I want to put a bag over my head.' But most days I'm fine and I'm content and I like the way I look and I like my curves," she says. "It was just kind of weird, but I kind of let things roll off my back."
It's that same kind of levelheadedness that Sparks seems to apply to the whirlwind that has become her life since her "Idol" run this year. She credits her close-knit family with keeping her grounded: Sparks (the daughter of former NFL player Phillippi Sparks) always has one of her parents or family members by her side, and relies on their guidance when things start to get unwieldy: "I have my mom or my nana come with me anywhere I go ... It's cool because I have them there if something is thrown at me."
The next few months will be particularly grueling for Sparks as she promotes her new CD. It will also represent the biggest test of her young career: Will she follow the multiplatinum path of "Idol" winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, or suffer a Taylor Hicks fate and fade from the pop spotlight?
Even Sparks admits that the whole thing "is a little bit scary." But she thinks her youth has given her an advantage.
"That's the point of this career for me. I'm excited because of my age — I can grow."
- http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hX_S4XKKMAW5NN0eKRkMjDymx2KgD8T29CF81
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Jordin Sparks to play Cooper's show
Larry Rodgers
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 8, 2007 03:34 PM
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/1108pudding1109.html?&wired
Glendale's own American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, will appear at this year's installment of Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding on Dec. 15 at Phoenix's Dodge Theatre.
Joining Sparks and Cooper onstage will be country's Whiskey Falls, Flo & Eddie of the Turtles, comic
Mike "Blackjack" Wilson and the Destiny Dancers, a troupe founded by Cooper's wife, Sheryl.
More performers are expected to be announced in coming weeks.
Tickets, priced at $33 to $63, go on sale on Nov. 9 at ticketmaster.com or (480) 784-4444.
Sparks, crowned the sixth American Idol this year, won Cooper's "Proof Is in the Pudding" contest in 2004. That contest, which will have its finals this year on Nov. 26 at Alice Cooper'stown in Phoenix, selects a solo artist and band to play at the benefit.
Christmas Pudding, now in its seventh year, raises money for the Solid Rock Foundation, which plans to build a $7 million teen center in central Phoenix.
Last year's concert raised $155,000.
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 8, 2007 03:34 PM
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/1108pudding1109.html?&wired
Glendale's own American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, will appear at this year's installment of Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding on Dec. 15 at Phoenix's Dodge Theatre.
Joining Sparks and Cooper onstage will be country's Whiskey Falls, Flo & Eddie of the Turtles, comic
Mike "Blackjack" Wilson and the Destiny Dancers, a troupe founded by Cooper's wife, Sheryl.
More performers are expected to be announced in coming weeks.
Tickets, priced at $33 to $63, go on sale on Nov. 9 at ticketmaster.com or (480) 784-4444.
Sparks, crowned the sixth American Idol this year, won Cooper's "Proof Is in the Pudding" contest in 2004. That contest, which will have its finals this year on Nov. 26 at Alice Cooper'stown in Phoenix, selects a solo artist and band to play at the benefit.
Christmas Pudding, now in its seventh year, raises money for the Solid Rock Foundation, which plans to build a $7 million teen center in central Phoenix.
Last year's concert raised $155,000.
Jordin Sparks' debut shows promise
t's hard to imagine any artists having more pressure to come out of the gate impressively than the winners of American Idol.
An average weekly audience of 30 million watched Glendale's Jordin Sparks win the sixth season of the Fox TV series this year. The recording arm of Idol, 19 Recordings, now has taken Sparks under its wing for her highly anticipated debut.
Working with 19 Recordings (and Jive Records) has its good side and bad.
The company, part of British entertainment wizard Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, has the marketing power to get Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken on the radio. But if an artist doesn't have a clear artistic vision, his or her identity can get lost in the Idol machinery.
At 17, Sparks has been wisely steered toward a style that samples pop and R&B sounds for this CD, in stores Nov. 20.
Sparks shows she can muster up a soulful edge that sounds mature beyond her years on the CD's debut single, Tattoo. An appealing song with an anthemlike chorus, Tattoo is the CD's first single for a reason: It is hands-down the strongest of the album's 13 tracks, which include a new "bonus" version of This Is My Now, performed on the Idol finale in May.
Although no other track really rivals Tattoo, there are several songs that show the promise that Sparks' career holds.
The pop-edged One Step at a Time finds her energetically spouting a philosophy that could apply to several areas of life: "There's no need to rush / It's like learning to fly or falling in love." She dials in a dash of soul near the end, with the producers mixing in layers of her vocals. She nails some very high notes as the song fades, reminding listeners of her range.
Sparks sings with a deeper, fuller voice on the verses of the rock-flavored power ballad Permanent Monday but goes higher in the chorus. As the song crashes to an end, Sparks throws in the type of vocal gymnastics favored by young singers who later outgrow those tricks.
Her duet with another strong young singer, Chris Brown, on No Air, is decidedly pop, complete with synthesizer and drum machines. The two complement each other well in the hummable song until the producers overload things with strings and vocals going in five directions.
Freeze, one of a handful of songs co-written by Sparks, is an ethereal mix of pop and R&B showcasing some of her most mature, soaring singing. The piano-fueled ballad Next to You leans more toward teenybopper pop with a lighter vocal treatment.
When the album moves into full ear-candy mode, on Just for the Record, Sparks shows plenty of confidence in treading the line between blatant pop and R&B.
She shows off her softer side on a mellow track with an awkward title, God Loves Ugly. Her early point on the road to maturation shows when she allows herself to be pushed into diva territory that's best left to older singers.
The 19 Recordings machine takes over and makes the unfortunate decision to have Sparks do a Britney Spears imitation on the dance track Young and in Love, complete with annoying, pinging synthesizer. Sparks accomplishes little more by staying in a similar sound for Shy Boy.
Sparks and her backing band sound a little too much like Coldplay in Now You Tell Me, while deep blasts of synthesizer reminiscent of Mannheim Steamroller (of all acts) detract from fragile singing on See My Side.
Those four weaker songs make this less than a stellar debut, but the CD's many stronger spots show Sparks has the vocal skills to make her mark over the long run.
- Larry Rodgers
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/ae/articles/1111cdspin1111sparks.html?&wired
An average weekly audience of 30 million watched Glendale's Jordin Sparks win the sixth season of the Fox TV series this year. The recording arm of Idol, 19 Recordings, now has taken Sparks under its wing for her highly anticipated debut.
Working with 19 Recordings (and Jive Records) has its good side and bad.
The company, part of British entertainment wizard Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, has the marketing power to get Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken on the radio. But if an artist doesn't have a clear artistic vision, his or her identity can get lost in the Idol machinery.
At 17, Sparks has been wisely steered toward a style that samples pop and R&B sounds for this CD, in stores Nov. 20.
Sparks shows she can muster up a soulful edge that sounds mature beyond her years on the CD's debut single, Tattoo. An appealing song with an anthemlike chorus, Tattoo is the CD's first single for a reason: It is hands-down the strongest of the album's 13 tracks, which include a new "bonus" version of This Is My Now, performed on the Idol finale in May.
Although no other track really rivals Tattoo, there are several songs that show the promise that Sparks' career holds.
The pop-edged One Step at a Time finds her energetically spouting a philosophy that could apply to several areas of life: "There's no need to rush / It's like learning to fly or falling in love." She dials in a dash of soul near the end, with the producers mixing in layers of her vocals. She nails some very high notes as the song fades, reminding listeners of her range.
Sparks sings with a deeper, fuller voice on the verses of the rock-flavored power ballad Permanent Monday but goes higher in the chorus. As the song crashes to an end, Sparks throws in the type of vocal gymnastics favored by young singers who later outgrow those tricks.
Her duet with another strong young singer, Chris Brown, on No Air, is decidedly pop, complete with synthesizer and drum machines. The two complement each other well in the hummable song until the producers overload things with strings and vocals going in five directions.
Freeze, one of a handful of songs co-written by Sparks, is an ethereal mix of pop and R&B showcasing some of her most mature, soaring singing. The piano-fueled ballad Next to You leans more toward teenybopper pop with a lighter vocal treatment.
When the album moves into full ear-candy mode, on Just for the Record, Sparks shows plenty of confidence in treading the line between blatant pop and R&B.
She shows off her softer side on a mellow track with an awkward title, God Loves Ugly. Her early point on the road to maturation shows when she allows herself to be pushed into diva territory that's best left to older singers.
The 19 Recordings machine takes over and makes the unfortunate decision to have Sparks do a Britney Spears imitation on the dance track Young and in Love, complete with annoying, pinging synthesizer. Sparks accomplishes little more by staying in a similar sound for Shy Boy.
Sparks and her backing band sound a little too much like Coldplay in Now You Tell Me, while deep blasts of synthesizer reminiscent of Mannheim Steamroller (of all acts) detract from fragile singing on See My Side.
Those four weaker songs make this less than a stellar debut, but the CD's many stronger spots show Sparks has the vocal skills to make her mark over the long run.
- Larry Rodgers
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/ae/articles/1111cdspin1111sparks.html?&wired
Jordin Sparks will light up Glendale Glitters opening
Carrie Watters
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 13, 2007 11:03 PM
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1113B1-talker1114.html?&wired
Jordin Sparks will return home for a special appearance Nov. 23 at the Glendale Glitters Spectacular.
The American Idol winner will help switch on more than 1.5million Christmas lights at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Glendale. She will also read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, but singing isn't scheduled.
The appearance is three days after the release of her debut CD. advertisement
Sparks will also be commemorated on a U.S. postmark, and free Sparks postcards with the postmark will be distributed at the event.
The postmark will be available for the cost of first-class postage for 30 days after the event at Glendale's main post office on Peoria Avenue.
Fans can also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope inside a larger envelope to Jordin Glitters Postmark, in care of the Postmaster, 5955 W. Peoria Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302 by Dec. 22.
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 13, 2007 11:03 PM
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1113B1-talker1114.html?&wired
Jordin Sparks will return home for a special appearance Nov. 23 at the Glendale Glitters Spectacular.
The American Idol winner will help switch on more than 1.5million Christmas lights at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Glendale. She will also read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, but singing isn't scheduled.
The appearance is three days after the release of her debut CD. advertisement
Sparks will also be commemorated on a U.S. postmark, and free Sparks postcards with the postmark will be distributed at the event.
The postmark will be available for the cost of first-class postage for 30 days after the event at Glendale's main post office on Peoria Avenue.
Fans can also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope inside a larger envelope to Jordin Glitters Postmark, in care of the Postmaster, 5955 W. Peoria Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302 by Dec. 22.
Jordin Sparks Q&A: 'Hopefully I'll make some good decisions.'
Larry Rodgers
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 12, 2007 12:00 AM
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/1112sparks.html?&wired
With the release of her self-titled debut album Nov. 20, Glendale's Jordin Sparks takes her first step away from the cocoon of American Idol.
Sparks, 17, who came out on top this year in the sixth season of the Fox TV series, toured with other "Idol" contestants for much of the summer and early fall.
Now, she turns her focus to promoting the album and its first single, Tattoo, and looking toward touring as a solo artist.
QUESTION: With the American Idol tour wrapping up, how did it feel to be looking at this next phase of your career?
ANSWER: It's very bittersweet because everyone is excited to go on to their own careers and move on. But at the same time, we've been all we've known for the past year. So it's going to be kind of weird. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself!
Q: You've signed with Jive Records, which has been home to Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and the Backstreet Boys. Does it feel like a good fit?
A: I'm really excited. I'm the first Idol to go to that record label, so hopefully I can do them proud. It's really cool because I've listened to all the artists that have come off this label - Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Pink, Chris Brown and T-Pain. It's cool to be part of that family.
Q: How big of a role has 19 Entertainment chief Simon Fuller (who launched American Idol) had in this album?
A: He is so sweet and he definitely knows what's he's doing. Everybody (whose work) he has had a hand in has been so successful, so I'm definitely listening to him. He listens to the songs and says whether or not he likes them, and then we all decide. It's cool because it's not like I don't have any say at all in choosing the songs.
Q: It sounds like you immediately fell in love with Tattoo when you first heard it.
A: I did. It was one of the first songs that I was pitched for my album. They played it and I started freaking out (saying), "I have to have this on my album. I want it." A few weeks later, we recorded it in one day, and it went really well.
Q: Do you have any tattoos?
A: (Laughs) No I don't have any. Actually I did ask my mom if I could get one to commemorate having the single, but it didn't go over so well.
Q: Do you have a favorite track or two on the album?
A: I have this ballad called Permanent Monday, and it's so pretty. I love it. It's kind of the same thing as with Tattoo - as soon as I heard it, I was like, "This is a beautiful song. We recorded it in Omaha while I was on tour.
Q: Are you happy with the mix of songs you came up with?
A: I think I have a pretty good mix, but they also fit together at the same time.
Q: Would you like to do a solo tour to support the album?
A: Oh my goodness gracious, are you kidding? I would love to go on the road but I'm not sure if I could be the main act. I'm still getting used to it. I would love to open up for somebody. But I don't think I'm ready to put on a full two-hour show yet.
Q: Did it take a while to relax when playing for the large arena crowds on the Idol tour? Did the TV show get you ready for that?
A: I actually love performing in front of huge crowds. I love the energy that it exudes. Just standing there, gets me more excited and gets me more into the songs. It's the smaller crowds that I'm still getting used to because it's so intimate and they are so focused on you.
Q: What was it like to play for a huge hometown crowd in Arizona with the Idol tour?
A: Oh my gosh, I was so excited. A few days before, I was doing a countdown: "Two days before I go home, one day," and then we were there. We got home and had a couple hours, so we went over to my house, and all the Idols came over. My mom cooked dinner and we went swimming. We went and did the show and I just couldn't believe all the support that was there. When I got offstage, I started crying because I couldn't believe that I had come full circle.
Q: You'll be 18 on Dec. 22. How will that affect your outlook on things and how you run your career?
A: I'm actually kind of scared for my birthday to come up because everyone's saying, "You'll be making all the decisions when you're 18," and I'm like "Oh my goodness. OK, all right." I'll still be asking my mom and grandma for advice and I'm definitely going to be listening to the people around me because I don't know what I'm doing still. I'm new to this. I'll just keep asking for help and hopefully I'll make some good decisions.
Q: Beyond this CD, have you thought about doing more TV or perhaps acting in movies?
A: I would like to do some acting, maybe even Broadway. But maybe not this year because I'll be so busy with the album.
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 12, 2007 12:00 AM
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/1112sparks.html?&wired
With the release of her self-titled debut album Nov. 20, Glendale's Jordin Sparks takes her first step away from the cocoon of American Idol.
Sparks, 17, who came out on top this year in the sixth season of the Fox TV series, toured with other "Idol" contestants for much of the summer and early fall.
Now, she turns her focus to promoting the album and its first single, Tattoo, and looking toward touring as a solo artist.
QUESTION: With the American Idol tour wrapping up, how did it feel to be looking at this next phase of your career?
ANSWER: It's very bittersweet because everyone is excited to go on to their own careers and move on. But at the same time, we've been all we've known for the past year. So it's going to be kind of weird. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself!
Q: You've signed with Jive Records, which has been home to Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and the Backstreet Boys. Does it feel like a good fit?
A: I'm really excited. I'm the first Idol to go to that record label, so hopefully I can do them proud. It's really cool because I've listened to all the artists that have come off this label - Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Pink, Chris Brown and T-Pain. It's cool to be part of that family.
Q: How big of a role has 19 Entertainment chief Simon Fuller (who launched American Idol) had in this album?
A: He is so sweet and he definitely knows what's he's doing. Everybody (whose work) he has had a hand in has been so successful, so I'm definitely listening to him. He listens to the songs and says whether or not he likes them, and then we all decide. It's cool because it's not like I don't have any say at all in choosing the songs.
Q: It sounds like you immediately fell in love with Tattoo when you first heard it.
A: I did. It was one of the first songs that I was pitched for my album. They played it and I started freaking out (saying), "I have to have this on my album. I want it." A few weeks later, we recorded it in one day, and it went really well.
Q: Do you have any tattoos?
A: (Laughs) No I don't have any. Actually I did ask my mom if I could get one to commemorate having the single, but it didn't go over so well.
Q: Do you have a favorite track or two on the album?
A: I have this ballad called Permanent Monday, and it's so pretty. I love it. It's kind of the same thing as with Tattoo - as soon as I heard it, I was like, "This is a beautiful song. We recorded it in Omaha while I was on tour.
Q: Are you happy with the mix of songs you came up with?
A: I think I have a pretty good mix, but they also fit together at the same time.
Q: Would you like to do a solo tour to support the album?
A: Oh my goodness gracious, are you kidding? I would love to go on the road but I'm not sure if I could be the main act. I'm still getting used to it. I would love to open up for somebody. But I don't think I'm ready to put on a full two-hour show yet.
Q: Did it take a while to relax when playing for the large arena crowds on the Idol tour? Did the TV show get you ready for that?
A: I actually love performing in front of huge crowds. I love the energy that it exudes. Just standing there, gets me more excited and gets me more into the songs. It's the smaller crowds that I'm still getting used to because it's so intimate and they are so focused on you.
Q: What was it like to play for a huge hometown crowd in Arizona with the Idol tour?
A: Oh my gosh, I was so excited. A few days before, I was doing a countdown: "Two days before I go home, one day," and then we were there. We got home and had a couple hours, so we went over to my house, and all the Idols came over. My mom cooked dinner and we went swimming. We went and did the show and I just couldn't believe all the support that was there. When I got offstage, I started crying because I couldn't believe that I had come full circle.
Q: You'll be 18 on Dec. 22. How will that affect your outlook on things and how you run your career?
A: I'm actually kind of scared for my birthday to come up because everyone's saying, "You'll be making all the decisions when you're 18," and I'm like "Oh my goodness. OK, all right." I'll still be asking my mom and grandma for advice and I'm definitely going to be listening to the people around me because I don't know what I'm doing still. I'm new to this. I'll just keep asking for help and hopefully I'll make some good decisions.
Q: Beyond this CD, have you thought about doing more TV or perhaps acting in movies?
A: I would like to do some acting, maybe even Broadway. But maybe not this year because I'll be so busy with the album.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Jordin Sparks: Staying A Virgin Is Hard by Owen Williams
‘American Idol’ winner Jordin Sparks has revealed that staying a virgin has no been easy.
Sparks, who won he sixth season of the reality television show told Us magazine at KIIS-FM’s Homecoming Concert: “Temptation is always there, it’s hard everyday, but I made a promise to myself.”
Us Magazine reports that Jordin, a committed Christian has worn a platinum “promise ring” since she was 13-years-old — bearing the inscription “True Love Waits” — that her parents gave her, and she plans to keep it on.
“I wasn’t ever forced into [wearing the ring],” she said. “It’s all about making the right choice and not putting yourself in that situation.”
Still, Jordin says she wouldn’t mind boyfriend! - when asked what her dream guy would be like, she responded: “They have to make me laugh because I love to laugh, they have to have nice teeth. They could be athletic and sing … and play an instrument.”
From: http://www.showbizspy.com/2007/10/29/jordin-sparks-says-staying-a-virgin-is-hard/
Sparks, who won he sixth season of the reality television show told Us magazine at KIIS-FM’s Homecoming Concert: “Temptation is always there, it’s hard everyday, but I made a promise to myself.”
Us Magazine reports that Jordin, a committed Christian has worn a platinum “promise ring” since she was 13-years-old — bearing the inscription “True Love Waits” — that her parents gave her, and she plans to keep it on.
“I wasn’t ever forced into [wearing the ring],” she said. “It’s all about making the right choice and not putting yourself in that situation.”
Still, Jordin says she wouldn’t mind boyfriend! - when asked what her dream guy would be like, she responded: “They have to make me laugh because I love to laugh, they have to have nice teeth. They could be athletic and sing … and play an instrument.”
From: http://www.showbizspy.com/2007/10/29/jordin-sparks-says-staying-a-virgin-is-hard/
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Sparks to appear at Phooson concert on Oct. 12
Larry Rodgers
azcentral.com
American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is scheduled to appear in Casa Grande on Oct. 12 as emcee of the first Phooson concert, which will star Latin pop singer Enrique Iglesias and rappers Fabolous and Ne-Yo.
Staged by deejays Johnjay and Rich, who are heard weekday mornings in both Phoenix ("KISS-FM," 104.7) and Tucson (KRQQ-FM, 93.7), the concert also will feature the Jonas Brothers, a New Jersey pop-rock band; Kat DeLuna, a Latin-influenced R&B singer; and Paula DeAnda, 4 whose music mixes R&B and pop.
Sparks, a Glendale resident who has been touring and recording an album since her May American Idol victory, will introduce the Phooson acts. Organizers were still trying to firm up the issue of whether Sparks will sing as part of the show.
Also scheduled to appear are Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and Phoenix's Allison DuBois, upon whose life the NBC drama Medium is based.
Criss Angel, a modern-day magician with a show on the A&E network, also is scheduled to appear. The event, whose name is a phonetic combination of "Phoenix" and "Tucson," emerged after Iglesias started calling Johnjay and Rich's show on a regular basis. The three joked about organizing a concert halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, and Phooson became a reality.
"We were talking about this fake concert that we were going to have between Tucson and Phoenix," said deejay Rich Berra. "Then we struck up this friendship with Enrique and thought, 'Why don't we wrap the whole thing around him?' "
Berra said organizers are trying to get local authorities to rename the area of the concert Phooson on Oct. 12.
Berra said he hopes the event will help soften any rivalry between the two cities: "It's about bridging the gap, and let's face it, it's all going to be one big town soon."
The show will take place at the Pinal County Fairgrounds. General admission is $40, with children 2 and younger admitted free. Call (480) 784-4444 or go to ticketmaster.com for tickets.
azcentral.com
American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is scheduled to appear in Casa Grande on Oct. 12 as emcee of the first Phooson concert, which will star Latin pop singer Enrique Iglesias and rappers Fabolous and Ne-Yo.
Staged by deejays Johnjay and Rich, who are heard weekday mornings in both Phoenix ("KISS-FM," 104.7) and Tucson (KRQQ-FM, 93.7), the concert also will feature the Jonas Brothers, a New Jersey pop-rock band; Kat DeLuna, a Latin-influenced R&B singer; and Paula DeAnda, 4 whose music mixes R&B and pop.
Sparks, a Glendale resident who has been touring and recording an album since her May American Idol victory, will introduce the Phooson acts. Organizers were still trying to firm up the issue of whether Sparks will sing as part of the show.
Also scheduled to appear are Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and Phoenix's Allison DuBois, upon whose life the NBC drama Medium is based.
Criss Angel, a modern-day magician with a show on the A&E network, also is scheduled to appear. The event, whose name is a phonetic combination of "Phoenix" and "Tucson," emerged after Iglesias started calling Johnjay and Rich's show on a regular basis. The three joked about organizing a concert halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, and Phooson became a reality.
"We were talking about this fake concert that we were going to have between Tucson and Phoenix," said deejay Rich Berra. "Then we struck up this friendship with Enrique and thought, 'Why don't we wrap the whole thing around him?' "
Berra said organizers are trying to get local authorities to rename the area of the concert Phooson on Oct. 12.
Berra said he hopes the event will help soften any rivalry between the two cities: "It's about bridging the gap, and let's face it, it's all going to be one big town soon."
The show will take place at the Pinal County Fairgrounds. General admission is $40, with children 2 and younger admitted free. Call (480) 784-4444 or go to ticketmaster.com for tickets.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
'American Idol' Champ Jordin Sparks Puts Finishing Touches On Debut, Considers Acting
By Chris Harris, with reporting by Yasmine Richard
The debut album from America's latest "Idol," Jordin Sparks, will drop November 20. So why is the 17-year-old songstress — and youngest "American Idol" champ — still sitting in a Los Angeles recording studio? Well, she's not done with the self-titled LP yet, which has her feeling a bit nervous.
"It's all very exciting, but also kind of scary, because it doesn't give me a lot of time to finish it," she said. "I'm out here in L.A., finishing up the record, and then they're sending me back to New York to write some more songs, and then I'll be coming back to master it and set the order for the songs. ... I'm trying really, really hard to finish it."
Every since taking the "Idol" title back in late May, Sparks said her life's been the very definition of hectic: She's been back home a mere three days, having just wrapped up the Idols Live Tour, and whenever she has some free time on her hands, she's been working on her album.
"My life has pretty much been airplanes, buses and hotel rooms," Sparks said, adding that even during the tour, she was writing songs for her debut. "To me, when I think of people making records, it usually takes, depending on who they are, nine months or so, maybe a year. I have a couple of months, so let's just try to get it done. Now that the 'Idol' tour's over, I don't have to balance that with finishing the record. I can just concentrate on finishing the record, and I'm working really hard on it."
Sparks said her label has largely been hands-off when it comes to her debut disc, but that the process has been very collaborative and filled with compromise. Sparks has enlisted several producers for Jordin Sparks, including production team the Underdogs (Ne-Yo, Chris Brown); Robbie Nevil (who has worked on the "High School Musical" and "Hannah Montana" soundtracks); Norwegian duo Stargate (Nas, Rihanna); Sam Watters (Diana DeGarmo, Jessica Simpson); and Eman (Nick Lachey, Katharine McPhee).
"So far, I have a whole bunch of songs I love and can't wait to perform," she said. "All of the producers are really awesome, and being in the studio with them is cool, because we can communicate. When they tell me to do something, I will try to do it — if I can't, they tell me to try it again. It's cool to see how they all work. They know exactly what they want, what they need to hear, and it's cool to get that direction."
Sparks said the album is "not complete R&B or hip-hop" — it also includes pop and country elements. "It's hard to make everything fit together," she said — something she feels she achieved on "Tattoo," the album's first single, which she co-wrote with Amanda Ghost (who penned the Beyoncé and Shakira hit "Beautiful Liar"). "I fit all of that into one song, so I hope the songs I have on the album will resonate with that. There are some slow songs, a ballad called 'Permanent Monday.' I'm just so excited."
Sparks said she's still getting used to life after "Idol" and still can't believe she won the talent contest. "It's so weird to hear I'm the 'American Idol,' " she said. "It's so weird for me. Some days, I'll just be sitting, and it will hit me: 'What in the world is going on here?' I think of how thankful I am, and how super-blessed I am to be doing this. I don't know many 17-year-olds who get to tour all summer with their best friends and make a record."
In fact, reality really hit for Sparks during a recent shopping spree, she said. "I was in the dressing room at Express, and 'Tattoo' came on," she said. "I started flipping out and screaming, and a lady came by to see if I was all right."
Of course, when the album does drop, Sparks will be busy touring and promoting the disc. But ultimately, she'd like to branch out, like season-three "Idol" finalist — and Academy Award winner — Jennifer Hudson.
"I would love to do some acting," she explained. "I did musical theater back home, and I love being on the stage and acting out. It's so cool to become a different character for a little bit, so if the opportunity comes along, I'd love to do a movie or Broadway. If I ever actually have the time, I'd love to do it."
The debut album from America's latest "Idol," Jordin Sparks, will drop November 20. So why is the 17-year-old songstress — and youngest "American Idol" champ — still sitting in a Los Angeles recording studio? Well, she's not done with the self-titled LP yet, which has her feeling a bit nervous.
"It's all very exciting, but also kind of scary, because it doesn't give me a lot of time to finish it," she said. "I'm out here in L.A., finishing up the record, and then they're sending me back to New York to write some more songs, and then I'll be coming back to master it and set the order for the songs. ... I'm trying really, really hard to finish it."
Every since taking the "Idol" title back in late May, Sparks said her life's been the very definition of hectic: She's been back home a mere three days, having just wrapped up the Idols Live Tour, and whenever she has some free time on her hands, she's been working on her album.
"My life has pretty much been airplanes, buses and hotel rooms," Sparks said, adding that even during the tour, she was writing songs for her debut. "To me, when I think of people making records, it usually takes, depending on who they are, nine months or so, maybe a year. I have a couple of months, so let's just try to get it done. Now that the 'Idol' tour's over, I don't have to balance that with finishing the record. I can just concentrate on finishing the record, and I'm working really hard on it."
Sparks said her label has largely been hands-off when it comes to her debut disc, but that the process has been very collaborative and filled with compromise. Sparks has enlisted several producers for Jordin Sparks, including production team the Underdogs (Ne-Yo, Chris Brown); Robbie Nevil (who has worked on the "High School Musical" and "Hannah Montana" soundtracks); Norwegian duo Stargate (Nas, Rihanna); Sam Watters (Diana DeGarmo, Jessica Simpson); and Eman (Nick Lachey, Katharine McPhee).
"So far, I have a whole bunch of songs I love and can't wait to perform," she said. "All of the producers are really awesome, and being in the studio with them is cool, because we can communicate. When they tell me to do something, I will try to do it — if I can't, they tell me to try it again. It's cool to see how they all work. They know exactly what they want, what they need to hear, and it's cool to get that direction."
Sparks said the album is "not complete R&B or hip-hop" — it also includes pop and country elements. "It's hard to make everything fit together," she said — something she feels she achieved on "Tattoo," the album's first single, which she co-wrote with Amanda Ghost (who penned the Beyoncé and Shakira hit "Beautiful Liar"). "I fit all of that into one song, so I hope the songs I have on the album will resonate with that. There are some slow songs, a ballad called 'Permanent Monday.' I'm just so excited."
Sparks said she's still getting used to life after "Idol" and still can't believe she won the talent contest. "It's so weird to hear I'm the 'American Idol,' " she said. "It's so weird for me. Some days, I'll just be sitting, and it will hit me: 'What in the world is going on here?' I think of how thankful I am, and how super-blessed I am to be doing this. I don't know many 17-year-olds who get to tour all summer with their best friends and make a record."
In fact, reality really hit for Sparks during a recent shopping spree, she said. "I was in the dressing room at Express, and 'Tattoo' came on," she said. "I started flipping out and screaming, and a lady came by to see if I was all right."
Of course, when the album does drop, Sparks will be busy touring and promoting the disc. But ultimately, she'd like to branch out, like season-three "Idol" finalist — and Academy Award winner — Jennifer Hudson.
"I would love to do some acting," she explained. "I did musical theater back home, and I love being on the stage and acting out. It's so cool to become a different character for a little bit, so if the opportunity comes along, I'd love to do a movie or Broadway. If I ever actually have the time, I'd love to do it."
Monday, September 17, 2007
Jordin Sparks: Update On Jordin Sparks' Album
From: Murtz Jaffer Interviews Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle
This is an excerpt of the interview and I only got the most interesting part regarding Jordin Sparks' progress on her 1st album.
Murtz Jaffer: And my last question is to please give me an album update. When are your records coming out?
Jordin Sparks: Oh, definitely. I have recorded four songs so far and I am very excited to get it out there. I just can't wait for everybody to hear it. The majority of the recording is going to happen after the tour and then it is supposed to drop before Thanksgiving so hopefully it will be out soon.
Melinda Doolittle: I have a little extra time so...
Jordin Sparks: Lucky!
Melinda Doolittle: Hahaha. I am just kidding. I am writing right now. Some people are sending in some amazing songs that I am very excited about. So after the tour, I'll start recording and then get the album out there.
This is an excerpt of the interview and I only got the most interesting part regarding Jordin Sparks' progress on her 1st album.
Murtz Jaffer: And my last question is to please give me an album update. When are your records coming out?
Jordin Sparks: Oh, definitely. I have recorded four songs so far and I am very excited to get it out there. I just can't wait for everybody to hear it. The majority of the recording is going to happen after the tour and then it is supposed to drop before Thanksgiving so hopefully it will be out soon.
Melinda Doolittle: I have a little extra time so...
Jordin Sparks: Lucky!
Melinda Doolittle: Hahaha. I am just kidding. I am writing right now. Some people are sending in some amazing songs that I am very excited about. So after the tour, I'll start recording and then get the album out there.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Jordin Sparks' Virgin Vow
Late 'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks made herself a promise to stay a virgin until she gets married. She promises to remain pure because of the promise she made to her parents when she was 13.
She explains, "My parents gave me a purity ring and talked to me about waiting until I'm married to have sex. It wasn't forced; it just made perfect sense. It's going to be awesome to say to my husband that I waited my whole life for him."
That’s cute of Jordin, but do you guys remember the days Britney Spears was a so-called ‘virgin,’ then she went off and cheated on Justin with her dancer. Let’s hope Hollywood doesn’t suck Jordin in and change her pure attitude.
Taken from: Jordin Sparks' Virgin Vow
She explains, "My parents gave me a purity ring and talked to me about waiting until I'm married to have sex. It wasn't forced; it just made perfect sense. It's going to be awesome to say to my husband that I waited my whole life for him."
That’s cute of Jordin, but do you guys remember the days Britney Spears was a so-called ‘virgin,’ then she went off and cheated on Justin with her dancer. Let’s hope Hollywood doesn’t suck Jordin in and change her pure attitude.
Taken from: Jordin Sparks' Virgin Vow
Monday, August 27, 2007
'Idol' champ bares her 'Tattoo'; Lewis primes debut LP
Jordin Sparks doesn't have a name for her debut album yet, but she's got a release date set in stone: November 20. In anticipation of the 19 Recordings/ Jive disc, the "American Idol" champ drew back the curtains on her first single on Friday, debuting "Tattoo" on AOL's Pop Eater blog. The track hits radio Monday. Sparks told The Associated Press that the effort was partly modeled after one of her own idols, Kelly Clarkson — but that she's a bit nervous to be following in the wake of Clarkson and Carrie Underwood's success. "They've risen the bar so high and I'm like, 'I hope I can reach it,' " she said. "Hopefully [my LP will] sell well and people will like it."
The runner-up to Sparks, Blake Lewis, is following suit — he just signed to 19 Recordings/ Arista and is planning to drop his first album late this year as well. Hit-maker du jour J.R. Rotem is already on board for the effort.
News Taken From: Jordin Sparks
The runner-up to Sparks, Blake Lewis, is following suit — he just signed to 19 Recordings/ Arista and is planning to drop his first album late this year as well. Hit-maker du jour J.R. Rotem is already on board for the effort.
News Taken From: Jordin Sparks
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Tattoo Lyrics - Jordin Sparks
Tattoo - First Single of Jordin Sparks' New Album
hey... hey... hey... hey... Ohhh..Ohhh Ohhh
No matter what you say about love,
I keep coming back for more,
Keep my hand in the fire,
sooner or later I get what I'm asking for
no matter what you say about life,
I learn every time I bleed the truth is a
stranger soul is in danger
I gotta let my spirit be free to..
admit that I'm wrong and then change my mind
sorry but I have to move on and leave you behind
(Chorus)
I can't waste time so give it a moment
I realize nothing's broken
No need to worry bout everything I done
live every second like it was my last one
don't look back got a new direction
I loved you once
needed protection
you're still a part of everything I do
you're on my heart just like a tattoo
just like a tattoo I'll always have you
I'll always have you
I'll always have you
I'm sick of playing all of these games
Its not bout taking sides
when I looked in the mirror,
it didn't deliver, it hurt enough to think that I could stop
admit that I'm wrong and then change my mind
sorry but I got to be strong and leave you behind
I can't waste time so give it a moment
I realize nothing's broken no need to worry bout everything I done
live every second like it was my last one
don't look back got a new direction
I love you once
needed protection
you're still a part of everything I do
you're on my heart just like a tattoo
just like a tattoo
I'll always have you
I'll always have you
I'll always have you
if I live every moment,
won't change any moment,
there's still a part of me in u
I will never regret you
still the memory of you
marks everything I do.
oooh..
(Chorus)2x
I can't waste time so give it a moment
I realize nothing's broken no need to worry bout everything I done
live every second like it was my last one
don't look back got a new direction
I loved you once
needed protection
you're still a part of everything I do
you're in my heart just like a tattoo
just like a tattoo
I'll Always have you..
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Jordin Sparks hopes to live up to ‘Idol’ title with debut record
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Given the multiplatinum, Grammy-winning successes of fellow “American Idol” winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks is feeling pressure to make her own mark on the music world. It’s a lot to live up to.
“They’ve risen the bar so high and I’m like, ‘I hope I can reach it,’” the bubbly 17-year-old told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “I’m trying to reach it! I just really hope that when (my CD) comes out it’ll be great and maybe as good as theirs. And hopefully it’ll sell well and people will like it.”
She offers a taste of the disc with her new single, “Tattoo,” to be released on AOL’s PopEater music blog Friday and to radio stations Monday. The poppy tune about ending a romance had the Sparks seal of approval from the beginning. It was love at first listen.
“Right after I heard the first chorus, I was like, ‘I wanna sing that song. I have to have it. I wanna sing it,’” she said.
Sparks, the youngest winner in the Fox show’s six seasons, said her debut album, set for Nov. 20, will be a musical mixture of styles including pop-rock — in the edgy key of Clarkson, one of her role models — and the dramatic ballads that made her stand out on the “Idol” stage. She hopes to add some country, too.
This girl’s got goals — among them, to “maybe win a couple Grammys ... Maybe be happy with somebody. Maybe act in a movie. Maybe do Broadway.”
Sparks is still coming to terms with celebrity. Seeing her picture in glossy magazines is surreal. But she’d rather be in the spotlight than out of it.
“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” she said. “It’s just been so amazing. You know, it’s hard because I go outside and I’m instantly recognized and I’m like, oh my gosh, because it happened overnight, literally.”
Sparks, who is out on the “American Idol” tour, remains tight with her fellow finalists. That includes Sanjaya.
“It’s abnormally weird how well we still get along,” she said. “We’re still like any dysfunctional family where we get on each other’s nerves, but, at the end of the day, we’re still just like, ‘Hey, you wanna hang out?’”
News taken from: Jordin Sparks hopes to live up to ‘Idol’ title with debut record.
NEW YORK — Given the multiplatinum, Grammy-winning successes of fellow “American Idol” winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks is feeling pressure to make her own mark on the music world. It’s a lot to live up to.
“They’ve risen the bar so high and I’m like, ‘I hope I can reach it,’” the bubbly 17-year-old told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “I’m trying to reach it! I just really hope that when (my CD) comes out it’ll be great and maybe as good as theirs. And hopefully it’ll sell well and people will like it.”
She offers a taste of the disc with her new single, “Tattoo,” to be released on AOL’s PopEater music blog Friday and to radio stations Monday. The poppy tune about ending a romance had the Sparks seal of approval from the beginning. It was love at first listen.
“Right after I heard the first chorus, I was like, ‘I wanna sing that song. I have to have it. I wanna sing it,’” she said.
Sparks, the youngest winner in the Fox show’s six seasons, said her debut album, set for Nov. 20, will be a musical mixture of styles including pop-rock — in the edgy key of Clarkson, one of her role models — and the dramatic ballads that made her stand out on the “Idol” stage. She hopes to add some country, too.
This girl’s got goals — among them, to “maybe win a couple Grammys ... Maybe be happy with somebody. Maybe act in a movie. Maybe do Broadway.”
Sparks is still coming to terms with celebrity. Seeing her picture in glossy magazines is surreal. But she’d rather be in the spotlight than out of it.
“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” she said. “It’s just been so amazing. You know, it’s hard because I go outside and I’m instantly recognized and I’m like, oh my gosh, because it happened overnight, literally.”
Sparks, who is out on the “American Idol” tour, remains tight with her fellow finalists. That includes Sanjaya.
“It’s abnormally weird how well we still get along,” she said. “We’re still like any dysfunctional family where we get on each other’s nerves, but, at the end of the day, we’re still just like, ‘Hey, you wanna hang out?’”
News taken from: Jordin Sparks hopes to live up to ‘Idol’ title with debut record.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Jordin Sparks signs record contract
Jordin Sparks has signed the record contract that comes with winning "American Idol." The bubbly 17-year-old inked a deal with Jive Records in conjunction with 19Recordings, the label managed by "Idol" creator Simon Fuller, it was announced Friday.
Her debut album is slated for release in November. She'll offer a taste of the disc with her new single, "Tattoo," to be released to radio stations Aug. 27. " 'American Idol' has truly been a life-altering experience," Sparks said in a statement. "I can't wait to share this next chapter of my story with all the fans that have supported me so far."
Sparks, who hails from Glendale, Ariz., is the youngest winner in the Fox show's six seasons. Her first audition for "Idol" took place in Seattle.
Article taken from: Jordin Sparks signs record contract.
Her debut album is slated for release in November. She'll offer a taste of the disc with her new single, "Tattoo," to be released to radio stations Aug. 27. " 'American Idol' has truly been a life-altering experience," Sparks said in a statement. "I can't wait to share this next chapter of my story with all the fans that have supported me so far."
Sparks, who hails from Glendale, Ariz., is the youngest winner in the Fox show's six seasons. Her first audition for "Idol" took place in Seattle.
Article taken from: Jordin Sparks signs record contract.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Jordin Sparks and American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis Prepping Debut Albums
Jordin Sparks and American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis Prepping Debut Albums
While their fellow “American Idol” finalists wait for word later this month on their futures, season six champ Jordin Sparks and runner-up Blake Lewis are hard at work on their debut albums.
Jordin said that “I’m feeling a little bit of pressure because it’s coming up so fast, but I have full confidence that we’ll finish it by the time we have to.”
Jordin has just recorded four songs so far Jordin plans to do the bulk of the recording back in Los Angeles after the Idols Live tour finishes on 22nd September.
Blake said that he has recorded eight songs so far and is working with producers such as Sam Hollander and Mike Elizondo.
Jordin and Blake are both signed with Sony BMG by virtue of their “Idol” finishes, but the rest of the “Idol” crew is awaiting word on whether they’ll receive an offer later this month.
Aticle taken from: Jordin Sparks Debut Album
While their fellow “American Idol” finalists wait for word later this month on their futures, season six champ Jordin Sparks and runner-up Blake Lewis are hard at work on their debut albums.
Jordin said that “I’m feeling a little bit of pressure because it’s coming up so fast, but I have full confidence that we’ll finish it by the time we have to.”
Jordin has just recorded four songs so far Jordin plans to do the bulk of the recording back in Los Angeles after the Idols Live tour finishes on 22nd September.
Blake said that he has recorded eight songs so far and is working with producers such as Sam Hollander and Mike Elizondo.
Jordin and Blake are both signed with Sony BMG by virtue of their “Idol” finishes, but the rest of the “Idol” crew is awaiting word on whether they’ll receive an offer later this month.
Aticle taken from: Jordin Sparks Debut Album
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Jordin Sparks First Album
Taken from: http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/246391
This year's Idol victor is already four songs deep into her top-secret first album, due in the fall. The disc, says the Arizona-bred teen, will unite the rock chick who grew up listening to her mom's Heart, Pat Benatar and Journey records with her love of R&B and country. "It sounds confusing, but it has a theme. I can't really explain it to you until you hear it," giggles Sparks, 17.
This year's Idol victor is already four songs deep into her top-secret first album, due in the fall. The disc, says the Arizona-bred teen, will unite the rock chick who grew up listening to her mom's Heart, Pat Benatar and Journey records with her love of R&B and country. "It sounds confusing, but it has a theme. I can't really explain it to you until you hear it," giggles Sparks, 17.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis: This is My Now Lyrics
Jordin Sparks "The Better Singer"
Blake Lewis
This Is My Now
There was a time, I packed my dreams away
Livin in a shell, hiding from myself
There was a time, when i was so afraid
I thought I'd reached the end, baby that was then
I am made of more then my yesterdays
This is my now
And I am breathing in the moment
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see
My fears behind me
Gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then
This is my now
I had to decide, was I gonna play it safe
Well but somewhere deep inside, I tried to turn the tide
And find the strength to take that step of faith
This is my now
And I am breathing in the moment
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see
My fears behind me
Gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then
This is my now
And I have a courage, like never before
I settled for less, but I'm ready for more
Ready for more
This is my now
And I am breathing in the moment
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see
My fears behind me
Gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then
This is my now
And I am breathing in the moment
As I look around
I can't believe the love I see
My fears behind me
Gone are the shadows and doubt
That was then
This is my now
This is my now
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