Friday September 4, 2009
Jordin Sparks: Having The Time Of Her Life
You'd think that Jordin Sparks is used to fame and success by now, but the 19-year-old singer says she's still in awe as to how far she has come. And she has come a long way.
Before even the thought of taking part in American Idol came about, Sparks had already won a number of talent competitions, including the Gospel Music Association's Sprite Rising Star Award; America's Most Talented Kids; Colgate Country Showdown and the Drug Free Arizona Superstar Search. In her home state of Arizona, Sparks also picked up the Best Young Artist award for three years running.
All this, of course, paled in comparison to her spectacular win in 2007 when the then 17-year-old won top honours in American Idol making her the youngest victor in the nation's No. 1 show.
On the heels of her win, Sparks released her self-titled debut album, which went on to sell over 1.6 million copies worldwide earning her efforts a platinum status spot. The album also spawned three Top 5 hits (Tattoo, No Air and One Step At A Time) on Billboard’s Pop singles chart. Cumulatively, the singles sold almost nine million downloads.
In a year of winning America's biggest singing competition, completing a series of tours, both in the U.S. and internationally, Sparks went on to win an American Music Award for Favourite Adult Contemporary Artist. She also received two MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female Video. And icing on her cake at this year's Grammy's was a nomination for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for No Air.
Not one to sit on her laurels – this year Sparks launched her own clothing line, plus she has been on tour with the Jonas Brothers – just this July, she returned to the charts with her second album, Battlefield.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Being able to perform my own music is amazing in itself and I love to perform all of my songs but I would have to say that until my fans get familiar with my new material, it would have to be my three hits. Tattoo, No Air and One Step At A Time.
Do you have a favourite song?
I love Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey. It will always be one of my favourites. It brings me back to sitting in the car with the windows rolled down and my dad and me singing at the top of our lungs.
Any favourite Michael Jackson number?
Man In the Mirror is one of those classic Michael Jackson songs I can listen to over and over and over.
Sparks co-wrote four tracks on the album, 911 Emergency, Was I The Only One, Faith and The Cure. What is your favorite track on the new album?
Well, I love all of them or else they wouldn’t be in the album. I think the songs I wrote have more of a meaning to me. Out of those I’d have to say Faith. I was literally crying when I recorded it. It was one of those songs where it was and is going to touch the people who need to be touched. I love performing it as well.
Tell us why you picked Faith?
We wrote this song a couple of days before the inauguration of the President of the United States and we were thinking about everything going on in the world. There is a feeling of hopelessness and I felt that if there was on person who said it was going to be okay … the world would be a better place.
What has been the most memorable moment for you on tour with the Jonas Brothers?
(Laughs) Beside being on tour with them? Probably the silly string war we had. It only lasted a few days but it was so fun. Also the fact that they are so encouraging and supportive to me and the other acts. We’re all about the same age, so we joke around a lot. We’re all in this together...fame anyway. It’s amazing to be around people who are going through the same thing.
What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Swim, play with my dogs, spend time with family and read. I’m easy.
You have an amazing voice, what techniques do you use to keep your voice so strong?
I’m still learning but I try not to talk too much. Especially right after a show. Drinking lots of tea. Try throat coat or yogi tea throat comfort. Grether's pastilles work wonders as well.
Where is your favorite place to travel and is there anywhere you haven’t been that you would like to visit?
As of right now, home is where I like to be because I’m never there! I would love to visit Japan.
Many of your fans look to you as a role model, do you feel pressure with every decision you make because of how people will view you?
It’s a good pressure but I do have to watch where I go, who I talk to, different things like that. It’s nice though, it keeps me in check.
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