Jordin Sparks
Sparks in the American Idol Experience motorcade at Walt Disney World in 2009.
Background information
Birth name	Jordin Brianna Sparks
Born	(1989-12-22) December 22, 1989 (age 22) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Origin	Glendale, Arizona
Genres	R&B, pop, pop rock, dance-pop
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, actress
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Jive/19 (2007-2011) RCA/19 (2011-Present)
Website	jordinsparks.com

Jordin Brianna Sparks (born December 22, 1989)^[1] is an American pop / R&B recording artist, songwriter and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. She hails from Glendale, Arizona. Sparks won when she was 17 years old, making her the youngest winner in Idol history and remains the last female to win American Idol. She followed her American Idol victory with the release of her self-titled debut album in 2007, which has gone platinum in the U.S. and has sold over 2 million copies worldwide.^[2] Sparks' single, "No Air" is the highest-selling single by any American Idol contestant, selling over 3 million digital copies in the U.S. and Canada.^[3] Due to the success of her debut album and its four top 20 singles, she has received numerous awards and nominations including an American Music Award in 2008 and her first Grammy nomination in 2009. In 2009, Billboard magazine's 91st-best-selling music artist of the 2000–2009 decade.^[4]

Sparks made guest appearances on several television series in the following years, beginning with The Suite Life On Deck. Sparks' second album Battlefield was released in July 2009 worldwide and debuted at number seven in the U.S., three spots higher than her first album. The album's lead single, also titled "Battlefield", peaked in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it her third top 10 single and fifth consecutive top 20 single. Sparks is the only Idol contestant to have their first five singles reach the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Battlefield" has sold almost 2 million copies worldwide. Battlefield's second single, "S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)", was her first song to top the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play making it her first U.S. number one single.^[5] Sparks followed her success in 2010 by making her debut on Broadway. Sparks starred as Nina Rosario in the Tony Award winning broadway musical, In The Heights. She will make her film debut in the remake of Sparkle, co-starring Grammy Award/Emmy Award-winner Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter. According to Billboard.com, Sparks has sold 1,300,000 albums and 9,883,000 tracks in the United States as of February 2012, making her one of the most successful idol winners.^[6] In 2012, VH1 included Sparks in its list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music and ranked her at #92.^[7] People named her one of 2012 Most Beautiful at Every Age.^[8]

Biography[link]

Early life and career beginnings[link]

Sparks was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Jodi Weidmann Sparks and former professional football player Phillippi Sparks. Sparks has a younger brother, Phillippi "PJ" Sparks, Jr., who plays football for the Fighting Sioux at the University of North Dakota. She grew up in the suburbs of Ridgewood, New Jersey, while her father played as a defensive back for the New York Giants. After living in New Jersey, Sparks attended Northwest Community Christian School in Phoenix through the eighth grade. Sparks attended Sandra Day O'Connor High School until 2006, when she was homeschooled to better concentrate on her singing.^[9] Sparks is an evangelical Christian and attends Calvary Community Church in Phoenix. On her American Idol biography, she thanks her parents and God for her win.^[10] She won an award for best young artist of the year in Arizona for three years.

Before appearing on American Idol, Sparks participated in and won such talent competitions as Coca-Cola's Rising Star, the Gospel Music Association Academy's Overall Spotlight Award, America's Most Talented Kids, Colgate Country Showdown, and the 2006 Drug Free AZ Superstar Search. Prior to Idol, Sparks frequently performed the national anthem at various local sporting events, notably for the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Sparks also appeared with Alice Cooper in his 2004 Christmas show and toured with Christian contemporary singer Michael W. Smith in 2006. In 2006, Sparks was one of six winners of the Phoenix Torrid search for the "Next Plus Size Model". She was flown to California, where she was used in a number of Torrid ads and promotional pieces.^[11] A full-page ad for Torrid featuring Sparks ran in the December 2006 issue of Seventeen magazine.

On June 16, 2011, Sparks had her first-ever bikini shoot for the cover of People's Most Amazing Bodies issue. When speaking about her weight loss and diet to Access Hollywood, Sparks said, "My diet has pretty much remained the same, like if I want a piece of bread, I’m gonna have a piece of bread, but I’m making healthier decisions like instead of a bag of chips for a snack, I’ll see if I can find an apple. I’ve also upped my intake of vegetables and I’m drinking a lot more water."^[12][13][14]

[edit] 2006: American Idol

Sparks performing at the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2007.

In the summer of 2006, Sparks auditioned twice for the sixth season of American Idol: once in Los Angeles but failed to make it past the first round,^[15] and again in Seattle after winning Arizona Idol, a talent competition conducted by Phoenix Fox station KSAZ-TV. The Seattle audition is the one seen in the January 17, 2007, broadcast of American Idol, in which she earned a "gold ticket" and the right to appear in the Hollywood Round. American Idol judge Randy Jackson made the offhand prediction that, "Curly hair will win this year."^[16] While on the show, Sparks gained a loyal fan base known as "Sparkplugs". On May 23, 2007, Sparks was crowned the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. She remains the youngest winner in American Idol history. Cowell said, "Jordin was the most improved over the whole season – didn't start the best, but midway through this was the girl who suddenly got momentum." He included that "Young girl, likeable, and the singer won over the entertainer [Lewis]."^[17] Four selected songs Sparks had performed on American Idol, including the season's coronation song, "This Is My Now", were made available on her self-titled EP, released on May 22, 2007, the day before the grand finale.^[18] The coronation song, "This Is My Now" peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Sparks' first top fifteen hit on the chart.^[19] The following summer, Sparks took part in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2007 from July 6 to September 23, 2007, along with other contestants in the top ten.

Since her win in 2007, Sparks has returned to Idol five times. She performed twice on the seventh season of American Idol, once on the Idol Gives Back results show singing "No Air" with Chris Brown and again with "One Step at a Time" on May 21, 2008, for the finale. She performed "Battlefield" on the May 13, 2009, episode of American Idol. The following year, Sparks took part in a tribute to Simon Cowell with other former contestants at the Season 9 finale on May 26, 2010. Most recently, during Season 10, Sparks performed her new song "I Am Woman" on the Top 4 results show.

Performances/results

[edit] 2007–2008: Jordin Sparks

Sparks during a concert in Kansas City.

Sparks in Badgley Mischka.

After winning American Idol, Sparks signed to 19 Recordings/Jive Records, becoming the first Idol winner to join the label.^[20] On August 27, 2007, she released her debut single, "Tattoo",^[21] which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Sparks' first top ten hit on the chart.^[19] The song certified platinum in the United States^[22] and Australia.^[23] To date, "Tattoo" has sold over two million copies in the U.S.^[24]

Sparks released her self-titled debut studio album on November 20, 2007,^[25] which debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200. To date, it has sold over a million copies in the U.S^[26] and was certified platinum by the RIAA.^[22] "No Air", a duet with Chris Brown, was released as the second single from the album in February 2008. In the United States, the song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming Sparks' best-charting single to date.^[19] It was also her first song to appear on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it reached number four.^[19] To date, the song has sold over three million copies in the U.S, making Sparks the first American Idol contestant to reach the three million mark.^[3] It also became Brown's first song to hit three million. "No Air" also charted in Australia^[27] and New Zealand,^[28] where it reached number one, receiving platinum certifications in both countries.^[23][29]

On February 3, 2008, Sparks sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLII.^[30] She performed in a tribute to Aretha Franklin at the NAACP Awards in February, as well. She had previously performed in a tribute to Diana Ross in December 2007.

In support of the album, Sparks opened for Alicia Keys on the North America leg of her As I Am Tour, starting on April 19, 2008.^[31] Before the tour, a career-threatening throat injury forced Sparks to cancel a few weeks of the shows. Officials revealed she was suffering an acute vocal cord hemorrhage and was ordered strict vocal rest until the condition improved.^[32] Sparks was back on the road by April 30, 2008 and remained on the tour until June 18, 2008. Sparks later joined Keys for the tour leg in Australia and New Zealand in December 2008.^[33][34]

The album's third single, "One Step at a Time", was released in June 2008. It peaked at number seventeen on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Sparks her fourth top twenty hit on the chart.^[19] This makes Sparks the only American Idol contestant to have her first four singles reach the top twenty of the Hot 100. It also charted in the top twenty in Australia,^[27] Canada,^[19] and the United Kingdom.^[35] In New Zealand, the song reached number two^[28] and was certified gold by the RIANZ.^[29] In August 2008, Sparks co-headlined the Jesse & Jordin LIVE Tour with Jesse McCartney in the United States.^[36]

Sparks received two MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best Female Video for "No Air" and Best New Artist at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.^[37] While at the awards show, Sparks caused controversy by responding to a joke made by host Russell Brand during his opening monologue, in which he held up a silver ring, claiming to have relieved one of the Jonas Brothers of their virginity,^[38] saying he would "take them more seriously if they wore it (the ring) around their genitals". Sparks who also wears a promise ring, began her introduction of T.I. and Rihanna by saying "It's not bad to wear a promise ring because not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut." In response to the controversy over her "slut" remark, Sparks told Entertainment Weekly that she doesn't regret the remark, commenting that "I wish I would've worded it differently – that somebody who doesn't wear a promise ring isn't necessarily a slut – but I can't take it back now."^[39] At the 2008 American Music Awards, Sparks won the award for Favorite Artist in the Adult Contemporary Category.^[40]

[edit] 2009–2010: Battlefield

Sparks performing "Faith" at the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2009.

Sparks during Battlefield Tour.

On January 20, 2009, Sparks performed "Faith" at the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball, hosted by President Barack Obama.^[41] Her second studio album, Battlefield was released in the United States on July 21, 2009.^[42] The album's title track was released as the lead single on May 25, 2009, and reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100.^[19] The song peaked in the top five in Australia,^[27] Canada,^[19] and New Zealand.^[28] In the United States, Battlefield debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, peaking higher than her debut album's position of number ten. However, the album was notably unsuccessful compared to her debut, only selling 177,000 copies in the U.S^[26] and having failed to earn any chart certificates.

In support of the album, Sparks opened for The Jonas Brothers on the North America leg of the Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009, starting on June 20, 2009.^[43] She also opened for Britney Spears on the second leg of her Circus Tour in North America, beginning on August 24, 2009.^[44] Sparks served as a replacement for Ciara.

"S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)", was released as the second single from Battlefield on September 15, 2009.^[45] The song topped the U.S Hot Dance Club Songs chart, becoming Sparks' first number one on the chart^[19] and peaked in the top fifteen in the United Kingdom.^[35] During this time, she recorded the duet, "Art of Love", with Australian artist Guy Sebastian for his fifth studio album, Like It Like That. The song reached the top ten in Australia^[27] and New Zealand^[28] and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.^[46] The third single from Battlefield, "Don't Let It Go to Your Head", was released in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2010.^[47] The song reached a peak of number sixteen on the UK Singles Chart despite no physical release.^{[citation needed]}

In May 2010, Sparks embarked on her first headlining tour in the United States, the Battlefield Tour.^[48] It began on May 1, 2010, and ended on July 18, 2010, stopping in over 35 major cities in the United States. In support of the DVD/Blu-ray re-release of the Disney animated film, Beauty and the Beast, Sparks recorded a cover of the film's title track for the soundtrack.^[49] A music video for the song was released on October 18, 2010.^[50]

2010–present: Third studio album & film debut[link]

In a October 2010 interview, Sparks revealed she had begun working on her third studio album.^[51] During an interview with Good Day New York in November 2010, Sparks confirmed she would be recording the album in New York and Arizona.^[52] In January 2011, it was reported that Sparks and John Legend were working on songs together in the studio.^[53] In March 2011, Sparks recorded a music video for a song called "The World I Knew" for the film, African Cats, which was released on April 22, 2011.^[54] To support her new single, Sparks served as an opening act for the NKOTBSB summer tour.^[55] On May 5, 2011, it was revealed that Sparks' lead single for her forthcoming album is titled "I Am Woman".^[56] On May 12, 2011, Sparks performed "I Am Woman" on the American Idol Top 4 results show.^[57] "I Am Woman" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number eighty-two with 33,000 downloads sold.^[58][59] It also debuted on the US Billboard Digital Songs at number fifty-seven.^[60] Sparks performed "I Am Woman" on Regis and Kelly on June 14.^[61][62][63] Sparks also contributed background vocals to Demi Lovato's lead single "Skyscraper" from her third studio album. Sparks stated in an August 2011 interview there is no scheduled release date yet.^[64] A song titled "You Gotta Want It" will be part of an NFL compilation album entitled Official Gameday Music of the NFL Vol. 2. According to reports, the song will be available to download on iTunes and Amazon next week on September 27. The song is co-written by Chris Weaver and Matthew J. Rogers, while being produced by Cash Money Records’ Cool & Dre.^[65] On November 14, 2011, it was announced that Sparks recorded a original song called "Angels Are Singing" as a part of ABC Family's "12 Dates of Christmas".^[66]

On September 12, 2011, it was announced that Sparks will be making her film debut playing the lead role in the music-themed pic Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 film inspired by the story of The Supremes. The remake will be set in 1968 Detroit, during the rise of Motown. The story will focus on the youngest sister, a music prodigy named Sparkle Williams (Sparks), and her struggle to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart.^[67][68]

On October 7, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding Jive Records along with Arista Records and J Records. With the shutdown, Sparks (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release her future material (including her upcoming third studio album) on the RCA Records brand.^[69][70] On February 29, 2012 Sparks' boyfriend Jason Derulo took to twitter announcing the official remix of his single "It Girl" featuring Sparks. There was a video released with the remix, which shows home videos, of Jason and Jordin together as well as pictures.^[71][72]

On May 21, 2012, "Celebrate", the last song Whitney Houston recorded with Sparks, will premiere at RyanSeacrest.com. The song will be featured on the Sparkle soundtrack.^[73] The movie, starring both Sparks and Houston, will be released on August 17 in the United States. It is scheduled for digital download on iTunes on June 5th.^[74]

Other ventures[link]

Clothing line[link]

In April 2008, it was announced that Sparks would team up with cosmetics company, Avon, to become a spokesperson for the teen-focused line Mark. In November 2008, Sparks teamed up with Wet Seal to create her own clothing line. The collection, appropriately named 'Sparks', began with an assortment of holiday dresses delivering to stores just in time for the busy Thanksgiving weekend. The line launched on November 19, 2008 and comes in sizes XS to XL. Sparks said, "I am so excited that Wet Seal and I have been able to create a line of clothing that will appeal to more girls than ever before."^[75]

Acting[link]

In 2009, she made her acting debut on Disney's The Suite Life on Deck, guest starring as herself in the "Crossing Jordin" episode. The episode aired on October 23, 2009.^[76][77] Sparks also guest starred on the hit Nickelodeon show, Big Time Rush. The episode aired on June 18, 2010.^[78] In addition, Sparks did a voice over on Team Umizoomi as the Blue Mermaid. The episode aired on May 13, 2011.^[79]

Broadway[link]

On May 3, 2010, it was announced that Sparks would join the cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway show "In the Heights" as Nina Rosario. Sparks took part in the production from August 19 through November 14 for a consecutive 12 weeks.^[80]

Fragrance[link]

In October 2010, Sparks released her debut fragrance "Because of You...." This fragrance is currently being exclusively distributed at Dots, but by November will spread to other retail stores. The perfume is described as a "fruity floriental perfume" consisting of notes of "clementine, white imperial currant and orange blossom; a heart of nectarine, sharry baby orchid and coral charm peony; and a drydown of sheer musks, vanilla bean, Baltic amber and blond woods." Sparks wanted this product to be affordable for her fans, yet still high end. "When I was starting this project, I really wanted it to be affordable. I looked at some other celebrity fragrances, and they were like $80. Even now, I look at a fragrance that's $80, and I can't bring myself to spend that much."^[81] In March 2012, due To the success of her first fragrance, Because of You..., Sparks' released her second fragrance 'Fascinate' exclusively with Dots Fashions.^[82][83]

Philanthropy[link]

Former US President George W. Bush congratulates Sparks after she sang the U.S. National Anthem during the welcome for President Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush to the U.S. Ambassador's Residence in Ghana

In 2007, Sparks was asked by a relative who works for SOS Children's Villages USA in Florida to design a denim jacket festooned with Swarovski Crystal to support orphans.^[84] In February 2008, Sparks traveled to Ghana. She was part of the delegation of former U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush to help with Malaria No More, an organization with a goal to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. Sparks joined Mrs. Bush at the Maamobi Polyclinic, where the First Lady donated a number of treated bed nets to some local female traders in order to help combat the scourge of malaria in Ghana. While there, Sparks sang "Amazing Grace" to the durbar of chiefs who had gathered at the venue to give audience to Laura Bush. Sparks said, "Traveling to Ghana with Malaria No More gives me the incredible opportunity to see for myself what a difference a simple mosquito net can make in the life of a child."^[85]

In 2008, Sparks supported Dosomething.org's Do Something 101 campaign by filming a public service announcement explaining the nationwide school supplies drive project.^[86] She further supported the campaign by helping out at the Do Something 101 School Supply Volunteer Event held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.^[87]

On May 20, 2009, Sparks became an endorser for the Got Milk? campaign, an American advertising campaign encouraging the consumption of cow's milk.^[88][89] On September 17, 2009, Sparks took part in the VH1 Divas special, a concert created to support the channel's Save The Music Foundation.^[90] The concert was held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York where Sparks performed the second single from her Battlefield album, S.O.S. (Let the Music Play), as well as "A Broken Wing" with Martina McBride. In February 2010, Sparks was one of the many artists who contributed to "We Are the World 25 for Haiti", a charity single for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.^[91] Sparks teamed up with Pennyroyal Silver creator and designer, Tim Foster, to create her very own necklace design for the company's signature collection. Proceeds of the necklace funded medical units in Haiti.^[92]

On February 3, 2010, Sparks and David Archuleta performed at the "X the TXT" event, held at the Eden Roc Renaissance Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. All proceeds raised by the event went to a number of charities, including the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. The following day both Sparks and Archuleta delivered teddy bears to children at the hospital.^[93] In June 2010, the "Thumbs Up to X the TXT" pledge campaign, established by "The Allstate Corporation", made its way to Sparks' Battlefield Tour, presented by Mike & Ike to encourage teens and their families not to text while driving. Fans at Sparks' concerts made a pledge not to text and drive by adding their thumbprint to a traveling banner at each of her shows. The campaign began at Sparks' Battlefield Tour on June 3, 2010 and ended on July 18, 2010.^[94] Sparks is the main spokesperson for the "I’m M.A.D., Are You?" campaign. She also supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which helps to raise money for children with cancer.^[95] Sparks traveled to Louisiana in June 2010 to visit the Gulf Coast oil spill with the Audubon Society to view the effects of the oil spill on the wildlife and marshes.^[96] Sparks is also is a member of the National Youth Leadership Committee for the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration, along with Nick Jonas, Genevieve Ryan, and Brodi Conover.

On July 28, 2011, Sparks performed a live surprise concert in Times Square. Sparks was named the "VH1 Save The Music Foundation Ambassador" in 2011.^[97][98] It was announced on November 9, 2011, that Sparks would be titled as a 'Vh1 Save the Music Ambassador' again for 2012. Sparks is joined by fellow American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry, Lupe Fiasco, Katy Perry and others.^[99]

Discography[link]

Tours[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

Filmography[link]

References[link]