August 13, 2007 @ 1:03 pm

Jordin Sparks: The Idol

Sean Fennessey

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Populace princess. From our 2007 Juice issue.

When a beaming Jordin Sparks strode onto the stage of American Idol to belt, whimper, and illuminate Shirley Bassey's "I (Who Have Nothing)," the tears in her eyes were real - it was clear a star was being born. The daughter of former NFL cornerback Phillippi Sparks, Jordin was shockingly composed during her run on Idol, but she certainly sounds her age gushing about her tastes in comedy - "Oh my God, I love Ben Stiller in Zoolander!" - or the wonders of Stephen King. ("He just has this way of scaring you into reading!") Now, after ruling the American Idols Live '07 tour, she'll start recording her debut album (due from J Records in November), having nothing no more. NAME: Jordin Sparks
BIRTHDAY/AGE: 17
BORN (CITY) : Phoenix, AZ
RESIDES (CITY) : Los Angeles, CA PERSONAL MOTTO:
"Jeremiah 29:11. It's a Bible verse that says, 'For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord/ Plans not to harm you but to prosper you, plans to give you hope in the future.' Since I started singing it's become more relevant. It got me through the season when I was feeling down." SOMETHING I DO EVERY DAY FOR SANITY:
"I talk to my family. And I get along so well with all the other contestants. Melinda [Doolittle], I've got her and I can talk to her about anything. I have to talk!" PLACE WHERE I'M MOST PRODUCTIVE:
"It depends. Creativity strikes me whenever. I don't go to a certain place and it all of a sudden hits me. Somebody will say something and I'll be like "Oh my gosh! I need to write a song about that! Or a poem." FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING/GOOD LUCK CHARM:
"A gold cross with a music note on it. Whenever I perform I have it with me. I got it from a friend in 7th grade." MOST FRUSTRATING MOMENT:
"It wasn't frustrating, but it was really scary when they said I was going home [on Idol Gives Back week.] I was like 'Ohhh man! Noooooo!'" PERSON I ADMIRE MOST :
"My Mom. She's so strong and she's given me so much. They've been so supportive and encouraging. She never ceases to amaze me." 5 YEARS AGO, MY GOAL WAS...:
\"You know what's funny? Five years ago I was pursuing music on a much smaller scale - in-state competitions and stuff like that. I did actually have [my sights on being a major label singer.] I remember watching the first season of American Idol and knowing I wanted that." 5 YEARS FROM NOW, MY GOAL IS...:
"I definitely still want to be making music. Hopefully I'll have a couple of awards on the shelf. I want to do some acting, too. How many albums does Kelly Clarkson have? Hopefully I can follow that and people will still like me in five years!" FAVORITE BOOK, AND WHY:
"Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I've read it nine times. It's a love story about this girl, the guy she loves turns away from her. You gotta read it! And anything by Stephen King. I'm currently reading Lizzie's Story. I love to read. I'm a reading machine. " FAVORITE MOVIE, AND WHY:
"I love the Saw movies. And The Notebook. I have a broad taste in movies. The Saw movies make you think the whole time. I have no idea how someone thinks like that. You've got to be either brilliant or crazy! Even though it makes me scared and grossed out, [the creators are] so smart." SONGS I LISTEN TO WHILE I'M WORKING:
"Chris Brown's "Excuse Me Miss," Sufjan Stevens' "John Wayne Gacy Jr.," Christina Aguilera's "Save Me From Myself," and Michael W. Smith's "Hope of Israel."

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