Idol Chit-Chat With Jordin Sparks

Last season on American Idol, Jordin Sparks became the youngest winner in the show’s history. The 17-year-old had originally been turned away when she auditioned in Los Angeles, but followed that up by winning Arizona Idol, a Fox affiliate-sponsored competition, which guaranteed her a place at the try-outs in Seattle. The lesson? Never let a little thing like defeat get you down. Sparks went on to win the competition without ever being in the bottom two or three, and released her self-titled debut last November. The record featured a variety of popular songs, including “This Is My Now” and “No Air,” on which she sings alongside nascent R&B heartthrob Chris Brown. We caught up with Sparks over e-mail to ask her about Chris Brown, this season’s Idol contestants and whether or not she had any tips for performing in front of the judges. Interview after the jump.
VH1: What brought you to collaborate with Chris Brown on “No Air”?
Jordin Sparks: I had been a huge fan of him before any of this happened, and I wanted to work with him then. So when I was asked who I’d like to be with me on the song . . . there was no question.
VH1: How was making the video with him? Is he an inspiration of yours?
JS: It was awesome! He made things so comfortable and he was really cool to talk to. I’ve never looked at it like that, but yes, in some ways he was an inspiration. Because he’s my age, when he first came out, it helped me see that I could do it if I really wanted it.
VH1: Who inspires you?
JS: Hmm. Pretty much all musicians inspire me. My taste in music is very broad and eclectic. But if I had to pick a few: Michael W. Smith, Alicia Keys, Kirk Franklin, Crystal Lewis, Whitney, Christina, and Martina McBride.
VH1: What sort of career do you envision for yourself? What makes you happiest — songwriting or performing?
JS: A long, successful one. Haha. And I actually really enjoy both. I’ve been singing since I could speak, and I’ve been writing poetry since I was about nine. I didn’t realize they could become songs when I was a little younger. I thought songs had to be made a certain way. I can see it’s not really like that. It can be anything you want. As far as performing goes, there’s nothing like being on stage and hearing that crowd. I feel like everything is right and it’s where I’m supposed to be. You get to be you, for that small time on stage, and no one can take that away. It’s even better when you’re performing a song you wrote! Double whammy!
VH1: If you weren’t a musician, what would be your fall-back career?
JS: Fall-back career, hmm . . . well, I love kids. I said I wanted to be a pediatrician, but after thinking about it, I think I’ll just go in, give them a lollipop and sing to them.
VH1: Do you have any tips for the current cast of American Idol?
JS: A) Get as much sleep as possible.
B) Take lots of pictures.
C) Listen to the judges, but still make it you.
D) Connect with the people through the other side of the camera.
E) Have fun.
VH1: How did you deal with the pressure of performing before the judges on the show?
JS: I’m not sure. I think I actually do better when I’m under pressure. So even though I may have been anxious to get out there in front of them, once I did, it was like nothing mattered and there was no turning back. Their criticism, I thought, was a good thing. It was a good tool for me to use when considering options for my next performances. I would try to apply whatever they suggested and still keep it me. As far as the harsh comments, yeah, it hurts for a minute, but then you just move on. But seriously, if I sang a horrible note . . . I wouldn’t want someone telling me it was amazing. I would want them to tell me the truth!
VH1: Are there any insider tricks or tips that you’d offer the current season’s contestants?
JS: Don’t get lost, stay true to yourself.
VH1: Do you have a favorite among the current season’s contestants? If so, who and why?
JS: All of them have something unique about them. Except a couple of them. Just kidding. Haha.
But I like Jason’s vulnerability and David A’s youth. Break a leg guys!!!



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April 16th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
hey jordin sparks what up
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 am
u r so ausome on my list of best singers ur the second sorry but the first is hannah montana i knew
about her first if i didn’tlike her u would be first but anyway ur songs are ausome especily no air with cris brown every time i hear it i sing to it
April 24th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
that tatto song makes me wanna throw up
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Jordan Sparks I can’t belive that I am really talking to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You are the BESTgirl singer ever.(even better than cris brown by a pincth
May 31st, 2008 at 10:15 am
jordan sparks is my idol because she sings fantastic and i want to be just like her because she has a nose ring and i love singers that have nose rings!!!!!!
June 13th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
how does it feel to be a celebrity.i think your very nice end beatiful.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Who inspired you to sing?And why?
July 5th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Hey Jordan Sparks i just wanted to say ur very pretty and i love the song tattoo! u have a asome voice this is my email adress cirenicholson@ymail.com
July 9th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
do u think u can give a 10 year old turning 11 a birthday present i wont chris brown email address
my birthday is on the 29 of july please email it 2 me @ supertorri@aol.com please
August 26th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
jordin cogratulations you have and incredible voice I want to be a singer and I always practice
… but good look …
September 14th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Did you ever thought about writing songs that relates to God a little? I actually love your music,its really nice! Anyway congrats for reaching your goals!
-Nandi
September 30th, 2008 at 2:50 am
jordan sparks i love all ur songs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i wish i can see u in person
October 31st, 2008 at 11:48 am
i think your a really good singer i would like to be like you someday.
November 11th, 2008 at 12:49 am
You r so cool. I just luv ur music u r so awesome.U r my idol.I love the song No Air thats them best i know all the words to that song. When i grow up i will be an idol and a singer just like u and i will also make cool songs and make albums like u.I also like ur sense of humor and ur style.I like the way u dress maybe when i grow up i will have amazing clothes like u.Ur my idoland the best famous person i know at least one that i know,but ur one of the best ones i know ur awesome.BEYE BEYE
November 20th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Jordin totally rocks!!!!!!!! She is such an awesome singer! And I am totally excited that she is now selling clothing in Wet Seal!!! How great is that!
November 20th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Jordin totally rocks!!!!!!!! She is such an awesome singer! And I am totally excited that she is now selling clothing in Wet Seal!!! How great is that
November 21st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
How was it like working with Chris Brown on No Air?
November 21st, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Would you ever date chris brown?
November 30th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Jordin Sparks, you are such am AMAZING singer!!!!
November 30th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Jordin Sparks, you are such an AMAZING singer!!!!
December 8th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Great songs! Great vocals!
Peace.Love.Angels…from the Kingdom of Angels…
http://www.OksanaAngel.com
March 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Jordan you are the best person in the whole world i love you and i have 2 songs of yours on my mp3 player they are tatto and one step at a time, “i love you “.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
hey jordin i am one of fan from st.vincent i don’t know if u have ever hard about it but this country is found in the caribbean i wouild love for us to chate so times my email is pretty_hotty56@hotmail.com my name leosha
May 14th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
hey jordin how are you i love you so much and i hope i gonna meet you some day
June 8th, 2009 at 10:38 am
hey jordan i am a big fan of yours. I love your song NO AIR
September 27th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Ilove your song no air it hits close to home. your AUWSOME!!!!!!! thank you