Jordin Sparks became the youngest winner of American Idol in May 2007. She followed her victory with the release of her self-titled debut album, which has gone platinum and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, and then winning an American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist and receiving two MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best Female Video and Best New Artist. Finally capping off a remarkable year, she earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “No Air” in 2008.
“I will sing that song for the rest of my life,” Sparks notes.
She released her sophomore album, Battlefield, last July and is currently touring to promote the album. She came to Cincinnati on June 15 to play the 20th Century Theater in Oakley.
CB: What was the biggest lifestyle change that you had after winning American Idol and releasing your debut album?
JS: Well for one, being on the road 300 days a year and living out of a suitcase! Being away from my family has definitely been a big change but singing for my job is amazing! I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
CB: What do you miss most from home when you are on the road?
JS: My family, my bed, my brother annoying me. Ha ha ha.
CB: I know that you toured last year with Britney Spears on the Circus Tour. What was your funniest Britney tour story?
JS: I had to enter from beneath the stage every night, and I don’t know how my head is still round.
CB: What is your favorite song that you’ve written? What is your favorite song to perform live off the new album?
JS: I love all of them but if I had to choose it would probably be “Faith.” Anyone can relate to it and I just love how it turned out. I love performing the songs that everyone knows and I love hearing them sing along.
CB: What is your favorite activity to do when you’re not touring?
JS: Everything! Reading, spending time with my family, playing guitar, chilling with my best friends and playing with my doggies.
CB: You’re involved in a ton of charity work, including Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center, Clothes Off Our Back and Feeding America. Why is it so important to you to give back? Is there a charity that’s near and dear to your heart?
JS: I’ve always wanted to give back, and my family was involved in a lot of stuff before Idol. Once I won Idol I was really excited to make music, of course, but to also use my name for something bigger than myself. I love working with all kinds of charities, as you mentioned. I also want to start working with or create a charity to stop teen violence.
CB: I saw that you’ll soon begin an engagement on Broadway. How is preparing and performing on the Broadway stage different than performing for a concert tour? What have been some of the highlights for you so far?
JS: Well, I’ll probably have to let you know what performing is like when I actually start to do it. But preparing is different because I have to learn lines and stage blocking. As far as the music, I have to memorize the songs and make sure I can tell the story through my voice. The highlight of touring is just being able to put a face to the people who voted and support me as well as being able to sing the songs that people haven’t heard on the radio.
CB: What’s your favorite U.S. tour city and venue to play in and why?
JS: Umm, that’s a good question. I love playing in my hometown. There’s nothing like seeing your family sitting amongst fans and seeing the smiles on their faces. I love playing Boston. They always seem to be super hype. I love playing anywhere people are excited.
CB: If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
JS: I’d probably still be pursuing music but going to college. I would love to work with kids … like be the singing nurse who gives them lollipops and band aids.
CB: You have played and collaborated with some amazing artists. Who would be your dream collaboration?
JS: All the people I’ve worked with before, I would definitely love to work with again. I would love to work with John Mayer, Fergie, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder and do many more great talents. Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
CB: What was the career moment where you felt most fulfilled?
JS: Singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl was one of the best moments ever. Also performing for Bush while he was in office and at President Obama’s inauguration.
CB: Some of my favorite So You Think You Can Dance moments happened as the performers danced to Jordin Sparks songs. I know you’ve also performed on the show live, but do you have any feelings as you see the choreography that’s created to your music?
JS: When I saw them perform “No Air” a few seasons ago, it brought tears to my eyes. I watched it 10 times in a row. To see them express the story with their movements gave me goose bumps!
CB: Please tell us about the great charities and organizations you’re involved with.
JS: I just launched my new campaign in M.A.D. Are You? with my brother in February. M.A.D. stands for Making a Difference. It’s all about letting people know that it doesn’t matter how big or small your effort as long as you do it. Anyone can make a difference. Currently I luckily have Mike and Ike and Allstate sponsoring my tour. Mike and Ike is teamed up with Alex’s Lemonade Foundation to fight childhood cancer. Allstate has a campaign called X the TXT to stop texting and driving. I’m involved with many others as well. Please check out www.immadareyou.com to learn more.
CB: Who are your favorite indie and hard rock bands? Who would you most like to collaborate with?
JS: Greenley Estates is a local band from Arizona that I’ve listened to since the eighth grade. Silverstein is really good, too. Something Corporate is my favorite band ever, and I would love to work with them.
CB: What would our readers be surprised to learn about you?
JS: Hmm, that I can walk on my toes … or used to be able to. I haven’t tried for a long time. Ha ha.
CB: Will you have time to take in any of the local Cincinnati culture while in town?
JS: I wish I did, but not this time. Hopefully next time I come through.
CB: Are you familiar with any local Cincinnati bands that you would like to take on the road with you?
JS: I’m not at the moment, but I would love to learn about them.
CB: How do you respond when people accuse American Idol winners of having manufactured careers?
JS: I can see why they’d think that, but having gone through it no one can understand except those who have been on the show. The career starts after they win. It’s what they do with it after the show ends where the hard work starts and where success comes from.
CB: What positive impacts do you think American Idol has had on the music industry?
JS: It’s given more people the ability to live the “American Dream” in a way the music industry didn’t allow before.
CB: What negative impact has it had?
JS: Now why would you ask me that? I can’t say because I have always been a fan of the show and will remain one.
This article appears in Jun 16-22, 2010.
