Jordin Sparks - Idol Chatter
So, I know it’s been hectic for you since you won American Idol in 2007. Your debut album sold over 2 million copies and you were nominated for a Grammy. Does it all seem surreal?
Yes! I don’t think that I have had time to process it yet. It happened so fast. I went from an unknown high school student to being one of the most recognizable faces in America. Then, it was doing interviews, going on a tour, doing photo shoots and recording an album. I have kept going ever since. I was 17 when I won. Since I was underage, either my parents or my Nana were with me. I would have gone crazy without my family.
You released your second album, Battlefield, last month. Are you happy with its reception so far?
Yes. It has been crazy, but I have finally been able to breath since its release.
So, is there any marked difference between your first album and the new one?
I was able to take my time with the new one. I was able to grow with the songs and love and live with them. I was able to decide that I want this and not want that. I was able to write a lot more as well. I am excited about my fans getting to hear what I was thinking of this past year and my see my growth as a person.
Do you have any celebrity friends that have given you advice on handling fame?
Not in the beginning, because I did not really know anyone. But, besides the other winners, there are a few who have told me to enjoy the ride and make sure I am present in all that I do. When I was going through my vocal problems (she had a vocal cord hemorrhage) I was the opening act on the Alicia Keys tour and missed several dates. People wondered aloud, “Will she sing again?” I was scared. I don’t know what I would do without my voice. I received an email from Natasha Bedingfield and I was shocked! She told me to pray and get some rest. It was amazing to hear from her and get some great advice, especially so early on.
You look amazing! Did you start a new fitness program?
I don’t want to deprive myself of anything. If I want a brownie, I am going to eat a brownie. It’s all about portion control. I wanted to do something different for the new album. I wanted to get healthy. I got sick a lot last year from not doing anything, I asked for a trainer and it’s been a lot of fun.
Do you have any advice for those your age who want to live healthier?
Get up and walk around. Get up from the computer and move around. Being a little more active than usual can make a huge difference.
How has American Idol changed since you won?
Their budget is definitely bigger! And they need[ed] to keep Paula as a judge. But, the show represents the American Dream. Anyone with talent and passion can make it. I still love watching it and I love going back to visit.
Unlike other competition reality shows, A.I. does not show the participants in the living quarters. Why is that?
I think they have shown the mansion, but they don’t show the bedrooms, because it’s a privacy thing. I know I would not have wanted them during my season to come to my bedroom. When I was on it, we stayed in a corporate apartment with four in each apartment with girls and guys separate. I guess they have always wanted to focus on the music instead of making it the The Real World.
Your Grammy-nominated hit “No Air” is a duet with Chris Brown. Will you still perform it with him?
We have only performed it twice together, so I am used to performing it by myself. But he is a part of the song and will always be. I would perform it with him anytime.
So, his legal situation with Rihanna will not deter you from working with him?
It’s not for me to judge, I was not there. I don’t know what went on and music is a job and a business. If I have to sing with him, I am going to because that’s my job and he is a part of the song. I am not going to change the song and place someone else’s voice on it. That would be stupid!
Who would you model your career after?
Because of the way that the industry has changed over the years, you cannot really mirror anyone’s career the way you dream about. I want to be in the era of Whitney and Mariah and selling millions of records and being able to stand on stage and have ballads on the radio.
Is there anyone right now you would like to emulate?
Kelly Clarkson is a great person to model my career after. She is great and exactly the same. She has sold a lot of records, but she does not forget where she came from and she avoids the tabloids. She is sweet and successful. I hope to do the same!
Interview By Isoul Harris
Isoul H. Harris is an entertainment journalist, columnist, editor and citizen of the world. Follow him on Twitter: www.twitter.com/isoulharris