Written by | Ray Cornelius
It’s been eight years since Jordin Sparks first caught our attention as the youngest winner of Fox’s popular music competition series, “American Idol.” Now after two platinum-selling albums, a promising movie career and a very public break up from pop sensation, Jason Derulo, Sparks is looking at life through a different lens and finally admits that she is coming into her own. The 25-year-old Grammy-nominated singer, who had us all screaming “No Air” to the top of our lungs, is indeed a more confident Jordin and is comfortable calling the shots.
I recently caught up with the musical superstar at Jermaine Dupri’s legendary studios in Atlanta while promoting her new single “Double Tap” featuring 2 Chainz. The song is the lead off her new album which is appropriately titled, “Right Here, Right Now.” Gone is the shy little girl from Arizona, who after winning Idol, was at times unsure about her place in a music world, ruled by Beyoncé, Rihanna, Taylor and Nicki.
“I would tell her [Jordin Sparks-pre Idol] not to doubt herself so much and to know that your path is your path. You don’t have to go this way or go that way. You don’t have to be anyone else. You just have to be you. I am coming into my own now and realizing that I don’t have to compete with anyone else. There’s room for all of us.”
“Right Here, Right Now,” is somewhat of a departure from what we’d expect from Sparks, who has built her brand on a “wholesome, girl-next-door” image but somehow this new, “turnt up” persona works for her. Not to worry, though. The syrupy sweet ballads and whimsical tunes that we’d expect from her are also on the album too. Check out a clip from my interview (courtesy of ItsRobinLori) where Sparks talks about the creative process of “Right Here, Right Now.”
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YAY! Jordin Sparks signing my “Sparkle” movie poster
RC with Jordin Sparks
Look for Jordin Sparks’ “Double Tap” featuring 2 Chainz to be officially released on 2/24. Her mixtape, #ByeFelicia is available for purchase now and expect her album to debut later on this year.
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com