Sparks youngest US 'Idol'
Friday, May 25, 2007
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Jordin Sparks won the 2007 "American Idol" television singing contest last Wednesday, beating an older, more offbeat male rival to become the youngest ever winner of the coveted title.
Sparks, who captured the hearts of viewers of the most popular United States TV show with her bubbly personality and big voice, beat 25-year-old Blake Lewis in a contest that was decided by a telephone vote in which a record 74 million votes were cast.
The two finalists embraced after host Ryan Seacrest announced the result with Sparks, dressed in a long, flowing gold gown, having difficulty catching her breath.
"Thank you so much for everything — Mom and Dad, I love you!" said the emotional teenager, who along with the "American Idol" title will receive a recording contract.
In its sixth season, "American Idol" has grown from a cheesy summer talent competition into a cultural phenomenon that draws about 30 million viewers twice a week to News Corp's Fox network.
About 100,000 people auditioned for this year's show, which puts contestants through auditions and performances that showcase musical genres ranging from country to hard rock. In its first five seasons, "Idol" has produced a list of successful stars.
Last Wednesday night's show at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, four of the show's five previous winners — Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks — performed a medley of Beatles tunes with the show's top 12 finalists. Backstage, Sparks could barely contain her excitement at joining the ranks of previous "Idol" winners. "It just turned out pretty cool, I guess," she said, giggling and brushing back her hair.
In addition to transforming nobodies into stars, "Idol" has become a coveted forum for established artists to be seen. Reuters
Sparks, who captured the hearts of viewers of the most popular United States TV show with her bubbly personality and big voice, beat 25-year-old Blake Lewis in a contest that was decided by a telephone vote in which a record 74 million votes were cast.
The two finalists embraced after host Ryan Seacrest announced the result with Sparks, dressed in a long, flowing gold gown, having difficulty catching her breath.
"Thank you so much for everything — Mom and Dad, I love you!" said the emotional teenager, who along with the "American Idol" title will receive a recording contract.
In its sixth season, "American Idol" has grown from a cheesy summer talent competition into a cultural phenomenon that draws about 30 million viewers twice a week to News Corp's Fox network.
About 100,000 people auditioned for this year's show, which puts contestants through auditions and performances that showcase musical genres ranging from country to hard rock. In its first five seasons, "Idol" has produced a list of successful stars.
Last Wednesday night's show at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, four of the show's five previous winners — Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks — performed a medley of Beatles tunes with the show's top 12 finalists. Backstage, Sparks could barely contain her excitement at joining the ranks of previous "Idol" winners. "It just turned out pretty cool, I guess," she said, giggling and brushing back her hair.
In addition to transforming nobodies into stars, "Idol" has become a coveted forum for established artists to be seen. Reuters
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