Life in Pictures: Jordin Sparks
Jordin gets competitive
As a child, Jordin competed in singing contests at local restaurants like Mr. Lucky’s. She later graduated to televised competitions like America’s Most Talented Kid, Star Search and Junior Idol. (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images)
Who knew?
When Jordin first auditioned for American Idol, she didnt even make it through to Hollywood. Thats when Jordin showed her tenacity, heading to Arizona to audition for an Idol spinoff contest. She won the contest, and the chance to audition for the judges again in Seattle. (Seth Wenig / Associated Press)
Famous fam
Jordins success and fame was nothing new to the Sparks family: Jordin’s father, Phillippi Sparks, was a professional football player. He played for the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.
My family was always very loving, very grounded, Jordin explains on her website. My dad kept us calm no matter what was happening with his career. (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)
The rest is history
During the already strenuous American Idol audition process, Jordin had to squeeze in home schooling between rehearsals. Her hard work paid off in 2007, when at just 17, Jordin became the youngest American Idol in history. (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)
Jordins debut album
In 2007, Jordin released her self-titled debut album with the hit single Tattoo -- written by Amanda Ghost, co-writer of James Blunts Youre Beautiful. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
