American Idol: Jordin Sparks
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Michael Loccisano, FilmMagic.com
Deny, Deny, Deny
Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks dating? We weren't even sure that Blake was straight until just a few days ago! Still, even though he's older, they did go through a lot together, and that probably brought them closer. So deny it all you want, Idols, but we're not buying it.
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Frank Micelotta, American Idol / Getty Images
Jordin Sparks WINS!
Age: 17
Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Well, she may not have been the best singer in the competition (hey, Melinda!) or the best entertainer (we're talking about you, Blake Lewis ... ya cutie you), but Jordin Sparks definitely earned her status as the sixth 'American Idol' by bringing everything together. And now that it's over, we're going to bring together all of her performances with you, working our way back to her first. We're just sweet that way. -
Fox Broadcasting
She's a 'Fighter'
To begin the finale, Jordin Sparks went with a song that we had not heard her sing yet for her first performance. She sang Christina Aguilera's 'Fighter,' and it was really awesome. The judges thought it was a great way to start and Simon was especially pleased that she went with a younger song. We'd have to agree with the judges that Jordin definitely won the first round vocally.
For her second performance, Jordin chose one of our favorite songs, which is 'Broken Wing.' We thought it didn't have as much heart as when she first performed it, but it was so beautiful. We got goosebumps ... so you know it was good. This is a song that really shows her range and talent. We wish she would have sang it with a little more passion, but there is no denying that she was incredible.
Whoever wrote 'This Is My Now' must have written it for Jordin (and maybe trying to sabotage Blake at the same time). We don't want to take away from Jordin because she is amazing and blew the song "out of the box" as Randy would say. And she was moved to tears from the lyrics of the song and then the judges comments. But seriously, that wasn't fair. -
Fox Broadcasting
'To Love Somebody'
As the competition reached the final four, each contestant sang two songs (mostly to round out the full hour of television). Since it was BeeGees night, Jordin chose 'To Love Somebody' (which got great reviews by the judges) and 'Woman in Love' (which ... let's just say not so much.) America chose to love her, though, and pushed her on to the final three.
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Fox Broadcasting
'Livin' on a Prayer'
The Bon Jovi song 'Livin' on a Prayer' summed up Jordin's situation in the final six (the week before had no elimination). Though the judges weren't too thrilled with her performance, the combined scores from the previous week and this week were enough to push Jordin into the top four (two were eliminated to make up for the week before).
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Fox Broadcasting
'You'll Never Walk Alone'
Since it was Idol Cares night, Jordin chose the song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' for her performance, which earned her crazy amounts of praise from the judges, especially Randy. Ryan Seacrest almost scared us to death when he got to Jordin in the results episode, having announced that everyone else up to her was safe ... before declaring that no one would go home that night.
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Fox Broadcasting
'A Broken Wing'
On Martina McBride night, Jordin Sparks sang 'A Broken Wing,' earning one of the best compliments yet from Simon, who said he could see her winning the competition. America agreed, and pushed her into the top six.
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Fox Broadcasting
'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You'
Despite special guest Jennifer Lopez, Jordin Sparks chose 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You' by Gloria Estefan. It turned out to be the right choice, earning her place in the top seven.
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Michael Becker, Fox
'On a Clear Day'
Not only did Jordin Sparks pass through to the top eight with her version of 'On a Clear Day,' she was in the top three of the week. We're not sure about her outfit, but maybe America was listening more than watching.
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Frank Micelotta, FOX
'Hey Baby'
We're glad that Jordin Sparks picked No Doubt's 'Hey Baby' the night Gwen Stefani guest-starred. It had to be tough to sing with Gwen watching, but Jordin did well enough to pass through to the top nine.
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Fox Broadcasting
'I (Who Have Nothing)'
Little did Jordin know that singing 'I (Who Have Nothing)' would not only push her into the top ten, but would also be the song she chose as her favorite in the top three. Just ignore the irony of an 'Idol' finalist singing that song.
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Fox Broadcasting
'If We Hold on Together'
In the first shot of the final 12, Jordin Sparks sang 'If We Hold on Together' by Diana Ross, firmly placing her within the vocal trio along with Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha Jones. It was a great way to start the real competition, and a nice way to say good-bye to Jordin in our gallery.
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