If you ever wondered whether Jordin Sparks had a clear and easy road to stardom the American Idol alum and daughter of a football star says “I was told no (before)!” In a recent interview with Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Sparks who won last year’s American Idol competition sets the record straight about ‘paying her dues’ and her father’s ‘assistance’ in getting to the top. “We approached Universal Records when I was 15, and they really liked my voice, but they told me that I wasn’t ready. I was like, okay, well, I guess I need to work on a lot of stuff.” says the “No Air” singer. Prior to Universal, Sparks spent many years performing in competitions including “America’s Most Talented Kids” dispelling rumors that her father’s professional football career had given the singer a boost. “My first audition for “American Idol,” I was also told no. They didn’t put me through. So I was just like, I can’t give up now. So I kept auditioning and I finally made it through in Seattle.” After making it through, Sparks says the audition process for the hit show was very long but she made it through without her dad’s assistance contrary to blog rumors. “My dad wouldn’t have helped at all with the line thing. Everybody had to wait, and I had to wait, too. We got there around 2 in the morning, and I don’t think they started bringing people in until around 8:00 and then I don’t think auditions started until 11:00, so it was like a really, really long day.” As for those pesky blogs, Sparks says “It’s cool that somebody would take the time out of their day to make up something about me.” Laughing off a recent rumor Sparks says “Did you see the rumor that I was married to–somebody just help me here. I was like, okay.” Fast forward to today, with a platinum-selling debut under her belt, Sparks is fast at work on her sophomore album, slated for release in 2009. The as-yet-untitled album is expected to feature a more refined sound from the singer who re-joins Alicia Keys for the European leg of the “As I Am” tour this fall. For more on Jordin Sparks’ exclusive interview pick up October’s issue of Sister 2 Sister Magazine.
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