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Jordin Sparks was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to professional football player Phillippi Sparks. Although she eventually returned to her home state, she spent most of her childhood in Ridgewood, New Jersey, while her father played as a defensive back for the New York Giants.
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Jordin Sparks knew from a young age that singing was her future. At 17, she switched to homeschooling to fully focus on her music dreams and build the foundation for her career. She gained early recognition by singing the national anthem at Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and Arizona Diamondbacks games. In 2004, she had her first taste of fame performing with Alice Cooper at his Christmas show.
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Before American Idol, Jordin Sparks was already a competition pro. She won several showcases, including 'Coca-Cola's Rising Star', 'America's Most Talented Kids', and the Gospel Music Association Academy's Overall Spotlight Award.
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In the summer of 2006, Jordin Sparks took control of her future by auditioning for 'American Idol'. Though her first attempt in Los Angeles didn’t succeed, she won 'Arizona Idol', a local talent competition, and tried again in Seattle—earning her golden ticket to Hollywood.
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Jordin quickly gained a loyal fan base, the "Sparkplugs," and in May 2007, she became the youngest winner in 'American Idol' history. That November, she released her debut album, featuring the hit single "No Air" with Chris Brown. The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over three million copies, becoming the best-selling single by an 'American Idol' winner.
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Jordin’s early drama classes sparked a love for acting alongside her passion for singing. In 2009, she made her acting debut on Disney Channel’s 'The Suite Life on Deck' as herself, followed by a role on Nickelodeon’s 'Big Time Rush'. Her biggest challenge came in 2010 when she joined the Tony-winning Broadway show 'In the Heights' for a 12-week run.
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Since her debut, Jordin has appeared in films like 'The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete' (2013) and 'Left Behind' (2014). In 2018, she voiced "Daisy" in the animated film 'Show Dogs' and starred in the drama 'God Bless the Broken Road'.
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In 2012, Jordin made her film debut as the lead in 'Sparkle', a 1960s Motown musical inspired by 'The Supremes'. The movie also holds significance as Whitney Houston's final film before her passing.
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Jordin married fitness model Dana Isaiah Thomas in July 2017, and they welcomed their son, Dana Isaiah Thomas Jr., in May 2018.
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In 2021, Jordin Sparks competed on the first season of 'The Masked Dancer,' where she was unmasked as the Exotic Bird and finished in 5th place.
Take a look back at Jordin Sparks' incredible journey in the spotlight! From winning American Idol at just 17 to releasing chart-topping hits and gracing Broadway stages, Sparks has truly done it all.
Join us as we highlight her most iconic career moments over the years!