Jordin Sparks, the winner of “American Idol” Season 6 at just 17 years old, performed a medley at the Apollo Theater’s 90th anniversary celebration on Tuesday. During the event, she emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent, while Usher and Babyface were honored for their contributions to music.
“There’s room for all of us. We need to encourage and uplift new artists. ‘Gatekeeping’ should be a term we abandon,” Sparks told USA TODAY, expressing her desire to potentially join a singing competition as a judge to support the next generation of musicians.
Reflecting on her journey since becoming the youngest “Idol” winner in 2007, Sparks, now 34, said, “I’ve been doing this for a while; I’ve learned a lot. I can be honest about my experiences, and I think that’s crucial.” She added, “I’ve been in their shoes. I understand the whirlwind of fame that comes when a show becomes huge, transforming you from a ‘normal’ person to someone extremely recognizable.”
“It would be fulfilling to say, ‘I know exactly what you’re feeling right now,’ and help guide you through that,” she continued. “Who knows, maybe one day.”
As Sparks prepares to release a new album focused on “joy” and “power,” she didn’t specify her preferred judging role, though “American Idol,” now on ABC, is currently looking for new judges.
“American Idol” Seeks New Judge; “The Voice” Brings Back Adam Levine
The Season 22 finale of “American Idol” marked the end of Katy Perry’s six-year tenure as a judge. Perry, who announced her departure in February, plans to travel the world and work on new music.
Perry’s fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, have suggested potential replacements, including Meghan Trainor and Jelly Roll, but no official decision has been made. Perry emphasized during the finale that the ideal candidate should be “honest,” “constructive,” “heart-centered,” and unafraid to speak their mind, even if it’s polarizing.
Meanwhile, “The Voice” has also made headlines with its coach lineup. On June 5, NBC announced that Adam Levine would return as a coach for Season 27, after a five-year hiatus. Levine will join Kelsea Ballerini, Michael Bublé, and John Legend. Levine was a coach for 16 consecutive seasons from the show’s debut in 2011 until his departure in 2019, replaced by Gwen Stefani.
The upcoming Season 26 of “The Voice,” premiering this fall, will feature Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Stefani as coaches.