Jordin Sparks is experiencing a transformative phase in her career. The talented singer, who first captured hearts as the youngest winner of “American Idol” in its sixth season, recently shared insights into how her creative process has evolved over the years. Sparks, now 35, revealed that she has become “more selective” about her music choices since her early days in the industry.
During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles, Sparks reflected on her journey. “When I was a bit younger, people would say, ‘Okay, we’ve put this room together. This is what you’re going to do. This is who you’re going to work with,'” she explained. “Now, I’m a little bit more selective. I’ve found a group of people I truly love working and writing with.”
Last fall, Sparks released “No Restrictions,” her first album of original material in nearly a decade. She described the collaborative process with her creative team as enjoyable, stating, “We often get together and have fun, which ultimately leads to creating beautiful songs.”
As the holiday season approaches, Sparks has also shared new music, including her holiday track “S-N-O-W,” featured on the EP “Growin’ Up Holiday,” set to be released on October 18. This new song reflects her growth as an artist and her desire to connect with her audience during this festive time.
Family plays a significant role in Sparks’ inspiration. She shares her life with her husband, Dana Isaiah, and their seven-year-old son, Dana Isaiah Thomas Jr. Sparks expressed her gratitude for her family, stating, “If I am at 0 percent, [Dana Isaiah] picks up that other percentage for me. If he’s at 80 percent, I pick up that extra 20 percent for him. I have more inspiration now than ever. I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Sparks credits her time on “American Idol” with teaching her valuable lessons in perseverance and self-confidence. She recalled her determination to audition in multiple cities after facing rejection at her first attempt. Winning “Idol” at just 17 set her on a path to stardom, but it also shaped her understanding of the industry.
Reflecting on her youth during the competition, Sparks noted, “Being so young really helped me when I was on the show. I wasn’t overthinking what people were saying, unlike someone older might. I took everything at face value. Looking back, I realize I had a lot of confidence in myself, and I still do.”
As she continues to grow artistically, Sparks is not shy about expressing her ambitions. Recently, she publicly expressed her desire to join the “American Idol” judging panel following Katy Perry’s departure. “Oh hiiii @AmericanIdol—I hear a seat opened up at the judges table! I’m putting my name in the hat!” Sparks playfully announced on social media.
With her new music and evolving artistry, Jordin Sparks is proving that her journey is far from over. “No Restrictions” is available for streaming on all major music platforms, showcasing her growth and dedication to her craft. As Sparks continues to navigate her career, fans can look forward to more creativity and inspiration from this remarkable artist.