News / Entertainment
Jordin Sparks Beats Out Blake Lewis to Become New 'American Idol'
Jordin Sparks became the youngest contestant to win ‘American Idol’ on Wednesday after receiving the majority of the 74 million votes cast by viewers. The 17-year-old Sparks beat out fellow finalist Blake Lewis to take the top prize and earn a record deal that will likely keep her in the spotlight for years to come.
It was a battle between a singer and an entertainer as Sparks clearly had the better voice but Blake’s ability to wow the crowd with his beatboxing skills and his innovative twist to popular tunes earned him a huge following that placed him in the finals.
The pair opened the two-hour finale with a duet, performing the Beatles “I Saw Her Standing There” much to the delight of the packed crowd inside the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.
Gwen Stefani followed the duet with a performance of her hit song “4 in the Morning” via satellite from Massachusetts.
The entire ‘American Idol’ finale was a celebration of great singers and past winners as well as some contestants from season six that made headlines. Bette Midler, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett and gospel singers BeBe and CeCe Winans all took the stage with big numbers while Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, all former ‘American Idol’ champs, got back to their roots with strong performances.
Even ‘Idol’ enigma Sanjaya Malakar was back as he performed with the six male finalists in a tune from Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
Melinda Doolittle, who many felt deserved a spot in the finals, belted out the gospel tune “Hold Up the Line” with legends BeBe and CeCe Winans and proved why many of those who favored her were right.
Blake’s night was made special when he performed with rap legend Doug E. Fresh on a rendition of the groundbreaking hit “The Show.”
While the stage was filled with musical legends and incredible music the night belonged to Jordin Sparks who, after hearing her name announced as the ‘American Idol,’ tearfully said “Mom, Dad, I love you.”
