Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > August > 31
Sunday, August 31, 2008
8/31: Jordin Sparks concert and interview
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since this is Labor Day weekend, I held off on printing the interview I had with season six winner Jordin Sparks until I took some photos at the concert this morning at White Water Amusement Park after the U.S. 10K Classic charity runs were finished. In fact, I’ll start with the photos before the interview. It’s a holiday! Interview is after the photos I took:
This is one of my best shots. I like the dramatic effect at this angle. Jordin’s hair is a bit different but she still has that girlish charm and self-possessed confidence from the show.
Jordin sang a 10-song set. She’s still new so she sang six songs from her album, including her three top 10 hits (“Tattoo,” “No Air” and “One Step at a Time”), and wisely avoided the crap coronation song “This Is My Now”. She filled the gaps with four cover songs: “Superstition,” “Fallen” (in homage to Alicia Keys, who she opened for at Philips Arena back in May), “Give Me One Reason” and a reprise of one of her better performances from season six, Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker.”
Loads of pre-teens and young female teens crowded the front of the stage. Although 12,000 people participated in the races, I’d say only about 10 percent stuck around for the entire post-race concert. Most probably wanted to hit the showers.
It was a perfect day for a concert. Light breeze, overcast, not too hot. And Jordin sounded immaculate. She hardly ever hits a bad note.
She has this really strange red tinge in her hair. Not sure I like it.
Compositionally, this shot works for me somehow. Maybe it’s that background with the trees and the bus.
I didn’t have a lot of time to interview Jordin, but I did a quick catch up while she’s finishing up her tour with Jesse McCartney before she did a sound check in Washington D.C. Friday. She came across as humble and sweet. She only said “amazing” three times. (I remember that being her favorite adjective during one press conference.)
How’s the tour going with Jesse McCartney?
It’s been really good, a lot of fun. Jesse is really sweet. So is his whole crew. Amazing people. It’s taken some getting used to doing an hour vs. 20 minutes when I opened for Alicia Keys.
How is different for you besides being on stage a lot longer?
A lot more songs. It’s a little more strain on your voice. But I’m doing pretty well so far.
Congrats on your third top 10 with “One Step At a Time.”
I know. I just heard that a few days ago. I am so incredibly psyched. It’s all part of a big gamble. I’m new. I didn’t automatically assume people would buy my music since I was on “Idol.” I really wanted to prove myself. We put out “Tattoo” first. That did well. Then “No Air” came next. That really helped. I had no idea it’s be that massive. [It’s her first No. 1 top 40 hit.]. Now I have a third single. It’s amazing but people like me!
You’ve become the queen of downloads. More than 5 million! Yet despite three hit singles, your album hasn’t even sold 1 million copies. What’s up with that?
It’s really crazy. The industry is changing. Sometimes I don’t want to buy an entire album unless I know most of the songs are any good. I understand that from a customer’s point of view. At the same time, I am just how happy how things are going. I’m happy about the download sales. I’m happy about the tours I’ve been able to go on. And going international has been amazing.
So what’s your schedule looking like this fall?
After hit tour ends, I do a few more shows and the VMAs. [The MTV Video Music Awards.] Then I go to Australia for a promotional tour. I’m so excited. I’ve never been there. Then I’m going back to Europe for a couple of shows. I will take a short break for Thanksgiving. Then I got back on tour with Alicia Keys in Australia.
Why did you decide to do this U.S. 10K Classic?
It’s a great charity. I’m singing the National Anthem. I’m kind of nervous. It’s 7 in the morning! But I’m excited doing an event like this to help out kids.
Do you think you sing better in the morning or at night?
I definitely think I sing better after I’ve been talking awhile and been awake. My voice sounds three octaves deeper in the morning sometimes!
So is a fourth single coming?
Yes! But [the label] hasn’t confirmed what song yet. I think it might be “Freeze” or “Permanent Monday.” Not sure!
I suspect her label Jive Records really wants this album to sell 1 million copies. (It’s at about 892,000 right now.) Amazon has Jordin’s album on sale for just $7.99..
And if you want to see a gallery of various “Idol” related photos I’ve taken the past year or so, check this site out.
