Jordin Sparks: American Idol's Latest Princess

Section: Talent

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Youngest AI ever wins on "This is My Now,""Broken Wing," "Fighter."

American Idol ended its sixth season with a precedent: Jordin Sparks, at 17 years old, became the youngest talent ever to take the title in last night's finale. Winning on a triumvirate of "This is My Now" (the songwriting contest song), Martina McBride's "Broken Wing" and Christina Aguilera's "Fighter," Sparks' win followed a breathtaking a procession of ex-AI royalty, singing legends, beatboxers and men wielding guitars. Guest stars included: Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Hicks, Carrie Underwood, Doug E Fresh, Green Day and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, who collabo'd with this season's vilified and worshipped ex-contestant Sanjaya Malakar.

Sparks was shocked and pleased when host Ryan Seacrest announced her winning title - but one peek at the teenager's resumee implies she's been working up to this moment for more than a minute. The singer was named the Coca-Cola Rising Star in 2002, won first place in Southern gospel at the Gospel Music Association Academy in 2004, and took the Arizona Idol title in 2006. She cut an album called For Now in 2003. The daughter of Giants and Cowboys cornerback Phillippi Sparks, she has performed the National Anthem at games for the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. And that, we suppose, is about as American as you can get.