4 Days to American Idol

“This is the first time since we have met where I actually believe, based on that performance, you could win American Idol.”

-- Simon Cowell, after Jordin Spark’s performance of “Broken Wing,” Season 6


Jordin Sparks flew under the radar during the early rounds of Season 6 of American Idol, content with her middle-of-the-pack consistency. Her potential was obvious, but her talent was hampered back by the constant references to her age.

She effectively shot that criticism down during British Invasion week, when she performed “I (Who Have Nothing).” She took a melancholy song and infused it with emotion well beyond her years and experience. Watching her connect to the material was awe-inspiring. This was the first time in the competition that I saw her as a true contender for the title with LaKisha and Melinda.

For the weeks that followed, she fell back a little, weighed down by weak themes (No Doubt/Artists who inspired Gwen Stefani, American Classics, and Latin). Country week could have been a disaster for her, but it proved to announce her arrival in the competition. Her soulful take on Martina McBride’s “Broken Wing” put her talent ahead of her “potential.” From that point on, she delivered one great performance after the next (with the exception of “Livin’ on a Prayer”).

During Top 4 week, LaKisha stumbled. And the following week, the voters connected with Jordin’s exuberant belting over Melinda’s perfect technique. In the end, I think, she won BECAUSE of her age. Extremely likable and extremely talented, she became the youngest American Idol winner thus far at 17. She radiates joy, and personally, I think she deserved it.