American Idol

Jordin Sparks sings her first single, ‘This is My Now,’ after being named the Season 6 winner Wednesday night at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Jordin Sparks became the youngest “American Idol” winner in the show’s six-season history. The Glendale, Ariz., native took home the title Wednesday night before beginning a whirlwind media tour.

I’ve had Jordin pegged for many weeks as a possible winner — though I thought it was going to be Melinda Doolittle from the moment I saw her. When it came down to Jordin and Blake, though, it seemed like a no-brainer.

And, I must say, after hearing Jordin sing the “Idol” single, “This is My Now,” after being named the winner, I am less annoyed with the cheesy song. Of course, that doesn’t mean I think it’s going to be a huge hit. It’s just a holdover for fans waiting to hear Jordin’s next single.

So, in celebration of Jordin’s win, let’s take a quick look at my early thoughts on Jordin:

AUDITIONS
There were few singers in Seattle who really blew us away, though both Jordin and Blake came from that city. Jordin performed “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion.

Randy said: “Everything was perfect.”

I said: “Enough said.” I put Jordin in a top five list of highlights from that week.

THE HOLLYWOOD ROUNDS
I said: “Jordin Sparks isn’t like many of the other teenagers who have made it this far in the competition. For whatever reason, I’m not annoyed by her giggly, high-school personality. In fact, I kind of like it. What I like even more is that she sang Tracy Chapman’s ‘Give Me One Reason’ to kick off her portion of the semifinals. This girl has the voice.”

Simon said: “You’ve actually got a very, very good voice. … I think push yourself, and you may surprise a few people in this competition.”

INSPIRATION WEEK
I said: “She shed a few tears when dedicating her performance to her little brother, which makes the teenager seem that much sweeter. Tears equal votes.

“An age-appropriate performance of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Reflection’ should be well received by ‘Idol’ audiences. Jordin can sing better than many of the girls in the competition. Of course she’s not the best, but she certainly deserves a spot in the top 12.”

THE TOP 12 WITH DIANA ROSS
Jordin sang “If We Hold On Together.”

I said: “A song from ‘The Land Before Time’ is a great choice for Jordin, who looked much older than her age on the big stage. While Jordin has a pretty great voice, she is up against some tough competition. She, no doubt, will be compared to the others in the competition. And, when it comes down to it, there are others that are just better. The good news for her is she is young, and people tend to like the younger contestants. Just look what the judges had to say.”

Randy said: “Tonight, with that, you just made it a three-girl race,” Randy said, referring to LaKisha and Melinda being favorites.

Simon said: “It was a little bit gooey, I thought,” Simon said. “I thought it was a very, very good vocal. And absolutely you have put yourself in a spot of being in the finals of this competition.”

Keep coming back here for more updates, news and interviews throughout the show’s off-season.

American Idol, Jordin Sparks, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Diana Ross, Blake Lewis, Celine Dion, This is My Now