Why Jordin Sparks Is Ready to Return to American Idol

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This Jordin Sparks news will leave you with no air. 

The season six winner has a straightforward answer when asked about coming back to judge on *American Idol*.

Honestly, I was so excited when Jordin, 35, shared with TopMob News at the Elizabeth Taylor Night of Compassion in Beverly Hills on September 18th that he’s definitely interested! He didn’t even let them finish asking the question, he was so enthusiastic. He said it would be ‘a lot of fun,’ and as a fan, I couldn’t agree more!

Though back in the day, the “No Air” singer would have given a different answer.

She remembered being asked that question frequently right after winning *Idol*. It always surprised her, because she felt she was still growing and learning, and wasn’t in a position to judge others. Looking back, she realizes she probably had some advice she could have shared.

A lot has happened since 2007, and she’s grown a lot too. She now really enjoys mentoring others, offering guidance and encouragement. She’d jump at the chance to do more of it, saying, ‘I’d love to be considered if the opportunity comes up.’

Among the lessons she’d like to pass on? Learning to “not sweat the small stuff.”

Jordin shared that when she was younger, everything felt much more significant. She used to feel the weight of every little thing, but now she’s learned to not let things bother her as much – to just brush them off. She’s also figured out what’s truly important to her, and realized that’s all she needs to focus on.

Jordin Sparks’ seven-year-old son, DJ, who she shares with her husband Dana Isaiah, might one day follow in her footsteps and perform on *American Idol*.

You know, it’s so fun having a husband who also loves to sing! I was just telling someone, he really *does* have a similar style to me. It’s a good thing we both enjoy it, because honestly, our house is filled with music all day long! It’s a joyful chaos, let me tell you.

But DJ is a multi-talented kid, the “Tattoo” singer revealed.

Jordin shared that her son recently got a perfect score on his spelling test and was thrilled with his accomplishment. She added that he constantly surprises and makes her proud, and she feels incredibly lucky to be his mother, eagerly anticipating what the future holds for him.

And for them that means celebrating the milestones big and small.

She explained that her son is now in second grade and is really getting into basketball. He’s been asking her to play one-on-one, but she always gets his dad instead, knowing he’s a better player. She’s excited to be reunited with her husband and watch their son play.

To see where more of your favorite American Idol alums are today, keep reading. 

Kelly Clarkson, mother to River and Remy, has achieved incredible success since her appearance on the first season of *American Idol* in 2002. Based in New York, she’s won three Grammy Awards, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart three times, served as a judge on NBC’s *The Voice*, and now hosts her own popular and award-winning talk show, *The Kelly Clarkson Show*.

The runner-up from season two of the show shared two important things in September 2008. He announced the birth of his son, Parker, with his friend and music producer, Jaymes Foster, and explained that becoming a father inspired him to come out as gay. He told *Good Morning America* that he didn’t want to teach his son to lie or hide who he was, and he wanted to create an environment where his son could be himself, no matter what.

Since then, this well-known performer with red hair transitioned from music to politics, even running for Congress in 2016. After the election, he released a documentary about his life. Despite his other pursuits, he hasn’t completely left music behind – in 2023 and 2024, he toured the country with season two winner Ruben Studdard.

Ruben, the winner of season two of *Idol*, went on to achieve significant success, including a Grammy nomination and several popular albums. Later, in 2013, he appeared as a contestant on *The Biggest Loser*, quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Although he was eliminated from the competition twice, he gained valuable insights from the experience. Despite his career, Ruben has also prioritized his personal life; he and Clay Aiken remain close friends, and he found lasting love with his wife, Kristin, who gave birth to their second child in 2024.

The season three champion recently reflected on how thankful she is for everything she’s experienced. In a December 2023 interview with TopMob News, she explained that life is full of ups and downs – you stumble, but you get back up. Despite facing challenges, she said it feels rewarding to have overcome setbacks and rebuilt her life.

Recently, she’s celebrated personal and professional milestones, including welcoming her daughter Keziah with husband Kendall Taylor in 2021, and receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the remake of *The Color Purple*. As a mother to both Keziah and her adult daughter Zion, she shared that she wants to savor this moment, knowing how hard she worked to achieve it.

Although she didn’t win season three of the competition, this musician has achieved incredible success! She won an Oscar for *Dreamgirls* in 2006 and a Grammy for her work in the 2017 adaptation of *The Color Purple*. She’s also been a judge on *The Voice*. Most recently, this mom to son David is launching her own talk show.

Carrie Underwood instantly became a pop culture icon when she appeared on *Idol*. She not only won season four, but has since become one of country music’s biggest stars.

For over a decade, she co-hosted the CMA Awards alongside Brad Paisley. In addition to her successful music career and hosting duties, Carrie is also a mother to two sons with her husband, retired hockey player Mike Fisher.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I almost fainted when I heard! Carrie Underwood is going to be a judge on *American Idol* in 2024! Can you believe it?! She’s taking over for Katy Perry, which is HUGE. I’m seriously counting down the days – having *Carrie* giving feedback? It’s a dream come true!

The former runner-up from season four of the show is now married and has four children – three sons and one daughter. Even after facing significant health issues in 2006, this Southern rock musician has continued to release several successful albums since appearing on *Idol*.

Constantine, known for his powerful voice and memorable performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” on season four of a singing competition, transitioned seamlessly to Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for his role in *Rock of Ages*. The father of Malena, born in 2010, most recently starred in the 2023 production of *Rock & Roll Man*.

Following his win on season five, the singer released a platinum-selling album and appeared in a Broadway production of *Grease*. In 2016, he transitioned to television, hosting *State-Plate*, a show centered around locally sourced food. Despite his TV work, he still loves music and continues to perform in concerts.

Before Justin Bieber captured the hearts of millions, Katharine McPhee gained attention through what some called “McPheever,” which launched her career in both singing and acting. She’s best known for her roles in the musical drama *Smash* and the action series *Scorpion*.

Married to music producer David Foster since 2019, Katharine is now a mother to their son, Rennie, who shows a natural aptitude for music. In a 2023 interview with TopMob News, she shared her hope that Rennie will become proficient in many instruments, just like his father. However, she emphasized that they’re letting him explore his interests without pressure, simply encouraging his musical development. She believes he’s well on his way to becoming a skilled musician.

Following his appearance on *American Idol*, season five finalist Elliott Yamin, known for his song “Wait for You,” traveled to Angola. There, he teamed up with former *Idol* judge Kara DioGuardi to support Malaria No More. In 2010, he also gained attention for surviving the earthquake in Chile and sharing his experience on Twitter. Elliott continues to create music and is a father to Camilla, with Karen Cruz.

Oh my gosh, Kellie Pickler is just amazing! You might remember her from *American Idol* – she was SO good, making it to sixth place! But that was just the beginning! She totally shined in *Christmas in Graceland*, and can you believe she was nominated for THREE Daytime Emmy Awards for her show *Pickler & Ben*?! It’s incredible. But honestly, what really gets me is how strong she is. After losing her husband, Kyle Jacobs, last year, she shared this beautiful message. She said Kyle taught her that when things fall apart, the best thing to do is just *be still*. And she’s been living by that ever since, and it’s so inspiring to see. She’s a true artist and an even more incredible person.

The winner of season six made a big impact in 2007 as the youngest female to ever win the competition. She then toured 35 U.S. cities and, in 2010, made her Broadway debut in *In the Heights*. Her success continued when she and Dana Isaiah welcomed their first son in May 2018. Since then, she’s returned to *Idol* and competed on season 31 of *Dancing With the Stars*.

David, the season seven winner known for his hit song “Time of My Life,” has experienced success both on and off the stage. In 2010, he traveled to Ethiopia with the United Nations to support their work empowering women. He also participated in the Race for Hope in Washington D.C., raising money for brain cancer research in memory of his brother, Adam, who passed away in 2009. Married to Racheal Stump since 2015, David continues to tour and released his latest single, “TABOS,” in 2022.

After placing second on season seven of a singing competition alongside another contestant named David, he spent two years serving a religious mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile. He resumed performing after returning in 2014.

In June 2021, he publicly came out as LGBTQ+. He shared on Instagram in October 2023 that learning to accept himself had been a wonderful experience, and he hoped his openness would inspire others to embrace their true selves.

While Adam Lambert received a lot of attention as a runner-up, season eight’s winner has been steadily successful with his second album, simply titled ‘Kris Allen.’ Released in November 2009, it reached number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, and his song “I Need to Know” was used in an episode of *The Vampire Diaries*. He’s also been busy growing his family, having three children with his wife, Katy O’Connell, whom he’s known since high school.

The runner-up from the eighth season of the show has achieved massive success. Since appearing on the competition, he’s released multiple albums, gone on headlining tours, and earned numerous award nominations. He’s even followed in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury by becoming the frontman for Queen and starred in a remake of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. He also briefly served as a guest judge on *Idol* and kicked off the 2019 Oscars with a performance of Queen’s iconic songs, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.”

Danny Gokey married Leyicet Peralta in 2012, following his appearance on season eight of *American Idol*. They now have four children together.

Danny Gokey, a three-time Grammy nominee, released the Christian album *Jesus People* in 2021. He’s also the founder of Danny Gokey Eyewear, a brand selling glasses and sunglasses.

Following his appearance as a top 10 finalist on the 2010 summer tour, the season nine winner began his career as a solo musician. He married model and actress Jonna Walsh in 2012, after meeting her while filming the music video for his first song after *Idol*. Today, he’s a successful singer-songwriter, and his music has even been featured on shows like *The Walking Dead*.

The singer, who finished second on season nine of a reality show, married musician Brian Walker and released her debut album, *Farmer’s Daughter*, in December 2010. Although her record label folded, she began acting, appearing on the second season of ABC’s *Body of Proof*.

In May 2013, she and her husband separated. Following their divorce, she described her second album, *All That For This*, as a fresh start and a reflection of her life’s next phase in an interview with The Boot.

The winner of season 10 was the first *American Idol* champion since Ruben Studdard to have a debut album, *Clear as Day*, reach the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. He was recognized as New Artist of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards and performed the national anthem at Game 1 of the World Series that year. In June 2018, the singer of hits like “This Is It” and “Five More Minutes” married his longtime girlfriend, Gabi Dugal. They had a son, Avery, in October 2022.

Though she came in second place to Scotty on the singing competition, this country artist quickly signed a record deal and released her first album, *Wildflower*, in October 2011. After the show, she shared the stage with Scotty at the CMT Music Awards, made her debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, and even performed alongside Martina McBride at the CMA Music Festival.

In 2017, she received her first CMA nomination for Best New Artist thanks to the success of her album, *Road Less Traveled*. She also branched out into acting, starring in a film with the same name.

More recently, the singer, known for her song “Thicc As Thieves,” announced her engagement to Cam Arnold while performing at the Grand Ole Opry in November 2022. They were married in February 2024.

Despite finishing sixth in season ten, this contestant became a fan favorite. He joined the *Idols* Live tour and even recorded a cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with fellow finalist and potential romantic interest, Haley Reinhart. He eventually signed with the jazz label Concord. His first self-titled album came out in 2012, followed by *I Put A Spell On You* in 2018 and *Jazz* in 2019.

Okay, let’s talk about Jimmie Allen. While he didn’t make it to the live shows on season 10 of a certain singing competition, he’s had incredible success since then, with two number one hits – “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To” – and even won a CMA Award for New Artist of the Year in 2021.

However, his personal life has been quite a rollercoaster. In April of 2023, he and his wife, Alexis Allen, announced they were expecting their third child, but also that they were ending their marriage after two years. Just weeks later, a former manager filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and abuse. Jimmie publicly admitted to infidelity, apologizing to Alexis for the pain he caused, but strongly denied the abuse allegations, claiming any relationship with his former manager was consensual.

Despite everything, things took a hopeful turn. They welcomed their son, Cohen Ace James, in September and have since shared that they’re working on rebuilding their relationship. It’s a complicated story, but it shows how life can throw you curveballs, even when you’re achieving success.

I was absolutely thrilled when Jordan Smith won Season 11! His song “Home” was incredible – it quickly became a chart-topper and was even used as the theme song for NBC’s 2012 Olympic coverage. It was so special to see him succeed. On a personal note, I was so happy for him when he married Hannah Blackwell in a beautiful, intimate ceremony with loved ones back in 2015. And then, four years later, they had a son, Patch! It’s been wonderful watching his life unfold, both as an artist and a family man.

As a creative person, I really wanted my album, *Whirlwind* – which came out in 2019, a year after winning *Idol* – to showcase all sides of my musical style. I told TopMob News that I just couldn’t commit to one specific sound! I genuinely love experimenting with different vibes, and it felt stifling to try and fit everything into a single box. It’s a really diverse collection of songs, and that’s exactly how I wanted it.

After finishing as a finalist on season 16 of the show, the singer has been busy making music and taking advantage of the opportunities that came with being on ABC. Caleb Lee told TopMob News that he’s always been passionate about music and becoming a performer, but the show taught him a lot about the entertainment industry. He even had the chance to join Luke Bryan on stage during Bryan’s final tour concert. Caleb released his new album, *Southern Galactic*, in October 2023.

Following her third-place finish on season 16 of *Idol*, singer Gabby Barrett concentrated on completing her album. She expressed her excitement about performing at Stagecoach and described touring with Brad Paisley as a fantastic bonus. “It’s amazing to be touring with him!” she told TopMob News.

Gabby and her husband, Cade Foehner, who also appeared on *Idol*, welcomed their first child, daughter Baylah, almost two years ago. They then added son Augustine to their family in October 2022, and welcomed their third child in February 2024.

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2025-09-19 21:49