By TERRY TANG, Associated Press Writer 1 minute ago
GLENDALE, Ariz. - At some point, "American Idol" producers must have shaken their heads, wondering how they passed over Jordin Sparks, whose soulful singing and girl-next-door likableness have gained fans week after week.
"I know she worked really hard to get in shape just to learn how to perform a little bit more," said Kris Siegrest, Sparks‘ personal trainer and a longtime family friend. "Even when she went the first time, I was shocked she didn‘t make it."
Siegrest said it is surreal that Sparks has to go out "incognito" when doing something as simple as cheering her younger brother, P.J., at a basketball game.
The daughter of retired NFL player Phillippi Sparks, Sparks spent most of her childhood in Glendale, a Phoenix suburb. Singing was a passion from the beginning. Churchgoers and family were usually her only audience.
"She really has matured at gaining control of her voice. She gets better every week," Cooper said.
"There‘s some responsibility that comes along with that, and I think she‘s very aware of it," Siegrest said.
"Every decision they make, they really take a lot of time to see ‘OK, how is this going to affect her?‘ She‘s just so grounded," Raye said.
Glendale has been throwing support behind Sparks with elaborate, outdoor "American Idol" viewing parties at a local shopping complex.
On Friday, about 5,000 people weathered triple-digit heat to glimpse Sparks during a hometown appearance.
"I always thought it was going to be between Jordin and Melinda," said Corless. "Of course she‘s going to be the winner. She‘s the most outgoing and she‘s the most charitable person."
The cheerful disposition is no act, according to Siegrest.
"What you see when she speaks and is giddy and kind of funny and smiling all the time, that‘s Jordin," Siegrest said. "What you‘re seeing is really her. She‘s fun and not afraid to look funny."
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