Jordin Sparks, watch your back. Roanoke has just crowned its own "Idol."

Jordin Sparks, watch your back. Roanoke has just crowned its own "Idol."

Over Memorial Day weekend, Roanoker Donna Jones won the top spot in the Roanoke Star karaoke competition, a local version of the television hit "American Idol" sponsored by EventZone and Festival in the Park.

The power balladeer beat out hordes of singers during auditions at Valley View Mall in early May and eventually became one of eight contestants chosen to perform before a crowd of thousands in Elmwood Park on Memorial Day. Jones, 41, crooned Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "America the Beautiful" for the final round of competition.

Jones was voted the audience favorite, through a combination of applause and the decision of a panel of judges. In winning the top prize, Jones has earned time in a professional recording studio to cut a 4-song demo CD, which will consist of contemporary gospel and R&B tracks. While Jones has won other singing competitions -- such as nabbing the $2,500 grand prize in a talent contest in her hometown of Richmond a few years back -- she hasn't had the opportunity to record in a professional studio.

In between appointments as a staffing specialist at Manpower, Jones took some time out to chat about the competition and her lifelong passion for singing.

Q: How did you get involved with the Roanoke Star competition?

One of my co-workers sent me an e-mail [about the contest]. Anybody who knows me knows that I love to sing. It's my passion and my joy.

Q: Do you sing karaoke often in bars or clubs around town?

I have. Actually, I won $1,500 singing at Cheers [Lounge in Salem]. But I don't really go out much. Church is where I do most of my singing (Jones is a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church choir).

Q: Are you a fan of "American Idol" and other singing shows?

Yeah. I've thought about trying out for it before, but I can't because of the age limit ("American Idol" contestants must be between the ages of 16 and 28).

Q: When and how did you get started with singing?

I've been singing since my mom had me in church, since I've been 5 or 6 years old. I do weddings, funerals and other things. I even do singing telegrams!

Q: What was it like performing during Festival in the Park? Were you nervous about singing in front of such a large crowd?

I love performing, whether it's for two people or 2,000. It was wonderful, it really was. I got soaking wet [from the rainstorm], and we almost thought that it wasn't going to happen, but when the rain subsided, the show went on.

Q: Beyond recording your demo, what are your hopes for the future?

I'm hoping one day that I can get to wake up and go to sing [as a career]. I know that I've been given a gift.