Idols talk tour, music, fame

All eyes were on Jordin Sparks Saturday at the Schottenstein Center, where she performed with the top ten finalists from "American Idol." Sparks was the winner of this past season.

Since 2002, "American Idol" has been responsible for majority of the hits on the radio. From season one winner Kelly Clarkson dominating the charts, to Carrie Underwood, to even Clay Aiken. The show is an unstoppable force that has cemented itself into the story of today's generation. Every season it rules the charts, of both music and television and provides countless hours of tone deaf Americans embarrassing themselves and untapped talents competing for the crown. This past year's crop of finalists are in the midst of the "American Idols Live Tour '07." Before the show started Saturday at the Schottenstein Center, winner Jordin Sparks and finalists Sanjaya Malakar, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey sat down for an exclusive interview with The Lantern.

Jordin Sparks

The Lantern: You are the youngest Idol. What has been the craziest aspect of having this large title?

Jordin Sparks: Everything in itself has been crazy. The whole experience has been. I went from watching the show and being a part of it to winning it. Overnight, people know who I am and they see me and recognize me. I'm still getting used to it but it is so much fun. It doesn't scare me, I feel so comfortable in interviews and in front of the cameras. I feel happy when I'm doing it.

TL: This season was a cast of people who had studied the show and it seemed like every decision from the cast was very well thought out. Watching the show, it didn't seem like a bunch of pressure put on you guys, and that you were just having a great time. How different was it going from voting on the winner to being on stage signing.

JS: Oh my gosh. Since I'm such a die hard fan, I went to see the tour for season four, and when I auditioned I thought 'I think I'm good enough to make the top 10 maybe,' but you see all those people and you feel so small. From being a part of it you get to see all the behind the scenes parts of it and it is crazy when you are actually on in the top 12 there is so much stuff you do that people don't see. People say it's not that hard because you just sing one song. I'm like you have no idea. We have all the media and the press that we have to do, the Ford music videos, we have to meet the mentors and shop for our outfits. It is very intense but I still love it. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

TL: How are you dealing with the tour, some people are working on material but you have to have an album out this year?

JS: I do. ... It was very scary once the show ended. I know I was going to have so much to do and it has been a lot easier than I thought. On my days off I will go record if there is a studio. I've recorded four so far and I'm very excited. The majority of the recording is going to happen after the tour.

TL: Are there any songs on the radio you can not get out of your head?

JS: Any Justin Timberlake song that is on the radio is stuck in my head. I love Timbaland's song with Justin. Earlier this year Panic! At the Disco had some stuff out that I loved, Christina Aguleria and Rascal Flatts. I just really love music.

TL: The turnaround for the show is starting much faster. They are already holding auditions, so is there pressure for you to get out sooner?

JS: Well yeah. They told me that the auditions were starting and I was like 'you forget about us already' (laughs). It does put a bit of pressure on you because you don't want people to forget about you because the next season is starting. I am working really hard on my album because I want it to be good and I want people to say 'that's why she won.' I'm taking my time, but working really hard.

Melinda Doolittle

TL: Very early on you were the front runner to win the show, when you were eliminated what was the first thought that went into your head?

Melinda Doolittle: It was probably just whew (exhales). I was very peaceful about it. I think the main thing is that God has a plan for us. So I was like OK, cool, what's next. I love Jordin and Blake so I couldn't be any happier for her than I was and I think Blake is just the best entertainer I've ever met. I was proud of them, and ready for sleep.

TL: Is there a song on the radio you can't get out of your head?

MD: I wish I had time to listen to the radio, but Fantasia's new album. Why am I having so much fun with that? I love her. Jonny Lang has an album out that I can't quit listening to.

TL: What is going on next with you after the tour?

MD: Well, my main goal is to take a nap (laughs). I'm doing some writing with some friends. I'm working with some amazing writers and some producers who are interested in helping out. I'm just trying to get recording. I'm having a good time with it.

Sanjaya Malakar

TL: You have probably been asked this by everybody, but what is your hair secret?

Sanjaya Malakar: Really good genes. I've talked to the hair guy and he said Indian hair is often used for extensions, so I guess I'm just lucky. I didn't do much to it today, and I think it looks kind of presentable.