‘American Idol’ Winner Hosting New Competition Show After Failed Bid To Replace Katy Perry

Back in 2007, Jordin Sparks auditioned for season 6 of American Idol. Having watched singers like Kelly Clarkson gain stardom from winning the competition, Sparks appeared to follow in her footsteps as she dominated the competition and eventually won. Over the next 17 years, Sparks explored the music industry while releasing several studio albums. But now, the singer is tackling a new challenge as she decided to trade in the microphone for roller skates. Hosting the show Roller Jam, Sparks discussed what made her want to transition from singing to hosting. 

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Premiering October 10th on MAX, Roller Jam will follow skate crews as they battle it out for a cash prize of $150,000. But that isn’t all, for the crew that wins, they will also walk away with a $10,000 donation for their local rink. Although Sparks isn’t competing, she told People, “I wanted to be a part of this series because I have always wanted to be a host on a show and I love competition shows. I was born there, I guess.”

Although not finished sharing her voice with fans, Jordin Sparks explained how she wanted to give back to others. “I feel like at this point in my life I am able to pour into others that are in it now. I understand what they’re going through.” Knowing exactly what it feels like to compete in front of millions, the singer added, “I love the pressure, I appreciate it. Pressure has made me who I am.” Before landing a job on Roller Jam, the hitmaker wanted to take over for Katy Perry on American Idol. When Perry announced her exit, Sparks jumped on social media to add her name as a potential replacement. While having a history on American Idol, the show ultimately picked Carrie Underwood.

[RELATED: ‘American Idol’ Winner Jordin Sparks Wants Katy Perry’s Vacant Position, but Has Doubts She’ll Get It]

Jordin Sparks Still Remembers The Pressure Of Competing

While loving what the pressure can produce, Jordin Sparks isn’t a fan of the anxiety that comes with competing. Even now, she still felt the lasting marks and hoped to help the contestants push past it. “It triggers a little something. But I’m standing right there with them and I’m trying to absorb a lot of the tension, so that they can not only look back on this as something that challenged them, but something that also was a great experience.”

As for her musical career, Sparks released her latest album, No Restrictions, just last month. It marked her first release in four years and featured collaborations with T-Pain and Shawn Stockman. 

(Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images for Airbnb)

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