Citation :Talking with "American Idol's" final two
Sparks, Lewis dispense compliments, talk about jitters, styles and voting
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 12:07 AM Updated: 10:34 AM
By DOUGLAS DURDEN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
After months of auditioning, performing and being judged, it all comes down to this:
A professional neophyte who bubbles more than a can of soda, and a veteran beat-boxer who says he does things his way.
Yes, it's time for Fox to anoint its sixth American Idol, although many viewers may be thinking that the rightful winner, Melinda Doolittle, was denied her shot at the title.
Remember, no matter how many times Simon Cowell says it's a singing competition, "American Idol" is a popularity contest.
So meet this season's two most popular contestants, interviewed in a Fox teleconference late last week.
Jordin Sparks, 17.
Sparks is billed as the wide-eyed newcomer, although she has been competing in singing competitions and touring for several years. She answers questions quickly, eager to please. She also knows about being in the public eye: Her father is former NFL cornerback Phillippi Sparks.
Sparks on judges' criticism: Overall, I think it's made me a better performer and able to emote better. It's kind of intense, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
What winning would mean to her. I really do want to win. But at the same time, if I don't, it won't be the end of the world. I would be happy if I won, and I would be happy if Blake won. I'm just happy I got a chance to be part of this.
Coping with stress. When I usually get stressed, I absolutely love to read, which I guess is weird for a teenager. And I love pickles, that's my comfort food.
Why should people vote for you? I'm very strong-willed and it's what I've been wanting to do for so long. If people voted for me, I could represent it well. I don't know what to say because I don't want to say vote for me because I'm the best. Just vote for me if you like me.
Best celebrity mentor. I think the person who gave the best advice was Jennifer Lopez. She made us feel so relaxed. She said if you can give out the emotions in the song, that's all that matters. If one person feels the music, you've done your job.
Distinguishing herself from Lewis tonight. We are two totally different singers. He's an amazing performer and he's so entertaining. I don't really have a strategy. You have to give every ounce of yourself to a song. I'm just going to try to do my best, and whatever happens happens.
Rumors that the competition has been rigged in her favor from the start. I never knew stuff like that. I just auditioned. I was one out of 100,000 people. I don't know how people can think it's rigged. I had no idea I would make it. Making it has been a complete surprise to me.
Blake Lewis, 25.
Lewis isn't one of the strongest singers in the competition, but he is considered the most original, bending the required theme-week songs into his style. He answers questions slowly, often saying "that's a good question" to stall for time.
Lewis on judges' criticism. Criticism never really affected me. I try to do my own thing. I rarely think I've ever listened to the judges. I nod my head and say thank you.
On being a fashion icon. My old roommate was a stylist. I guess people think I have style because I don't wear jeans. I wear my grandpa slacks. I like to have fun with what I wear.
What's behind the changing hair color? I've been doing different stuff for years. Red, blue, green on Halloween. It really depends. I'm kind of a chameleon.
When did you start beat boxing and who inspired you? It was '99, a man named Matthew Selby in a group called M-Pact. I've been doing it subconsciously my whole life. As soon as I saw someone doing it, it became conscious.
His pitch for votes. I guess I'd tell all the viewers, for all those people who like to use their imagination and be creative every day to promote positivity, vote for me.
Winning vs. not winning. I never looked at it as a competition. I'm such an eclectic artist, I've just tried to represent myself. And I think I've done that. And the support from fans has shown that. I won when I got into the Top 10, so I've already reached my goal.
Lewis' thoughts on Sparks. She's amazing. She's 17 and she's already a woman. She performs, she's good looking, she's got a fantastic personality that reads well on camera. Regardless of the finale, she's already won it.
source:
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