Music News

American Idol Jordin Sparks signs to Jive

By M&C News Aug 18, 2007, 16:11 GMT

Jordin Sparks, the youngest American Idol winner ever in the popular TV franchise's history, blazes a post-Idol signature trail all of her own and signs to 19 Recordings/Jive Records, one of the industry's most cutting-edge labels.

"We're thrilled to welcome the partnership with 19Recordings and Jordin Sparks as the first Idol winner to make her home at Jive," stated Barry Weiss, CEO and President of Zomba Label Group (ZLG). "Her poise, her amazing vocal ability, her relentless optimism has been apparent to millions of fans all around the world. We're honored to have this burgeoning worldwide superstar on Jive Records." US singer Jordin Sparks arrives for the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA 25 June 2007. EPA/PAUL BUCK

US singer Jordin Sparks arrives for the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards in Los Angeles, California, USA 25 June 2007. EPA/PAUL BUCKClive Davis, Chairman of BMG, U.S., also commented: "Jordin is a terrific young singer who has found a great home at Jive. Barry and his successful team know how to patiently nurture career artists, and Jordin Sparks hints of a legacy and longevity waiting to be fulfilled." "American Idol has truly been a life altering experience," Jordin said. "Signing with 19Recordings/Jive and Barry Weiss and his great team is hopefully the beginning of another dream opportunity for me to deliver the kind of meaningful music I love. I can't wait to share this next chapter of my story with all the fans that have supported me so far."

Simon Fuller, the creator of American Idol and the guiding force behind American Idol's unprecedented success and founder of 19 Entertainment concurred: "You couldn't find a better match in or out of this business than Jive Records, 19 Recordings and Jordin Sparks."Winning the majority of the more than 74 million record-breaking votes cast. The 17-year old Glendale, AZ, native, was followed by millions of television viewers and was hailed by critics and fans as one of the most "musically evolved" contestants the Fox show has ever had.

Jive Records is gearing up to launch Jordin Sparks' lead single, "Tattoo," produced by the hit-making duo Stargate (Béyonce, Ne-Yo) and co-written with Amanda Ghost, whose impressive credits include James Blunt's "Beautiful" and "Beautiful Liar" with Beyonce and Shakira. "Tattoo" will be arriving at radio stations across the country on August 27th, and Sparks' eagerly awaited debut album will be in stores in November. Currently, Sparks is wowing live audiences in a trek across the U.S. with other Season Six finalists on the Pop-Tarts American Idols Live! Tour. In between tour dates, she's scheduled to appear on The Teen Choice Awards which airs live on FOX on August 26th.The Zomba Label Group consists of record labels Jive, LaFace, Volcano, Verity, GospoCentric and Fo Yo Soul. These labels represent a varied group of artists including Justin Timberlake, R. Kelly, Usher, Tool, Ciara, Chris Brown, Pink, Britney Spears, OutKast, Kirk Franklin, Three Days Grace, 311, Nick Lachey, T-Pain, Byron Cage, Bullet For My Valentine, Buddy Guy, Living Things, Anthony Hamilton, Donnie McClurkin, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Kelly Price, J. Moss and Backstreet Boys.