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Sparks returns home for Westgate pep rally
This undated but recent photo from Fox shows the \'American Idol\' final four, from left to right; Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle. COURTESY OF FOX TV
Jordin Sparks returns home for a visit to Glendale, after being named to the semifinals of “American Idol” Wednesday night. Glendale city officials and Sanderson Ford will have a free pep rally today at Westgate City Center.
Festivities are expected to begin at 3:30 p.m. with performances by previous “Arizona Idol” winners, followed by a procession with Jordin at 4.
She’ll perform several songs from the television show fans have watched for the past few months. Mayor Elaine Scruggs and the Valley’s five professional sports teams are expected to take part in the event.
Jordin, 17, was the first of the top four finalists who made it to the next round. She’ll compete against beat boxer Blake Lewis and former background singer Melinda Doolittle, who is considered a favorite to win.
The winner will be named May 23 and be awarded a record contract.
Eliminated last night was single mother LaKisha Jones. Jordin, Lewis and Doolittle will perform again Tuesday, followed by the results show on Wednesday, where the top two contestants are expected to be named for the finale.
Jordin impressed the judges Tuesday with the Bee Gees “To Love Somebody,” but drew mixed reviews on “Woman in Love.” Simon Cowell called Jordin’s rendition of the song “pageantry,” while Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson thought it was “corny.”
Jordin, a former Sandra Day O’Connor High School student, is the daughter of former NFL player Phillippi Sparks and is homeschooled. Last year, she won the local competition “Arizona Idol,” which sent her to Seattle to audition for the national show.
Officials encourage event-goers to plan for warm weather expected today. Attendees should follow event signs for parking instructions.
The AVP Glendale Open will be on the east side of Westgate.
The “American Idol” film crew will be there to capture the pep rally, follow Jordin around her hometown and visit her favorite hangout spots.
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