Jordin Sparks, 17, becomes youngest American Idol in triumph over Blake Lewis

5/23/2007
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES Jordin Sparks, a teenager with a big voice and big dreams, was crowned Wednesday night as the newest and youngest American Idol.

Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., prevailed over beatboxer Blake Lewis, 25, of Bothell, Wash., after a triumphant performance Tuesday that wowed the show s judges and the viewers who gave her the majority of the record 74 million votes cast.

Mom, Dad, I love you, Sparks, the daughter of retired NFL player Phillippi Sparks, said after hugging Lewis.

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