'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks to join Broadway production

(AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS)

Jordin Sparks, winner of the 2007 season of the TV talent show American Idol, is set to join the cast of Broadway musical In the Heights, announced Playbill.com on May 3. The 20-year-old singer will make her Broadway debut on August 19, continuing her run though November 14.

In the Heights revolves around families, friends, and lovers in New York City's Dominican-American Washington Heights neighborhood. Sparks will play Nina Rosario, a college student who returns to her neighborhood for the summer bearing a secret.

Jordin Sparks auditioned for American Idol at age 16, becoming the show's youngest ever contestant to win. Her self-titled debut album, released in 2007, went on to sell over 1.6 million copies worldwide.

Other American Idol finalists who have gone on to perform on Broadway include Constantine Maroulis, who received a Tony nominations for Rock of Ages, and Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, who are currently starring in Hair.

http://www.intheheightsmusical.com