A winner from the moment she walked on stage during Season 6 of American Idol, this curvy and confident 17-year-old boasted more professional experience than most of her final 12 competitors. Her background, as well as her powerhouse vocals and charming attitude, served her well and ultimately she became the youngest Idol ever crowned. The daughter of former NFL player Phillippi Sparks, she pursued performing from an early age, competing on America's Most Talented Kids, releasing an album at 13, and earning a multitude of accolades. Sparks' AI journey began in her home state, when she won a local FOX affiliate sponsored contest called "Arizona Idol," which paid her way to the Seattle auditions. The plucky teen did not disappoint, wowing judges and viewers alike with her vocal maturity.