Jordin Sparks 'lucky for success beyond American Idol'

Jordin Sparks has said that she is grateful for her continued success in the years following her appearance on American Idol.

American Idol's season six winner told Parade that she works hard to ensure her career stays on track, and chooses the projects she participates in with great consideration.

Sparks explained: "I just feel lucky that five years later I'm still touring and people still want to talk to me. For me, I just keep going and say yes to things that I think are going to be really important.

"I don't want to get bogged down saying yes to things just because I can. I want it to mean something. Trying to keep your head on straight and having a good foundation and base back at home and around you is key."

The 21-year-old also spoke out against the stigma surrounding singers who find success via reality TV programmes like American Idol.

Sparks said: "I think people were sceptical of it and saying [the contestants] weren't paying their dues, but everyone takes a different path. Not everyone has the ability or means to just walk into a label or by the off chance get discovered at a coffee shop.

"For me, it just happened to be American Idol. I didn't know it was going to be that, but I'm glad it was."

Sparks returned to the American Idol stage last season to perform her latest single 'I Am Woman', an experience which she described as "intimidating".

Watch Jordin Sparks perform 'I Am Woman' on American Idol below: