• More
Back to PopWatch Home
EW Home

Snap Judgment: Jordin Sparks' first single

May 24, 2007, 05:23 AM | by Dawnie Walton

Categories: 'American Idol'

First, can we agree that lyrically, the new American Idol song, "This Is My Now," is more of the same? A gloppy ballad about the sun breaking through the clouds, the path becoming clear, the light shining down, blah blah blah... Sorta weird that it came from an actual songwriting competition -- I suspected it had been spit out by the Trite-o-Matic 2000. Still, it's not as bad as Carrie Underwood's Idol song, "Inside Your Heaven," which is notorious in the EW.com offices (well, between me and Slezak, mostly) for including the baffling line "Take me to the place you cry from." What? I digress.

So now AOL Music has debuted the recorded version of Jordin's "This Is My Now," and a pretty okay version it is, to my huge relief. As all you Idolatry addicts know, I have been a Sparks plugger ever since the first go-round of "I (Who Have Nothing)," and am not ashamed to throw up the spirit fingers for the 17-year-old. But I have something to confess...

Every time I watched her sing live on TV this season, my jaw would clench in premature worry that something would go wrong. I always felt like Jordin was workin' overtime (and who doesn't love a hard worker?) to keep control in her performances. When she went for the glory note, didn't it sometimes seem she was uncomfortably close to careening off-key, a victim of the dreaded Voice Crack?

No such worries on the recorded version, of course. (Yay, producers!) It's nice to hear some vocal layers in there, backing my girl up. (Ooh, echoes!) I mean, it's not terribly original -- I don't think I'll be able anytime soon to hear a song on the radio and instantly know, "Hey, that's Jordin!" -- but for what she's working with... that'll do, Miss Sparks.

But what do you think?


fixghdt anfbvj Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 01:23 AM EST

otmjfexk jtisugkfb qgrmwtnl okiph yxgsmwac jqfzcgbr keftilzq

oclenj Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

Imagine czk4490 loop. Froogle has an abcbae7623 items checker.

TwimetE Fri, Nov 30, 2007 at 07:36 AM EST

I is pleasantly amazed! Thank!!!
http://srubibablo.com
I just wanted to pass on a note to let you know what a great job you have done with this forum.Thanks!

zceynjlut cjohiqa Mon, Nov 5, 2007 at 11:55 PM EST

rlamtw uoeghka upmhbr tdhezof ihfuy tlymvgdx sxnqbvuzk

Jackie Fri, Aug 3, 2007 at 02:59 PM EST

Jordin was just named one of the top 5 country girls on kiwibox.com.. awesome!! check it out for yourself!
http://www.kiwibox.com/article/35253/mo=0/r=1/p=1

N.Robinette Thu, Jul 19, 2007 at 02:03 AM EST

I'm sorry I meant 2003 cd
For Now.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Now

N.Robinette Thu, Jul 19, 2007 at 01:51 AM EST

Some things to ponder about the songwriting contest.
Did you know that one of the winning co-writers of This is my now.
also appears on the 2005 cd
After the storm.
You know who else is on the album?
Melinda Doolittle.
Know what else?
He also has written with Mstthew Ward
Who's Matthew Ward?
The producer of Jordin Sparks's
2004 Demo c.d.
Know what else?
He has also written with Andy Marval
Who's Andy Marval?
He's on of the co-writers on
Jordin Spark's 2004 Demo-c.d.
You know what the name of Jordin's
Demo c.d was?
It is called---For Now
What's the winning song?
This is my now.
Na..no way the songwriting contest was
rigged .
And by the way that is just the beginning.
There is soooooooo much more...

eina oxsjiqbrh Tue, Jun 26, 2007 at 07:46 PM EST

qfgci cejvaghm xaehzdgy abytcdw hpkwxbel nldaski wrfjd http://www.rwdghl.dvinqr.com

ywpatfh nfxl Tue, Jun 26, 2007 at 07:46 PM EST

dsmlvrjw tosxcavm qfvrdy hwky vmoxc pjox bzqncw

Dee Mon, May 28, 2007 at 07:47 PM EST

Maybe the NOW in "this is my now" really stands for "this is my NigelOrganizedWin". Then, I could see why it "touched" Jordin so much. She'll probably give him a little secret wink every time she screams it.

ANGIE N JUSTINA Mon, May 28, 2007 at 05:36 PM EST

I LOVE (THIS IS MY NOW) N JORDIN I THINK SHE WAS GREAT I LIKE HER ALOT BETTER THEN I DID BLAKE BUT HE IS GOOD BUT NOT LIKE HER.. AND FOR THIS IS MY NOW THAT IS HER NOW SO I THINK IT WAS GREAT

? Sat, May 26, 2007 at 10:18 PM EST

Denise, I can't argue that. Clay Aiken's first single was huge. I have heard so many bad first songs from the Idol's that I completely forgot to exclude Clay. It is too bad his new CD was really crappy.

DB Sat, May 26, 2007 at 10:13 PM EST

The song "This is my now" is corny. So, it fits Jordin. I wouldn't buy anything she sells. Her strongest fans may buy it, but even those who voted for her week after week probably won't. And it certainly won't get any airplay.

Denise Sat, May 26, 2007 at 10:09 PM EST

Hey ? : One of the Idols DID have a good single, at least as far as the charts were concerned. Clay Aikne's debut single, "This Is The Night" won the Billboard Music Award for Best Selling Single of 2003. Sold the most singles in any year since Eltons John's single "Candle In The Wind" a tribute to Princess Diana.

Anna Sat, May 26, 2007 at 09:36 AM EST

Congrats to Jordin... Blake lewis was my bet to win, but the American idol title this year seemed to be made for Jordin right from the start. No doubt she has good vocals, but it's Blake that entertains me more.

www.modernidol.com
www.topsocialite.com
www.alltravelzone.com
www.allmoviezone.com

yellehs2 Fri, May 25, 2007 at 12:09 AM EST

A horrible song! And yes I did vote so people stop acting like those who hate it didn't bother to vote. The one thing that made me hate it the most is how it totally screwed Blake over. What if the song had been upbeat, fast, or had beatboxing? Then she would have been screwed instead of him. But, no matter, Blake will go far with his career, especially without having to record that loser of a song. And didn't everyone know she was going to win? They took every opportunity to remind us that she was the chosen one. In the beginning, I loved Jordin, but I didn't appreciate having Randy and Simon (esp Randy) shove her down my throat every week. It was like he had a real stake in the deal. Bring it on, Blake and Melinda...and LaKeshia. And please, God, don't let any of next year's finalists be "just 17".

To Kim Thu, May 24, 2007 at 07:40 PM EST

Stop taking my name, you're making my name look bad. You talk about immature--here's a concept. I can like both Blake AND Jordin. At the same time even! And wish them BOTH the best! Now walk away before your exploding head gets blood all over the upholstery.

Kim Thu, May 24, 2007 at 04:26 PM EST

I agree with Barbara, the judges basically told Blake he was not going to win before the finale and I thought that was so rude and insensitive. Yes, we know you guys have been pushing Jordin the whole time and now you've got your immature and boring teenybopper so good luck with her. As for me, I can't wait to buy Blake's CD but wouldn't listen to Jordin's CD even if it was free. I can't wait for Blake to kill in record sales over Jordin.

anonymous Thu, May 24, 2007 at 02:30 PM EST

I think of AI singles like Cheetos. There's no nutritional value, it doesn't even taste like real cheese, and all the people with gourmet palates totally look down on me. But darn it if I don't get addicted to them anyway.

(Of course, by making comparisons such as these, now every time I hear "This Is My Now" I'm going to suddenly crave a bag of Cheetos...)

? Thu, May 24, 2007 at 01:28 PM EST

No winner has had a fantastic first song. Most are painful to listen to. Case in point: Ruben's "Sorry for 2004" this was the worst offender of the entire lot of Pop Star wannabes. This song sounded like it could have been me writing it or my next door neighbor.

Matt Thu, May 24, 2007 at 01:21 PM EST

Wanna be scared??
From that AOL page streaming the song:

What do you think of Jordin's song?
I love it! 72%
It's just ok 23%
I can't stand it 4%
Total Votes: 18,865

Out of almost 20,000 people, how can only 750ish people share my opinion that this song is junk??!?

Matt Thu, May 24, 2007 at 01:18 PM EST

Oh my heck, how awful. Luckily, these Idol #1's don't get radio play.

e4ia Thu, May 24, 2007 at 01:08 PM EST

I have to say, even though it isn't a ground-breaking song, I'm impressed that it was written by two amateurs. It is catchy, has a great hook in the chorus, and fits perfectly with all the other Idol's debut songs. Yet, except for Kelly Clarkson, it has always been the runner-ups who end up making the better music choices and I look forward to seeing what musical direction Blake goes.

Stephanie T. Thu, May 24, 2007 at 12:38 PM EST

Excuse me, "listenable". Dumb keyboard.

Stephanie T. Thu, May 24, 2007 at 12:36 PM EST

I really don't think that the Idol songs are listable. The only song from that list that is possible to digest is Aiken's "This is the Night", because his "Invisible" was just that-invisiable!

UGH Thu, May 24, 2007 at 12:32 PM EST

All the Idol songs are disposable. The only one that was bearable was Kelly Clarkson's. And that's because she can sing. Really sing..... really.

Alex Thu, May 24, 2007 at 12:28 PM EST

It's not rigged, just please let go of the bitterness and become a better voter next time. The girl wanted this and you could tell that from the start. And that connected with the audience who gave her the majority of 74 million votes. No the song isnt great but its an AI ballad. And if you voted on the songwriting contest you would have heard that it was the best of the dreadful offerings.

JORDIN ENJOY YOUR MOMENT, YOU DESERVE IT AND THE 1 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT!

Subrina Hartley Thu, May 24, 2007 at 12:16 PM EST

This year has been one of the worst AI shows I've ever seen. The only one that deserved that spot was Melinda a true AI. Also I've always bought the AI's songs, but as for Jordin it'll never happen, because she shouldn't have won. She doesn't even have that wow factor in her voice yeah she can hit a few high notes, but it's more to singing than that. And she doesn't even have any showmanship she just stands there like a robot. Very boring I might add. I much rather Blake had won because at least he has soul & showmanship. I liked what him & Doug E Fresh did on the show it was awesome "you go Blake". Now that's who should of won instead of Jordin! I really could of enjoyed listening to his music because u knew he had something different to offer and that's what makes him unique! But I have no doubt that he still will make it because it will be ludacris 4 someone not to sign him up. The way I see it Blake & Melinda are already winners!

Carter Thu, May 24, 2007 at 12:03 PM EST

Hmm.. ya, the song ain't good, but it's not too bad compared to others... I'll see your "Inside Your Heaven" and raise you Rooo-ben's "Flying Without Wings" AND Taylor's "Do I Make You Proud" (to answer Taylor's question, by the way... no).

Amused Thu, May 24, 2007 at 11:52 AM EST

This song was probably designed for Jordin back in February when the powers that be decided she would be the winner.

mscisluv Thu, May 24, 2007 at 11:33 AM EST

Actually I'm pretty sure "This Is The Night" (Clay Aiken) was a radio hit, right? That one wasn't so bad...

ChrissyM Thu, May 24, 2007 at 10:42 AM EST

Terrible song. Period. So glad Blake didn't have to sing that song (GO BLAKE!), but on the other side, Jordin is cute and young, and makes a great Idol!

DR Thu, May 24, 2007 at 10:06 AM EST

Another bad somg in a line of bad AI songs. Why can't AI let these kids do covers and make it easy? That's what Reuben did, he civered Westlife, no original song for him. All the original songs have been pop ballad schlock. Ugh.

mbacarra Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:49 AM EST

yes indeed it's designed for jordin. a crappa song like that should only go to the person who deserves it. good thing blake didn't win. i would probably know how much suffering he'd have if he won, and with that song as his single. congrats blake!

lol it's ironic, i'm congratulating the runner-up. but it's true. good luck on your career and i hope you more success than the winner.

Tommy Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:45 AM EST

"Inside your Heaven" is proof that Carrie Underwood can sing anything and make it sound sensational!

congrats on 6x Platnium!

Eric Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:43 AM EST

seriously, why does every single have to be a crappy ballad about ur dream coming true. why can't we have timbaland produce a track. or even, shudder, scott storch.

? Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:40 AM EST

With all the money this show has brought in, why not hire the better song writers? These first songs have all been the pits!

peachmahoney Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:36 AM EST

Okay, I LOVE your joke about "Inside Your Heaven" because my friends and I never get tired of making fun of that song. It's terrible.
"This is My Now", however, isn't even funny. It's one of those cornball songs that the kid from choir that everybody hates sings at high school graduation. Awful but par for the course as far as AI singles go.
I recently heard Reuben's "Flying without Wings" at Von's and nearly vomitted in the produce aisle.

barbara Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:23 AM EST

I think the song is crap!! I don't think Jordin should have won! Blake was great with Doug E Fresh, Melinda and LaKeisha sounded great with Gladys, Melinda sounded fab with BeBe and CeCe and the Guys sounded fab with Smokey. Having said that, are they going to do an encore of the finals? I didn't get to tape it and I would like to. Simon, Randy and Paula should be ashamed of themselves for the way they acted this year. They were so bias toward Jordin it was shameful. I think that is one reason people were so upset. They acted like there was no one else there. Clearly, after seeing last nights finale, there were several singers (if this was a singing competition)that were better than Jordin, but they will get contracts. I just can't believe the judges behavior. They practically told Blake over and over again that he was coming in 2nd, not that we didn't know that by the way they were acting long before the final votes. If you know of encore, please let me know.

Eric Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:11 AM EST

It's the perfect song for Jordin.

Joe C Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:04 AM EST

I have to disagree with you on Jordin; I never thought her voice was going to crack during her performances. I always THOUGHT she was going to win, as I've been saying here, but my fave was voted off before the top 10, Sabrina Sloan. Oh well......

Joe C Thu, May 24, 2007 at 09:01 AM EST

If I'm not mistaken, none of the singles written for the show have been RADIO hits; they've all gone to number 1 because people buy/download them. Top 40 radio simply does not play pop ballads. I agree with you that the song sucks, but really, what were you expecting?

Brainiac Thu, May 24, 2007 at 08:45 AM EST

Methinks this songwriting "competition" could have been just as rigged as the actual Idol competition!

Sigh. Still bitter about Melinda's premature departure.

In all fairness, there have been worse songs - Inside Your Heaven definitely being one of them - and Jordin's got a decent enough set of pipes to pull them off.

I felt exactly the same way regarding Jordin's live vocals - her voice, particularly towards the end, was always so pitchy and gaspy, teetering on the edge of cracking!

to osman Thu, May 24, 2007 at 08:23 AM EST

i'm glad you like the song. go buy it, lock yourself in your room and have a fantasy moment with your Pretty Pony.

Smackers Thu, May 24, 2007 at 08:17 AM EST

Hahah, spirit fingers! I love Bring It On!
"Those aren't spirit fingers" (wiggles fingers limply), "these are spirit fingers" (rapid finger wiggling).
"Cheerleaders are dancers who have gone retarded."
Oh, and "This is My Now" is the worst song ever. Period.

Tim Thu, May 24, 2007 at 08:14 AM EST

I seriously doubt if this song will get any radio airplay. It doesn't fit in today's play lists. It will only get played if DJs are told to play it.

osman Thu, May 24, 2007 at 08:09 AM EST

ok to the people that hate the finale song...

Last year when Taylor came out with "Do I Make You Proud" and everyone thought it was horrible, the producers actually thought of a fresh idea by making the songwriting competition.

How is it their fault that people didn't like the outcome? They left the final song up to you... DID YOU GUYS VOTE?? If you didn't then shutup and live with it because you had a chance to decide and you passed on it!

I think its a good song, mainly cuz it fits Jordin's voice.. although I prefer "A Moment Like This" and "i Believe" over TIMN

Mozz Thu, May 24, 2007 at 07:42 AM EST

what a crappy song, but I just came here to say... OH MY GOD, Dawnie, you said "spirit fingers" how much do I love YOU!!!!?

Thadjthad Thu, May 24, 2007 at 07:00 AM EST

No purchase necessary. Congrats to her but nothing compares to Tamyra Gray/Fantasia's "Believe."

beb Thu, May 24, 2007 at 05:07 AM EST

Well...it's better than "Do I Make You Proud." I'm not going to buy it anytime soon, though. It's just a'ight for me, dawg.

Sally Thu, May 24, 2007 at 05:06 AM EST

No, it isn't bad at all, but it's more of the same. I guess that's what AI producers look for, that love & hopeful type of song. Her vocals are good also, and actually I can't see Blake or Melissa singing that song. It's not my type of song but I'm resigned to hear it in every retail store I walk into.


advertisement

Add Your Comments

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject — or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.



  • 1000 characters remaining
    • When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.
Latest Comments
Top Categories

All Categories

Blog Roll
Top Authors
Recent Posts
PopWatch Archive
July 2009
S M T W T F S
      1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31  

Complete Archive