It's just a few days since Jordin Sparks was named the youngest "American Idol" in the show's history, and in the red-hot media frenzy it sounds like the 17-year-old singer has lost her voice.
Sparks just laughed off the worn-out vocal cords when a reporter asked her about it, and went on with her conference call - one final major interview after months of being in the spotlight.
"It's been crazy, the day before yesterday I did press all night long until 11:45. I did a bunch of affiliate stuff, I did Leno and Ellen. I've had a good time!"
The Glendale, Arizona, native was declared the winner Wednesday night, edging out the eccentric beat-boxing Blake Lewis.
"He's been one of my biggest supporters since the beginning, and it's been cool to share the stage with him," says Sparks.
It was a record vote for "Idol," with more than 74 million text messages and calls pouring in from across the U.S. After host Ryan Seacrest declared her the winner, Sparks took the stage to sing her coronation song "This is My Now."
The song was selected from the first-ever "Idol" song writing competition.
"It's actually so perfect, because I remember sitting down and listening to the song and thinking about how perfect it was," says Sparks. "Through this whole process, it was something I have been dreaming about. I love singing it because it spoke to me."
As the daughter of retired NFL player Phillippi Sparks, the young chanteuse says she now has a new connection with her father.
"When he was playing football, we would go to the games and we would watch. I really looked up to him for that, and it really came full circle because I used to watch him sign autographs after games, and last night he was watching me sign my own."
Sparks explains that she is relying on her family for support as she grows into the newfound fame that "Idol" promises.
"I've got a really good family around me, and they keep me grounded. They keep telling me, 'Don't let it go to your head!' As long as I have them with me, I'll be okay," she says.
After her first audition, judge Simon Cowell initially thought that Sparks wasn't good enough to make it on the show.
It was only after she won an "Arizona Idol" competition that she had a second chance and received a golden ticket.
The splashy "American Idol" finale, which showered Sparks in confetti in her crowning moment, reflected a time when she was first inspired to be a professional singer.
"I've always loved to sing, but I remember watching an awards show, I don't remember which, and Mariah Carey performing. She was so beautiful, and I knew then that's what I wanted to do."
Pursuing a singing career full-time, Sparks has been schooled at home for the last two years. And while she has been training for a shot at the big time - there was still much for the big-voiced beauty to learn on the "Idol" stage.
"This whole process has made me a better person. It's taught me how to emote better, and how to be a better performer and it's taught me how crazy a week's schedule can be. I wouldn't have traded it for anything," says Sparks.
Still playful at heart, one other accomplishment besides winning "Idol" stands out in the mind of the talented teen.
"Getting my braces off," says Sparks with a laugh.
