Jordin Sparks credits Michael W. Smith as her music mentor!

Who would have known that American Idol 2007 champion Jordin Sparks started off as a backup vocalist for MWS?

A few years ago Michael W. Smith brought a 15 year-old background singer on stage as a featured vocalist on one of his Christmas tours.  That singer was the future American Idol champion, Jordin Sparks.  Jordin shares in this video about the impact of her mentor, Michael W. Smith, and the importance of mentors in peoples lives.

Michael continues to stay in touch with Jordin and is humbled by this video that we had know (sic) idea was being created...  watch the video and think about those in your life that look up to you.  Sometimes you never know when someone is considering you their mentor and learning by watching how you live your life. (from michaelwsmith.com)

Here's the video, with a special cameo from Kevin Jonas:




I wish they had interviewed MWS in the video though... that would have been nice, and would have given a Grammy-winning CCM pioneer his well-deserved day in the sun.

Nonetheless, it's heartening to know that a mainstream singer is not afraid to quote a Christian artist as a main influence. Go Jordin!