Photo by Scott Fleishman

Fresh off of filming her latest endeavor Roller Jam on HBO Max, Jordin Sparks seamlessly incorporates a conversation in the midst of her hectic schedule and ever-changing time zones. Destined for stardom since becoming the youngest winner of American Idol in 2007, it’s clear that Sparks’ personable demeanor contributes to the ‘It’ factor she undoubtedly holds. And, with a vocal range that defined ‘00s pop music, Sparks' next creative endeavor involves dominating holiday music, one step at a time.

Following the massive success of 2023’s The Gift of Christmas, which garnered over 500 million views on TikTok and YouTube and inspired more than 214,000 unique video creations across platforms, the music star has partnered with global music leader Epidemic Sound to release her second holiday EP, Joy (out today, Nov. 1). “I just want my music to be out there in ways that [fans] can find it easily and really get to enjoy it,” Sparks shared about the partnership.

EDITION recently caught up with the "Battlefield" singer-songwriter about her Christmas project, collaborating with Epidemic Sound, and focusing on mental health.

You have a birthday coming up soon. What are you most excited about in this next chapter?

Jordin Sparks: With full transparency, I've seen the best version of myself in my head and I really want to take the steps to be disciplined to reach that. I know that I can do it [and ignore] whatever excuses that we come up with to tell ourselves. I'm going to try to take Pilates and I'm excited to try something new to challenge myself. I think the other thing as well is just to keep growing. I don't really have anything that I want materially [because] I have everything I could ever need and want.

There's somebody who's waking up every day, who's doing everything they can to be their best self. And, that is what I want to do this year mentally. I want to make sure I'm taking care of myself spiritually and emotionally, especially because I travel a lot. There's a lot of high pressure situations and I will do anything for my family. It's very hard for me to leave my family and have to go do all these different things. I want to be able to take care of myself emotionally so that I'm not pouring from an empty cup.

I think you should now hold the title of ‘Queen of Christmas’ because most artists create one holiday project, but you’ve made two. Why was it important for you to create your second Christmas EP Joy?

I have always loved the holiday season and Christmas time. I was born on December 22nd, so I feel like it runs through my veins. I enjoy this time of year and the songs are fun. The great thing about being an artist is being able to sing songs that fans sing back at you. I love it when the audience gets involved and Christmas definitely [has] those types of songs. People know them like the back of their hand. It just kind of brings back the flood of memories from years gone by and being with family. And, I'll say that I am the ‘Princess of Christmas’ because Mariah Carey is always going to be the Queen.

Why did Epidemic Sound feel like the right home to partner with creatively?

Working with Epidemic Sound last year went so well and it was so easy. I actually just learned this morning that the EP I did last year with Epidemic Sound, The Gift of Christmas, generated over 500 million views and impressions on TikTok and YouTube. I had to ask them, ‘Is that true?’ I didn't know that you could generate such big numbers, in such a short amount of time.

We had such a good time creating something new with The Gift of Christmas as it was a fresh take on [holiday] songs that people know and love. So, I thought, let's do it again with Joy. I definitely want to keep creating more holiday fun for years to come.

Photo by Scott Fleishman

We all hear about how artists are shying away from labels now and want to control their art. Can you talk about how Epidemic Sound has given you that artistic freedom compared to a traditional label?

I know that partnering with Epidemic Sound has really been a [good] change for me. I haven't been signed to a major label in almost 10 years. It was lovely to be able to work with a company that allowed me the flexibility to create when I needed it, wanted to, [and decide] what worked best for me. I gave instruction and voice notes on what I wanted and [Epidemic Sound] absolutely nailed it. [Epidemic Sound] also allowed me to explore the new ways of being able to release music and share it in the ways that I feel are most genuine to me, but also accessible to my fans.

How does your creative process for holiday music differ from other genres?

When I create my own music, it's a little bit different because I have so many places, experiences, and different emotions that I can pull from. With holiday music, there are some songs that you can create which are sad, but for the most part, holiday music is uplifting. It's joyous, fun, and makes you want to go outside and carol to your neighbors. When I'm thinking about it, there's telltale signs of a holiday song, like sleigh bells in the back, or a bird whistling.

I get excited when I think about my son opening presents. Then there's moments where you feel more introspective because maybe you've lost somebody and they're no longer around. I try to pull from those different emotions while creating holiday music just to tap into the human experience. The emotion of the wonder, excitement, and being around your family give a warmth in my chest when I think about Christmas.

As an artist who knows what the music industry was like prior to streaming and tiktok, do you find it harder or easier to navigate the industry now?

I love that I've been around long enough to know the times before. The industry has transformed so much since I've gotten in. I remember when I was on American Idol and my season was the first year that we recorded songs for iTunes. At first, when big changes happen, you get a little hesitant and say, “I'm going to stick with what I know.” But, you have to change with the tides. You have to roll with it and figure out your space within the new landscape.

What was your reaction to going viral on TikTok this year with the 2007 hit "One Step At A Time"?

"One Step At A Time" is a great, encouraging song. It's an inspiring song and I love that out of the catalog, that's the song that really resonates with people. ‘No Air’ had a few moments too, so I'm really grateful for that. But I'm just like, please take my song, play it, make videos to it, dance to it, whatever you want to do. ‘One Step At A Time’ is 17 years old, so it's almost an adult.

Even though there are tons of people who do know the song, it's amazing that TikTok and these viral moments introduce me to people who may have never even heard it. I'm really looking forward to seeing what people come up with next. There have been a couple [videos] this year that made me lose my mind laughing. They're just so good, people are so funny.

How does it feel to have your music reach a whole new generation?

It's funny because at first when TikTok popped up in 2020, I was like, ‘I can't learn another app. I just can't do it.’ And, I [thought] this [app] is going to change everything. Not only does it give us a chance to release our new music and show what we're doing and show different sides of ourselves, but it gives us an opportunity for our whole catalog to be rediscovered.

Now that you have a family of your own, are there any holiday traditions that you are looking forward to continuing or making?

Yes, I had traditions with my family when I lived in Arizona. We would always go from house to house to make sure we hit every [family member’s] home. And now that it's just me and my little family, I'm like, ‘Okay, what traditions am I going to start?’

This past Christmas, my son came up with this idea and said ‘Mommy, I want a tree in my room.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, that's a great idea.’ I went to the store and I looked for one that was small enough that he could reach the top to put the star on. I'm going to do that every year so he can have his own tree to decorate and it's his nightlight.

Something that I love to do is bake. And that was something that I would do with my Nana when I was growing up that I absolutely loved and she used to make the best stuff. One of my favorite things that she would make is toffee with some chocolate and almonds on top. Every year I've made it, so I'm going to do that again this year.