She's incredible on stage and now making her move to the big scene, but at 22, Jordin Sparks is learning what's more important than all the success is her health.
At the age of 17 in 2007, Sparks became the youngest "American Idol" winner. Now, five years later, she is 50 pounds lighter. Looking pretty perfect in her blue bikini, Sparks landed the August cover of Shape magazine.
It was actually a sudden illness that proved to be the wake up call for the young singing star.
"I had walking pneumonia and I was about to turn 21," she said. "I was like, you know what, I can't take my health for granted anymore, and this is going to change right here, right now."
Now two words can describe Sparks' diet -- simple and sensible.
"I eat a lot of mixed green salads, a lot of just grilled chicken instead of fried. Raw oatmeal, I just discovered that, and I'm obsessed with it. It's so good."
What is raw oatmeal?
"It's raw oatmeal instead of cooked, and it's soaked in cashew milk and has some coconut flakes on it, so it's really yummy."
Even as she is pulled in many directions now promoting her new movie "Sparkle", Sparks told us she drinks water like it's her job and makes sure when she does eat, it's for the right reason.
"Before I was eating it because I love food. I love the taste of it, and so for me I really had to step back and think am I just eating this because it's good or am I eating it because I'm actually hungry?"
Exercise has also turned into a priority. Wherever she is, Sparks tries to fit in an intense 30 minutes of circuit training, and she admits while always feeling beautiful, this new body has given her confidence.
"I feel a little bit better. I walk with my back a little bit straighter, and it's nicer."
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