Jordin Sparks' Debut Album Releases Today

Following a successful night at the American Music Awards for two American Idol contestants, another recent Idol, Jordin Sparks, releases her debut album today. The self-titled album is released following her summer tour with fellow contestants and precedes her 18th birthday in December, according to a report by USA Today.

Sparks is excited to fully take on responsibility for her career as a solo artist. When she turns 18 on Dec. 22, she will have a stronger voice in decisions over her business and music.

Her debut single, Tattoo, received great reviews and is climbing the top 40 charts. Sparks will have to build on this initial success as she takes her show to the road, probably as an opening act at first.

While some Idols have established strong careers after the show, others have struggled, but many industry experts believe that Sparks is headed for long-term success. A music correspondent for E! says, "The track (Tattoo) is great. She sings incredibly, she's awesome."

DJ Khaled, a Miami radio DJ, also believes in Sparks, saying, "She's got the presence and personality," and adding, "but it's a different world when you step out of Idol."

While Sparks is still engaged in a one-year deal with 19 Management, run by Simon Fuller who created American Idol, she has also signed with Jive Records and Creative Artists Agency. Under these two companies, Sparks will be working with the career makers of stars like Justin Timberlake, Usher, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan and Shakira.

As the singer heads into adulthood, it will be important for her to overcome the American Idol days and establish herself as a forward-thinking, confident artist. She has received several endorsement offers from cosmetics and clothing lines but has yet to make those decisions, says her grandmother Pam Weidmann, who has guided Sparks' career since age 12.

Sparks says that she won't forget her close family as she sets out on her career. "I'll still be asking my mom and grandma for advice, and I'm definitely going to be listening to the people around me because I don't know what I'm doing still. I'm new to this."