Sparks following in Houston’s footsteps with US Open performance

August 16, 2012 Filed under ENTERTAINMENT Posted by admin

Jordin Sparks is shown at the premiere of “Sparkle at the Emagine Royal Oak in Royal Oak, Mich., on Aug. 5. (KATHLEEN GALLIGAN/DETROIT FREE PRESS/MCT)

In 1997, the late Whitney Houston kicked off the US Open and christened the then-brand-new Arthur Ashe stadium, singing “One Moment in Time.” Now, 2007 “American Idol’’ winner and “Sparkle” star, Jordin Sparks, will follow in her footsteps.

Sparks will headline the opening-night program Aug. 27 at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, held in Queens, New York’s Flushing Meadows Park, performing a song from the highly anticipated movie as well as singing the national anthem.

“Sparkle” was Whitney Houston’s last major endeavor before she met her untimely demise earlier this year and Sparks spent a great deal of time with the pop superstar during the movie’s filming.
The movie hits theaters nationwide on Aug. 17.