Sparks has been a long-time Operation Smile celebrity ambassador, and she is teaming up with Lay’s, in an effort to encourage more people to smile, especially since this is for a good cause. “Working with Lay’s has been a lot of fun,” Sparks said. “I’ve been supportive of Operation Smile for some time now, and to see the work that they do, is absolutely incredible. I thought this campaign is perfect! A portion of the proceeds goes to Operation Smile, up to one million dollars, so for me that made total sense.”
The songstress continued, “I want to make kids smile, and I want to empower them, or make them feel inspired. This definitely does that. We need more smiles in this world, now more than ever.”
The Lay’s Smiles Experience is a three-day pop-up experience in the heart of Times Square in New York that will feature unique installations designed to make its guests grin from ear to ear. “I love the experience in Times Square. We are kicking off the Lay’s Experience. I saw the 360-degree room, the mirror room, the swing and the 360-degree camera. I thought that was really interesting,” she said.
Lay’s is on a mission to spread smiles across the United States, and this month, the brand is releasing specially designed bags with infectious smiles in support of a life-changing cause. For every purchase of Lay’s bag (that is specially designed), a donation will be made to Operation Smile, which is a children’s medical charity that is devoted to improving the health and lives of children globally who suffer from cleft conditions.
Sparks listed R&B musician Elijah Blake and Justin Timberlake as her dream male collaboration choices in music. She also complimented pop singer-songwriter James Maslow. “I love James,” she admitted. “We did songs together with Big Time Rush. All of those guys are super-talented. Hopefully, we can do something together.”
Her advice for aspiring artists is as follows: “You have to make sure that it’s something that you really love to do, since it requires a lot of sacrifice. Then, it is about being diligent. Studying all the artists and songwriters that came before you. Learning about all of those things, since they’ve paved the way for what you are doing. Also, remember to be on time and to be kind to everybody!”
From her own catalog, she listed “One Step at a Time” and “Faith” as her personal favorite songs. “‘Faith’ has always resonated really well with me, and ‘One Step at a Time’ changes every time I sing it,” she said.
Each day, Sparks is extremely motivated by her husband, Dana, as well as her new music and baby (that is on the way). Her plans for the future are “to take it one day at a time, because of the baby.” “This is our first child, so everything is brand new. I am excited to see what happens,” she said.
Her proudest professional moments include winning the sixth season of American Idol and doing the film, Sparkle, with Whitney Houston.
Digital transformation of the music industry
On the impact of technology in the music industry, Sparks said, “I won American Idol back in 2007, and that was when things were starting to turn in the digital age. That was the first year that American Idol did the singles on iTunes. I think technology has changed it for the better. We just have to figure out a way that will make it better for everybody: the songwriters, the producers and the artists. Once we figure that out, I think it will be great.”
Regarding her use of technology in her music routine, she said, “My husband and I are always sharing new music. At the same time, if I hear a song that I like, I would use my phone to make a voice note to remember that song, or to send that song ever. It allows us to manipulate so many things with our voice, in a good way. I like using it for sound effects or different things for my background vocals. It is fun for me to be able to use it!”
Sparks defined the word success as “Being able to do what she loves, while at the same time remaining content with what she has.” “I get to sing for my job. I am really blessed. It’s the best thing in the entire world. That is success to me,” she said.
For her fans, she concluded about the Lay’s Experience, “Go eat some chips. At the same time, on February 12, you can customize your own bag with the smiles on. Log online and make your own bag and then take a picture with it, and #smilewithlays. Share the smiles. Get a smile and give a smile.”
For more information on Operation Smile, check out its official homepage, and to learn more about Lay’s, and how custom Lay’s bags can be created, visit its official website.
To learn more about Jordin Sparks, follow her on Twitter.