Jordin Sparks still likes to think of herself as the quirky, happy-go-lucky 17-year-old girl that made her way onto "American Idol" via an audition, even though she achieved so much in her few years of success.

Barely 20 years old, Sparks has a platinum album under her belt with her 2007 self-titled debut, won an American Music award in 2008, and received her first Grammy nomination in 2009. With life having been non-stop since she walked off the "American Idol" stage finale victorious in 2007, Sparks is still adjusting to her crazy schedule, but isn't complaining one bit.

"I'm so grateful for all I have and have been able to do," she says in a bubbly tone. "The only thing I haven't been able to get used to is being apart from my family for long periods at a time. They're my backbone and I miss them like crazy when I'm apart from them for too long, but it all comes with the job."

Soaking in every minute of her dream career, some of Sparks' most memorable career moments -- besides, of course, winning "American Idol's" sixth season -- include: singing for past President Bush and current President Obama, being able to put out two successful albums, headlining her first tour this summer for her second album Battlefield, and having been nominated for a Grammy. But the biggest thing was being able to sing at the 2008 Super Bowl.

"Being from a family who was raised on football, singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl 42 was beyond amazing," she describes. "That was definitely one of the biggest highlights I've ever experienced."

Born in Phoenix Arizona, but raised in New Jersey while her father (former NFL defensive back Phillippi Sparks)  played for the New York Giants, Sparks always knew she'd always end up doing something music-related, even if she wouldn't have won "American Idol."

"Music has always been a part of my life," Sparks says. "If the whole 'American Idol' thing never happened, Id probably be in college right now, doing music on the side, after I finished my homework."

Instead of mid-terms and finals, Sparks' paths has led her to bigger and better things, including making her big debut on Broadway, which will begin on August 19th in "The Heights", where  she'll play one of the female lead characters, Nina Rosario.

"I've definitely always been interested in doing Broadway, but never figured it would actually happen this year," Sparks says. "I used to love going to see musicals and plays when we lived in New Jersey. I think I was four when I saw my first show, which was the Rockettes. Ever since then, I've been fascinated with Broadway and am really excited to have this opportunity."

Hoping to fit in everything from music to acting into her career, Sparks would like to leave a kind of legacy in the music industry that has people talking about her in terms of being able to relate to her music no matter their age.

"I love seeing my broad fan base," she says. "From little kids singing my songs, to those who are my grandparents' age, I would love for my fans to remember me for having great music they'll always love."

And with her loveable attitude and many talents, how could they not?!