Melanie Fiona

Growing up in Toronto as a first generation child of Guyanese immigrants may be hard to balance for most. But for singer Melanie Fiona, it provided her with the best of both worlds.

"West Indian cultural mentality and a North American life equals the perfect balance," says Fiona. Her traditional upbringing could have easily pegged her into -- as she jokes -- having a stereotypical medical career, but luckily Fiona's parents loved music just as much as she did and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.




Jordin Sparks may have been the youngest American Idol when she won the title on the reality show's sixth season, but the Glendale, AZ, resident had already packed plenty of accomplishments into 17 years. The daughter of Phillippi Sparks, former left corner back for the Dallas Cowboys and former defensive back for the New York Giants, Sparks had no formal vocal training, but showed a flair for singing while still a toddler and was drawn to performing of all kinds at an early age. By her early teens, Sparks was singing, acting in plays and modeling, and already winning acclaim for her talents.