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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Blake Lewis takes control of his music 12/5/07 • First album showcases Lewis' skills 12/5/07   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, May 24, 2007 Blake's next step after 'Idol' loss Fans say he has a musical future despite loss By Jeff Switzer / Herald Writer The wild ride on TV's "American Idol" ended Wednesday night for Blake Lewis, the beatboxer from Bothell. His opponent, Jordin Sparks, 17, the singing sweetheart from Glendale, Ariz., won the title of America's future superstar by winning the majority of a record 74 million votes from viewers. "Mom, Dad, I love you," Sparks, the daughter of retired NFL player Phillippi Sparks, said tearfully after a bearhug from Lewis. But far from hanging up his argyle sweaters, Lewis, 25, is expected to launch a sky-high hip-hop career after months of performing on Fox television's singing competition. "We feel so much better getting second place," said Kevin Sawka, a drummer who has performed with Lewis for years at places such as Everett's former Jet Deck club. "He still has the hype." Lewis and the rest of the top 10 Idols will tour the country this summer, with 56 shows in 79 days. The only show in the state will be in Tacoma on July 27. Lewis and Sparks performed Tuesday night on "American Idol," trying one last time to win votes from viewers. The competition cast Lewis as the stronger performer and Sparks as the better singer. Lewis captivated audiences Tuesday with his vocal mimicry of drum beats and record scratching, winning long applause for his cover of Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name." During the run of the season, Lewis crooned and stared longingly into TV cameras, winning him a loyal following of young girls across the country. Lewis and Sparks opened Wednesday's finale with a duet of The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There." The show also featured performances from Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, Green Day and Smokey Robinson. Lewis took center stage with rapper Doug E. Fresh on his 1985 hit, "The Show." Fans and friends are sad Lewis didn't win, said Maureen Rommel of Bothell, who grew up with Lewis. "I'm just glad he made it as far as he did," Rommel said. "I'm proud of him either way. His career's going to be taking off." Thousands of fans flooded downtown Bothell to see his hometown parade and concert May 11. Lewis won over teenybopper girls who love boy bands, Rommel said. "I think they'll buy a lot of his albums," Rommel said. "He's got lots of exposure and a huge fan base." By losing, "he'll probably have a little bit more creative control over his future than if he had won," she said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com. All about Jordin Name: Jordin Sparks Age: 17 Hometown: Glendale, Ariz. Started singing: 18 months of age Favorite pop stars: John Mayer, Justin Timberlake Rituals before performing: Praying and breathing Favorite judge: Simon Cowell, "because he's brutally honest and thinks I'm 'sweet.'" Source: American Idol.com

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