Three musical artists who won America’s hearts on singing competition shows were on the performing bill at the 135th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
“American Idol” alum David Archuleta and “The Voice” champion Cassadee Pope performed during the Rose Parade’s Opening Spectacular alongside Destiny’s Child icon Michelle Williams and Los Angeles singer/songwriter/producer Rush Davis.
Grammy-nominated Jordin Sparks was performing for the Grand Finale of the two-hour parade.
The theme for the Rose Parade is “Celebrating the World of Music: The Universal Language” and the Tournament of Roses is using its global audience to highlight these musical talents.
Here’s what Archuleta, Pope, and Sparks have been up to since their debut on national television.
David Archuleta
In 2008, Archuleta charmed the country at the age of 16 with his vocals – and looks – when he competed on Season 7 of “American Idol,” placing second after rocker David Cook. His rise to fame continued soon after the show when he released his single “Crush,” which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
Three months later, Archuleta’s self-titled album went gold, selling more than 750,000 copies in the U.S. and more than 900,000 copies worldwide, according to his website.
Despite his success, Archuleta stepped away from the spotlight in 2012 to embark on a two-year mission for the church in Chile, as he grew up in Utah as a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Following his mission Archuleta released several singles and collaborations, but he made his official comeback to music in 2017 with the EPs “Orion” and “Leo.” His most recent album was released in 2020, titled “Therapy Sessions.”
In June 2021, Archuleta shared that he is part of the LGBTQ+ community. He stepped back from the Mormon faith after coming out as queer, Archuleta told People Magazine.
His latest single, “Afraid to Love,” was released in August 2023. The song is about celebrating and getting people to dance, he wrote on his website.
“I’ve been learning to accept myself as I am and to not be afraid anymore of what people think of me,” he said. “Letting go of any hate and declaring to everyone I’m not going to fear what people think of me for loving whoever I love.”
Cassadee Pope
Pope’s musical journey began in the punk rock scene. She was the lead vocalist and songwriter of the pop rock band “Hey Monday,” which released one studio album and two EPs. In early 2012, Pope embarked on a solar career and released her self-titled EP in May.
With her victory on the third season of “The Voice” in December 2012, she became the first female winner. Her debut solo country album, “Frame by Frame,” was released in 2013 and was No. 1 on Top Country Albums, with 43,000 copies sold in the first week.
This year, Pope began her return to pop-punk music. Her single “People That I Love Leave,” was released in April 2023, and her latest single “Almost There” in July 2023.
In October 2023, Pope released a re-recording of “Wasting All These Tears,” changing the style from country to pop punk and marking the tenth anniversary of the song’s original release in 2013.
“Battling the ‘algorithm’ (ew) and seeing actual growth feels like such a win,” Pope wrote in an Instagram post about her listener numbers on Spotify. “I know these numbers don’t compare to some you’re seeing from other artists and bands, but if I don’t celebrate my own personal wins, what’s the fricken point? Anyway, I love you all and appreciate you so much.”
Jordin Sparks
Sparks – Grammy-nominated, multi platinum singer/songwriter and actress – was the winner of the sixth season of “American Idol” at age 17, becoming the youngest winner in the show’s history.
The season, which aired in 2007, is one of the show’s highest-rated seasons and garnered worldwide attention, officials say. Her popular singles, such as “Tattoo” and “No Air,” have sold over 10 million digital tracks in the U.S.
Her songwriting abilities have not only flourished in her own career but Sparks has also collaborated on projects for different artists as well, such as being a co-writer on Ariana Grande’s single “The Way,” which earned Sparks a B.M.I. songwriting award in 2014.
She has also toured with superstars Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, New Kids on The Block and the Backstreet Boys and headlined her own tour in 2010.
Taking on the Broadway stage, Sparks made her debut in “In the Heights,” and returned once again asthe lead in “Waitress.” Sparks also made her film debut playing the lead role in the SONY Pictures film “Sparkle.”
Philanthropic work is also an integral part of Sparks’ life, such as the I’m M.A.D. Are You? Campaign, which cultivated community advocacy and volunteerism among teens and young adults. Recently, she was profiled by CNN Heroes and Dress for Success for her charity work.
She has also successfully transitioned into network broadcasting hosting/co-hosting on some of television’s most popular programs, such as NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, The View, among others.
Sparks currently holds the position of Governor of the LA Chapter of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS) as well.
She released two previous albums in 2020, “Sounds Like Me” and her first Christmas album, “Cider & Hennessy.” And has teased her fifth studio album with the single “CALL MY NAME,” which was released in October 2023.
“‘Call My Name is an ode to a love so full, effortless and pure – there’s a peace and contentment within it,” Sparks wrote in a recent Instagram post. “You’ve all witnessed my rocky road in love and now you can hear the culmination of what I’ve learned and now know in my bones.”