This Sparks hopes to fly - on Broadway

[Brian Damage]

She is the youngest winner in the history of the biggest talent contest in the nation - and now "American Idol" Jordin Sparks has set her sights on Broadway.

The 17-year-old pop sensation has fond memories of making trips into New York City to see Broadway shows when her father, Phillippi Sparks, played football for the Giants.

And only days after being crowned the new "American Idol," Jordin has hopes of seeing her own name in lights soon on 42nd Street.

"When my dad was playing football, since we were really close, we would go to Broadway plays a lot," Jordin said yesterday. "We saw 'The Lion King,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and 'Smokey Joe's Cafe,' one of my favorites.

"I love musical theater and I love the performance aspect of it. Singing will always be my No. 1, but you know ...maybe someday I'll be able to do it."

Jordin admits that the highlights of her life before entering "American Idol" included having her braces removed and getting her driver's license.

Now, a whirlwind tour of 56 cities awaits, along with a multimillion-dollar record deal and a flashy new red Mustang.