Though Blake admitted he had issues with this year's winning American Idol ballad, ''This Is My Now,'' Jordin Sparks was singing a different tune: ''I love that song,'' the excited 17-year-old season 6 winner told us shortly after the finale. ''It relates to everything I've been dreaming about.''

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So what is it like to follow in Kelly Clarkson's footsteps?
JORDIN SPARKS: Oh my God... really amazing. I hope I can be as successful as she is. Her being here tonight was so cool.

Have you been thinking back to when you were 12 and watching Kelly win in the first Idol finale?
Yeah, and I got a little choked up when I started singing the song because it's what I've always wanted to do. When I was 12, I remember the show was just starting out. We were actually watching the finale and I was just like, ''I want to do that, Mom.'' I said I wanted to do it, and now I've done it. It couldn't have been more perfect.

Did you first audition in Seattle?
I auditioned in L.A. and didn't make it past the first round. They told me no, so I was like, Okay, something obviously has to happen. Something else is in the works. So I went home and I did an ''Arizona Idol'' competition. I won that and they sent me to Seattle.

What did they tell you in L.A.?
A producer made me sing a couple songs. And she was like, ''I really like your voice, but there's something missing.'' And I was like, ''Are you sure?!'' [Giggles] And they were like, Yeah, sorry, sweetheart, maybe try out in another city. And I was like, ''Well, I'd love to try out in another city, but the next city is kinda far away.'' So when I went back home and I did the ''Arizona Idol'' thing, when they said they were going to send me to Seattle, it was just this blessing in disguise.

What was going through your head after you sang ''A Broken Wing'' and Simon said it was the first time he could see you winning the competition?
Oh, during country week! It was one of those moments where I was just like, Did he really just say that? I mean, seriously, you never think he will say that to you.

We spoke during the Top 12 party, and you told me you wanted to win because you're young and you want someone young to win this year. So how does it feel to be the youngest American Idol ever?
[Covers mouth, eyes water] OH MY GOD! Oh my gosh, I totally forgot about that. [Pause] Oh my gosh, really? I am?! I'm the youngest one? [Closes eyes, pumps arms] Yes! Yes! Yes! Yesssss! That's so cool. I LOVE it.