‘American Idol’ Winner to Star in New Christmas Movie

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for 2007 “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. Nearly two decades after she clinched the season six title, Sparks’ TV career is on fire.

On July 28, Roku announced that Sparks will star in the holiday rom-com “Merry Little Mystery” opposite Keon Alexander, best known for his 2025 role as Javad on “The Night Agent.” It’s Sparks’ third big TV role in the last year, after hosting Magnolia Network’s “Roller Jam” in the fall of 2024 and competing on FOX’s upcoming “LEGO Masters Jr.”

Jordin Sparks Called Experience Filming New Christmas Movie ‘Wonderful’

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In “Merry Little Mystery,” according to Deadline, Sparks will play “Natasha Maxwell, who tries to foil a determined reporter’s (Alexander) attempts to reveal her identity as the benevolent Secret Santa of a small town … and ends up falling in love.”

The two-time Grammy nominee has also recorded a new original song exclusively for the film, per Roku.

In a statement to Deadline, Sparks said the movie was shot in Montreal, Canada and called working on the film “such a beautiful moment in time.”

“The entire filming process, cast and crew, and the City of Montreal were wonderful,” she said. “Our director, Caroline (Labrèche), had a great vision, and I’m truly excited that my co-star Keon Alexander and I got to bring this story to life together. I enjoy doing holiday movies because they bring warmth and love that is yearned for. They make people smile, and we need more of that!”

This will be Sparks’ second holiday movie. She starred in Hallmark Channel’s “A Christmas Treasure” in 2021.

Jordin Sparks Also Co-Stars in FOX’s New ‘LEGO Masters Jr.’

Before her Christmas movie airs during the holiday season, Sparks will first appear on FOX’s new reality competition, “LEGO Masters Jr.,” premiering on August 18. The “No Air” singer will be one of five celebrity assistants on the show, helping duos of young LEGO enthusiasts try to win the $50,000 grand prize.

Hosted by Kelly Osbourne, the series’ other celebrity assistants are Hallmark star Alison Sweeney, actor Ravi V. Patel, comedian Andy Richter, and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Porsha Williams.

Sparks will assist best friends Stella, 12, and Chelle, 14, whom she admitted to Variety knew much more about LEGO building than she did.

“I’m not Master level yet but I’m pretty good following the instruction booklets,” she joked to the outlet. “Putting LEGO together is calming for me. I really enjoy working and crafting with my hands. I introduced my niece to them when she was young and, now, my son and I play and put them together.”