Jordin Sparks to Play Lead in Broadway Show

American Idol alum Jordin Sparks is heading to Broadway! The singer has signed on to play the lead character Rosario in the Grammy-winning musical In the Heights starting in August, and she admits the role will be a "dream" for her.

Sparks said in a statement: "It's always been one of my dreams to perform on Broadway. This is a brand new experience for me. I look so forward to spending time in New York City and joining this talented cast and my favorite new musical."

The 12-week run will play through until November 14th.

Jordin revealed her nerves about the role on Twitter, saying her heart was racing when she met the director. She wrote: "Toured the theatre 4 In The Heights! Spoke w/ the director, saw backstage and where my dressing room will be. My heart wouldnt stop pounding!!"

In the Heights tells the tale of a Dominican family living in New York who become the focus of neighborhood admiration when their daughter begins attending college.

Jordin is currently taking part in a 44-date US tour which began on May 1st and finishes in early August.

Jennifer Lopez is West Side Story’s Anita

Jennifer Lopez portrays defiant Latina immigrant Anita, and helps re-create scenes from the beloved 1961 film version of "West Side Story", in the latest Vanity Fair magazine.

The 39-year-old singer/actress watched the film “37 times” as a kid growing up in the Bronx. Says Lopez, “I never wanted to be that wimpy Maria, who sits around pining for her guy. I wanted to be Anita, who danced her way to the top.”

West Side Story is currently playing on Broadway. Tickets available now!

In semi-related news, Jennifer is rumored to be involved in the big screen adaptation of the Broadway hit "In The Heights."