What a momentous year it's been — we totally pwn3d it. Take the elections. We got all wrapped up in Obama and McCain. We campaigned for our causes. We fought hard over Proposition 8.

This year was full of highs and lows. The lows included an ailing economy, a slew of revolting reality TV shows and a few annoying overplayed songs — including the appropriately named "Low."

To remember the best and worst of '08, the Life in Perspective teen board collaborated on a list of Top 5s.

Guilty pleasure songs

• "Love Bug" by the Jonas Brothers: Even Jo Bro haters can appreciate this Jack Johnson-esque piece.

• "Guilty Pleasure" by Cobra Starship: This song's title is self-explanatory.

• "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry: I sang along, and I liked it.

• "Disturbia" by Rihanna: This tune is so catchy, we catch even our parents humming it.

• "One Step at a Time" by Jordin Sparks: Everyone loves an American Idol.

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Collaboration of the Year
T.I. featuring Rihanna – ‘Live Your Life’
Nelly featuring Akon & Ashanti – ‘Body On Me’
Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown – ‘No Air’
T.I., Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z, & Kanye West – ‘Swagga Like Us’
Maroon5 with Rihanna – ‘If I Never See Your Face Again’
Estelle featuring Kanye West – ‘American Boy’
Alicia Keys with John Mayer – ‘Lessons Learned’

Best New Artist
Jasmine Sullivan
Estelle
The Jonas Brothers
Jordin Sparks
Leona Lewis
Adele
Jennifer Hudson

Jordin Sparks had only been in New Zealand for a matter of hours before her mum called to say she had been nominated for a Grammy.

She is in town to support Alicia Keys, a fellow Grammy nominee at concerts at Auckland’s Vector Arena on December 6 and Wellington’s TSB Arena on December 7.

The 18-year-old received a nomination for Best Pop Collaboration for her duet with Chris Brown for the song 'No Air'.

The American Idol winner describes her rise to the top as surreal.

“I didn’t think I would get in, let alone win the damn show.”

Asked about notorious Idol judge Simon Cowell’s nasty comments, Sparks was critical.

“I think that filter that says, 'I might hurt somebody's feelings', is turned off or broken… or something like that.”

Jordin Sparks has made no secret of the fact that she's a virgin and plans to stay that way until her wedding night, a personal pledge that was reinforced backstage at Sunday's American Music Awards after the songstress was presented with an un-televised award as Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist. The 18-year-old was truly flattered when we gave her credit for her chastity pledge and for setting herself apart from so many other trouble-makers in Tinseltown, saying a humble thank you multiple times.

"The role model tag has definitely been thrust on me and that's something I don't take lightly," Sparks said.

The "American Idol" alum reminisced that it was just two years ago that she was sitting at home as an aspiring singer watching these very awards, but felt that there was no young performer she could really look up to as a figure of inspiration.

"That really motivated me. Being a role model is fun but I find it difficult," Sparks admitted. "I have to constantly watch myself, watch my mouth and who I hang out with."

Hmmm, perhaps that’s why Sparks has opted to take a very safe date with her when she hits the road again soon -- her grandmother.

If you ever wondered whether Jordin Sparks had a clear and easy road to stardom the American Idol alum and daughter of a football star says "I was told no (before)!"

In a recent interview with Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Sparks who won last year's American Idol competition sets the record straight about 'paying her dues' and her father's 'assistance' in getting to the top.

"We approached Universal Records when I was 15, and they really liked my voice, but they told me that I wasn't ready. I was like, okay, well, I guess I need to work on a lot of stuff." says the "No Air" singer.

Prior to Universal, Sparks spent many years performing in competitions including "America's Most Talented Kids" dispelling rumors that her father's professional football career had given the singer a boost.

"My first audition for "American Idol," I was also told no. They didn't put me through. So I was just like, I can't give up now. So I kept auditioning and I finally made it through in Seattle."

After making it through, Sparks says the audition process for the hit show was very long but she made it through without her dad's assistance contrary to blog rumors.

"My dad wouldn't have helped at all with the line thing. Everybody had to wait, and I had to wait, too. We got there around 2 in the morning, and I don't think they started bringing people in until around 8:00 and then I don't think auditions started until 11:00, so it was like a really, really long day."

As for those pesky blogs, Sparks says "It's cool that somebody would take the time out of their day to make up something about me."

Laughing off a recent rumor Sparks says "Did you see the rumor that I was married to--somebody just help me here. I was like, okay."

Fast forward to today, with a platinum-selling debut under her belt, Sparks is fast at work on her sophomore album, slated for release in 2009. The as-yet-untitled album is expected to feature a more refined sound from the singer who re-joins Alicia Keys for the European leg of the "As I Am" tour this fall.

For more on Jordin Sparks' exclusive interview pick up October's issue of Sister 2 Sister Magazine.