Like Al Gore endorsing a democratic candidate (come on, Mr. Gore, just give your props to Barack Obama already), the opinion of a past American Idol on this season's candidates can go a long way toward influencing viewer voting.

With that in mind, consider who Jordin Sparks wants to win:

"Based on last week, David Cook went way up in my book," last year's champion said, obviously impressed by Cook's rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean."

Does Sparks watch American Idol regularly?

"I'm an Idol freak!" she added. "I watched the show before I was on it, and I watch now."

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.