‘I Felt Safe’: Jordin Sparks Opens Up About Meeting Her Husband After A 5-Year Career Break
Jordin Sparks is giving fans insight into why she took a sabbatical from music and how she met her husband Dana Isaiah Thomas in the process. After her 2015 album Right Here Right Now, Jordin didn’t release any new music again until the 2020 Christmas album Cider & Hennessy.
And in an interview with T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Radio Podcast, she revealed what was happening behind the scenes of her career that forced her to take a sabbatical. One of the reasons she shared was that she had writer’s block. “In terms of creativity, I had writer’s block from 2015 up until lockdown,” she said. “I would get into the studio, but I didn’t feel connected to anything.”
But prior to having writer’s block, the American Idol season 6 winner found herself in a lose-lose situation after her former record label dissolved. “So I put out an album in 2015 and it’s called Right Here Right Now and we did everything–well at the time what everything that you’re supposed to do to line everything up,” she said. “We had the promo tour, I went and shook all the hands with all the radio stations and all this stuff. The album came and it was like crickets ‘cause the label that I was with at the time went bankrupt.”
“And then there was another thing that happened. I can’t even remember now, it was so long ago, but there was another thing that happened like a contract went over, voided or something like that and so then that was it. I was signed to the label, so the label didn’t exist, so I wasn’t signed anymore.”
With so many changes in her career and a “big explosion” that occurred in her personal life seemingly hinting at her break up with Jason Derulo, the “No Air” singer felt it was time to “reassess my life.” She began her sabbatical in 2016 and met her husband shortly after.
“I took that sabbatical and really started to focus on myself. I was like I have so much love in my life already that I don’t need anymore,” she said. “Whatever comes into my life next is gonna be a bonus and just be an addition to the amazing life I already have. Literally, God placed him on my doorstep and we met and we never stopped talking and we’re about to celebrate five years this July.”
The mom of one also shared how she knew Dana was the one. “Sometimes when you’re dating you get giddy, crazy, anxious, sweaty, and all that stuff, but it wasn’t like that when I met him,” she said. “It was safe. I felt safe. I felt comfort and I felt like, I know with him, we’re gonna elevate and do much more and I’m gonna be able to do much more than I ever could by myself. Seriously, I wouldn’t be sitting with you right now if he didn’t help me see who I was again and push me and get me there. So, that’s bae right there.”
The couple got married in 2017 and they share a son Dana Isaiah Thomas Jr. together.
Jordin Sparks The American Treasure | T-Pain's NBR Podcast EP #29
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'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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From Dull To Dewy: These Spring Skincare Tweaks Make All The Difference
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home, it can also apply to your skin.
When transitioning from the cold winter to the warm spring, your skin may require a different skincare routine such as lighter creams or overall less product. Brianna Kelly recently opened up B Beautiful Medical Spa in Atlanta, GA over the weekend and she shared with xoNecole about her skincare journey and how to treat your skin when the seasons change.
On her skincare journey.
"Yeah, so at the time, I would say mid-20s to late 20s, I was very self-conscious about my pore size, and I always used to feel like when I was talking to people, people were staring at my pores. So I was trying to find different skincare treatments. I also tried microneedling and some laser treatments as well, to try to address my pore size and the texture of my skin. I even went as far as traveling to different states to see different experts in the field for that.
"Over time, just maintenance with facials and premium skincare, I started to feel confident and better about how my skin was looking."
On the treatments her spa offers.
"We have all esthetic services, microneedling, microdermabrasion. We have chemical pills. We'll be doing some Botox and fillers, some lip injections, some IV hydration as well. And of course, we are going to be specializing in facials. From our seven-step classic facial to our 10-step everything beautiful facial."
On transitioning from winter to spring skincare.
"Moving into the spring from the winter time, I would definitely say, make sure you're using the right products. A lot of times we shouldn't be using the same products that we use in the winter, in the spring, or in the summer. You may want to get a different cleanser, or you may want to switch to a lighter moisturizer.
"You also want to make sure you have a good SPF to protect you from any sun damage now that we’re gonna be outside a little more during the spring and the summer, so I would definitely say focusing on making sure you're using the right products. Treat yourself to a facial. Get a good facial that exfoliates the skin, getting rid of all of those dead skin cells that you may have accumulated during the winter, and most importantly, make sure you're hydrating, drinking water, [and] maintaining a healthy, balanced diet."
"Moving into the spring from the winter time, make sure you're using the right products. A lot of times we shouldn't be using the same products that we use in the winter, in the spring, or in the summer. You may want to get a different cleanser, or you may want to switch to a lighter moisturizer."
On advice she would give others on their skincare journey.
"I would definitely advise them to see a professional. Definitely go to a spa and book a facial appointment with an expert aesthetician to get some feedback on the type of skin that they have, get recommendations for different products and treatments, and just [allow] a professional to address their concerns. What I noticed is that a lot of women are using the wrong products.
"They're going to the local CVS or local Walgreens, and getting products off the shelves and taking them home and using them. They're not really using the right product. So I would definitely say it's important to consult with an expert first to give you some sort of guidance on what to be using on your skin."
For more information, follow B Beautiful Medical Spa on Instagram @bbeautifulmedicalspa.
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