Sparks to open Open

“American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks will headline the opening-night program Aug. 27 at the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Sparks will perform a song from her upcoming movie, “Sparkle,” which includes the late Whitney Houston’s final screen performance. Sparks also will sing the national anthem. Houston appeared at the 1997 grand opening of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main court at the U.S. Open, singing “One Moment in Time.” Sparks won the TV singing competition “American Idol” as a teenager in 2007, then sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl the next year. Her father, Phillippi Sparks, was a defensive back in the NFL. – AP