New York City - The 2008 Tony and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical "In The Heights" welcomes 19 Recordings/Jive Records platinum recording artist and 2007 "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks as Broadway's new Nina Rosario. Making her Broadway debut in "In The Heights" on Thursday, August 19, the 20-year-old Sparks will play a limited 12 week engagement through Sunday, November 14.

"It's always been one of my dreams to perform on Broadway," says Sparks. "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."

Sparks has been performing from a young age and stands alone as the youngest contestant to ever win "American Idol." At the age of 16, she auditioned for the show and within a few months went on to win the hearts of fans and the Idol judges. She has since become a platinum and award winning recording artist. Her self-titled debut album was released in 2007 on 19 Recordings/Jive Records and went on to sell over 1.6 million copies worldwide and produced three Top 5 hits on Billboard's Pop singles chart including: "Tattoo," "No Air," and "One Step At A Time." Cumulatively, these popular singles have sold almost nine million downloads/ringtones.

In addition to winning an American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist and receiving two MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best Female Video and Best New Artist; she earned one of the music industry's highest honors with a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "No Air." On June 2 Sparks kicks off The Battlefield Tour, Presented by MIKE AND IKE®. Her sophomore album, "Battlefield," contains the album title hit single and the bona-fide dance smash, "S.O.S (Let The Music Play)." In the last three years sparks has also toured extensively around the world with artists such as Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears. This multi-faceted performer is also known for her philanthropy, which includes her own project, the I'm M.A.D. Are You? campaign as well as other charitable efforts.

Now in its third year at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street), "In The Heights" is the winner of four 2008 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Lin-Manuel Miranda won the 2008 Tony for Best Music and Lyrics, Andy Blankenbuehler won the 2008 Tony for Best Choreography, and Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Orchestrations. With a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and conceived by Miranda, "In The Heights" is directed by Thomas Kail. Lacamoire is music director and music arrangements are by Lacamoire and Bill Sherman. "In The Heights" features a scenic design by Anna Louizos, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound by Acme Sound Partners. "In The Heights" is produced by Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller, Jill Furman, Sander Jacobs, Robyn Goodman, Walt Grossman, Peter Fine and Sonny Everett, Mike Skipper with associate producers Ruth Hendel and Harold Newman.

Tickets for "In The Heights range from $41.50 to $121.50, and can be purchased at the Richard Rodgers Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com. The playing schedule for "In The Heights" is Tuesdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., Monday, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.