Jordin Sparks: the "Blueprint" for Ariana Grande?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DyWqxvhQFc

Last week, producer Harmony Samuels claimed that Jordin Sparks was the blueprint for who and where Ariana Grande is now. The statement stemmed from the fact that he had originally produced 5 of the songs that ended up on Ariana's debut album, Yours Truly. One of the songs was The Way, which Jordin co-wrote along with Sevyn Streeter. Harmony does gives Ariana credit for securing features for the album, including Big Sean and Mac Miller. She added others songs to the album including Popular Song, which she featured on, and is inspired by Wicked. Jordin was unable to put out her third album for over three years, and was only able to do so after leaving RCA records. Eventually, this third album ended up being Right Here, Right Now. Ironically, both Ariana Grande and Jordin Sparks' albums earned them comparisons to Mariah Carey, who both women are inspired by.