Last weekend, May 1, American singer Jordin Sparks posted a photograph of herself looking very toned and trim in a brightly-coloured bikini, and has now spoken out about her challenge to get in shape. 

The 'Battlefield' star, who rose to fame as the winner of American Idol's season six, spoke to Perez Hilton about her fitness goals and how she managed to lose her weight:

"Something just clicked with me back in December and I said, "You know what? Instead of just talking about being active, I'm just going to go do it." A lot of things happened like being active and making better choices, better portion control — nothing crazy."

It's refreshing to hear of another young star in the spotlight with a healthy body image as she explained the weight loss wasn't about vanity or pressure to be thin, it was instead a lifestyle change to benefit her wellbeing:

"I think I look good at any shape or size. I did just turn 21 so … how do I explain this with out offending anyone? Let me put it this way, I'm still pretty young and its just one of those things that just happened … it wasn't as if I was like, 'Oh my God, every body else is so skinny and I have to be like that and be just like them.'"

"It wasn't that at all. It was just that I know I feel better when I'm more active and I know that it will do well for me in the long run."

Her new single, 'I Am Woman', is due to be released soon and you can listen to it, in full, here: