Phoenix native Jordin Sparks hosts new roller skating competition show

Valley native and American Idol alumna Jordin Sparks is back on the silver screen as the host of a new roller skating competition show.

The big picture: " Roller Jam " features skating crews from across the country as they compete to win $150,000 in cash and a $10,000 donation to their favorite skating rink, according to a press release.

• The show is a production of Chip and Joanna Gaines' Texas-based Magnolia Network and two-time U.S. Olympian and figure skating champ Johnny Weir and roller skating legend Terrell Ferguson serve as judges.

Zoom in: The show was filmed in New Orleans earlier this year and our NOLA reporter Chelsea Brasted sat down with Sparks, who spoke glowingly of her hometown.

• "There's no energy like Arizona, it's very special there. And the desert landscape is really beautiful," she said.

The intrigue: Sparks, who grew up in Glendale, said she's astounded by how her "outskirts" neighborhood is now the "booming place to be."

• She mentioned her excitement for the under-construction VAI resort and waterpark .

How to watch: The six-episode show debuts Thursday on HBO's Max.