American Idol winner Jordin Sparks harboured a secret crush for Chris Brown - and was left disappointed when he fell for R+B star Rihanna.

Sparks collaborated with singer Brown on the track No Air and the 18-year-old hoped they could become more than just friends.

But the teenager was crushed when she learned he was dating Umbrella hitmaker Rihanna.

She says, "Chris is so hot. I had a crush on him for a couple of years and, well, I still do."

"Rihanna came to the video shoot. I didn't know they were dating - they were doing the 'just good friends' thing in the media - and I thought 'Oooh, maybe I have a chance'."

"But it's not to be. They are a sweet couple. I wish them all the best."