Brooke White: "I've Been Packed for Two Weeks"
Thu., May. 1, 2008 11:54 AM PDT
Frank Micelotta / FOX
For Brooke White, being on American Idol was an emotional experience. And leaving it was "kind of a relief."
"I think after Tuesday night I was ready [to go on]," White told reporters today. "Then I woke up Wednesday morning, and I knew: Brooke, you're going home."
White met her end in Neil Diamond week, and after two performances, one of which was deigned a "nightmare" by judge Simon Cowell. She placed fifth overall.
"I've been packed for two weeks," White admitted.
It was last week that White committed a historic Idol gaffe, stopping and restarting her rendition of "You Must Love Me," because she "lost the lyric." But Carly Smithson, not White, took the fall on results show night.
White was asked whether she had survivor's guilt about the turn of events.
"I don't know if guilt is quite the right word…I was grateful," White said. "This show is very interesting. You never know what's going to happen, and I think you take what you get."
When White's number finally came up, she resolved to stay strong.
"Then—boom—it hit me: This is done," White said. "The finality of the experience being over was sad."
And so White cried. Again.
"I hoped so much I could have been stronger."
Though her morning-after voice was a little hoarse, White sounded chipper enough. A phone call from Carly Simon, a legend after the 24-year-old singer-songwriter's heart, apparently helped.
"It really boosted my spirits," said White, who sang Simon's "You're So Vain" in the semifinals. "It really gave me motivation."
And she didn't get verklempt once relating the story.
Other tidbits:
- White's take on Paula Abdul's critique of the Jason Castro song not yet sung? "It's live television. Anything can happen. Last week I stopped and restarted my song. It's just human moments…I don't know exactly what happened with Paula. I'm sure she just got lost in the moment. She's a good-hearted woman," she said. "And you move on."
- And fear not that Castro was affected by the Abdul moment. "Jason's a very laid-back guy," White said. "He was OK."
- For the record, White does not consider herself a lyric-forgetter, even if she did write a word—palm—on her hand for Tuesday night's show. "I had not had any problems with the lyrics until 'You Must Love Me,' and it started freaking me out," she said.
- Sure, the Idol finalists got to sing the Beatles this season, but some choice songbooks still remain off-limits. Said White: "I would have loved to sing a Fleetwood Mac song, or a James Taylor song."
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56 Comments
NorthwestIdolFan Thu, May 1, 2008 12:17 PM
While she may not be the most talented contestant this season on Idol * I think she is the nicest and most gracious one ...and humble. I am not sure what her musical future will be like, but I wish her the best * and * by the way ...very cool of Carly Simon to call her and make her feel better * I thought was just great to hear about *
Reportlokimaker Thu, May 1, 2008 12:25 PM
Brooke * you made it to the 5th spot. In other words you did great and you proved you could sing. Now go on and start sifting thru the many offers I'm sure you've already received. Best of luck to you!
ReportCarmen Thu, May 1, 2008 12:41 PM
Brooke went out with class. She did great and is a great talent. My family and I enjoyed her every week.
Reporttwillabme Thu, May 1, 2008 12:41 PM
A very pleasant, gracious girl. Good luck in the future Brooke.
ReportHawlie Thu, May 1, 2008 12:45 PM
Im glad she's gone...she should of been booted off weeks ago...Jason should be next.
Reportbrookefan Thu, May 1, 2008 12:45 PM
Brooke * you are a beautiful person with a gifted and talented voice. We look forward to seeing you in the future. We are fans and will definitely buy your music. Stand proud. Enjoy all the new and wonderful things headed your way.
Reportmojo52 Thu, May 1, 2008 12:46 PM
These are not the most interesting Idol group they are all very flat and not real memorable as Simon would put it!!!!
Reportblue eyes Thu, May 1, 2008 12:48 PM
Awwwwwwwww, I loved Brooke but I think there are better singers on the show. Brooke will be fine she will get a contract to record and be just as pouty and sweet as ever
ReportBlue eyes Thu, May 1, 2008 12:52 PM
Brooke, you will be fine you are a good singer and things will be good in the future you wait and see. Although I will miss your sweetness. Top 5 is a huge accomplishment. Good Luck in the future
ReportMick Fleetwood Thu, May 1, 2008 1:07 PM
If Fleetwood Mac is off limits, how come Michaels Johns sang "You can go your own way" a few weeks ago?
Reportashley Thu, May 1, 2008 1:17 PM
hawlie brooke shouldn't have gotten voted of weeks ago because she is a very good singer and i think siesha should of gotten voted off be4 brooke so don't say that to brooke
ReportDianne Thu, May 1, 2008 1:20 PM
We waited for Brooke to sing a Stevie Nix song and she never did, now we understand why. Brooke and Michael Johns were the only two that were worth listening to each week. David Cook is the hands down winner and I wish they would just get to it and let us all rest from the screeching of the other David and Ayesha. Jason just needs his paper bag over his head of hair and left off the show. This will be the last year we watch American Idol. It is just not worth my time to watch good singers voted off and lousy singer keep going on. Jordan Sparks is now out of the lime light because of her throat problems, maybe sixteen to nineteen year olds need more time to grow before becoming a American Idol.
Reportuglyfame Thu, May 1, 2008 1:23 PM
Brooke would be ok if she would quit babbling so much. I'm not impressed with this bunch of finalists, they all have their flaws. As long as David A. doesn't win...he should tour with Hannah Montana and be turned into a billion dollar franchise by Disney. Maybe he can be the new face of HSM#4. jason's the only one who is memorable, only cuz of those dreaded locks and his funky voice. Well, at least it's original and stands out. The rest aren't anything to jump up and down about.
Reportsallygirl Thu, May 1, 2008 1:26 PM
Let's just all face facts. This season has been a disappointment. I wish the show would let the contestants pick their songs. they don't need Dolly, Diamond or any of the others to be there. Michael Johns has a beautiful voice. the judges picked the contestants when they sang whatever they wanted to. So why change. Randy & Paula are getting boring. She's on another planet and all Randy can say is DAWG, and da bomb. BORING! THIS AHS BECOME A POPULARITY CONTEEST. David A. is just too young and bashful to handle anything
ReportRichard Thu, May 1, 2008 1:26 PM
Brook you are a good singer and play piano fantastic.Youur elemnt is Carol King,Carly Simpon type music go on and make some music.Jason should have been gone before you.
ReportD Thu, May 1, 2008 1:29 PM
I enjoyed Brooke's unique style very much and I'm looking forward to buying her albums in the future. She may not have been the strongest singer on a technical level, but her style and sincerity suited my taste perfectly.
Reportsrec Thu, May 1, 2008 1:32 PM
Hawlie, people who want to be MEAN say Brooke doesn't sing well. That is ignorant. Go read the article that interviews Carley Simon. She said she thought Brooke sang the song she(Carley Simon) wrote better than she could have ever sang it herself and that there are a lot of pop stars who wouldn't have lasted long on American Idol. Further more Ms. Simon said she thinks Brooke should win. I hope Brooke puts out lots of music after this. I personally know a lot of people who will be buying it.
ReportLisa Thu, May 1, 2008 1:41 PM
Brooke was amazing to me, my fav. from the beginning. So humble and just a beautiful person all around!! Her singing was original, she is so incredibly talented from playing the piano to the guitar while singing. Totally wonderful package. Since she is gone now and Carly and Michael are gone, our other favorites. David is the only winner for sure!!!! Hands down. All others are a total nightmare like Simon would say! I hated Wed. nights show, it was so rushed, I was nervous just watching it from home so everyone needs to leave Paula alone. A few things need to change about the show b/c it is getting a little nerve racking watching it, they need to just slow down! That was hilarious when Simons first love called though. What a weird week. We will see, David Cook better win, that's about all I have left to say, he is the bomb Now! Bye
ReportDaisy Thu, May 1, 2008 1:49 PM
Brooke has a niche in music. I really enjoyed her performances when she was in her element. Carly Simon has said that Brooke is her favorite contestant and she thought Brooke's version of "He's So Vain" was better than hers.
ReportPS Thu, May 1, 2008 1:51 PM
I was so tired of seeing Brooke cry I'm happy to see her go. Seemed obvious Carly had more talent and no doubt will do more/better after the dust settles. Jason seesm to be mailing it in these days, sorry Jason, you're next on my hit list.
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