Brooke White Elimination Interview

American Idol' Exit Q&A: Brooke Goes Home

What was going through your head when you got eliminated?
Everything. I anticipated it in a way. It was in my gut. I felt so grateful and happy and -- boom! -- it hit me. This is done. It's over. The finality of that phase of the experience being over was sad. [There was] fear of going back into the real world. It was emotional and I hoped so much I could have been stronger. I'm an emotional girl and I'm passionate, and I guess that really came across on stage because I felt really vulnerable every time.

Fox

Are you relieved to be off the show?
Yes and no. Part of me wanted to keep going. Song selection and the pressure has really increased with two songs and preparing for the finale. So in that sense, it does feel kind of good to be done with that, but I was welcoming the challenge as well.

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How much did you struggle with your confidence?
I was very honest and open about that struggle that I have. It escalated at times on 'Idol' and other times I felt like I had a better handle on it. It was very much a roller coaster ride. Tuesday, I relt a resurgence of confidence that I hadn't felt in a long time ... and even though I went home, it was wonderful to leave on that note. Finding that inner confidence is something that is definitely been a struggle for me, but I'm learning and I'm growing and 'Idol' definitely helped me work on that.

Fox

So, how did you deal with the nerves?
I don't know if we really have a choice. You totally think you are sinking and it's like "OK, swim!" You've got to. You realize you're here and you have to make the best of it. The pressure is so incredibly difficult but you know what? I was here to do my absolute best and be as truthful to myself as possible, and ... I think I was able to do that.

Fox

What was your reaction to Paula's judging snafu?
You know what? It's live television, anything could happen. Last week, I stopped and restarted my song. [They're] just human moments that happen on the show. I don't know exactly what happened with Paula. But stuff happens on the show and when it's live, things can change very quickly. They kind of decided in the middle of the show to change something. And I'm sure she just kind of got lost in the moment. She's a good-hearted woman and we just move on.

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How did you feel last week, after forgetting your lyrics and then surviving?
I don't know if guilt is the right word. I was grateful and this show is very interesting. The voting process is very interesting, so you never know what's going to happen. You take what you can get. I was grateful for people seeing past my mistake and I did my very best. I emotionally connected with the song and gave it everything I had.

Fox

What were you planning to sing for rock 'n' roll week?
I was thinking of singing 'Help Me' by Joni Mitchell. Love her. I spoke to Carly Simon on the phone this morning during an interview. It was amazing. She was incredibly supportive. She was very generous in her comments. It really gave me inspiration to go in the direction I'm going -- the singer/songwriters of the '70s. I connect with what they do. I hope I can make that happen in 2008 in a more modern [way].

Fox

Do the guys have a leg up this year?
The boys are awfully popular this year and I know that because their fan mail came in great, humongous stacks and the girls got like three a day. You know, the boys are very talented and very charming -- oh, to be a boy this year. It probably would have been helpful [laughs]. They're great, but so were the girls. You know I gotta give them all props, they've all been so good.

Fox

Your husband pledged to not cut his hair until you were voted off. So, when's the haircut?
He just said "whenever you get around to it." So, yeah, I'll be the one cutting it but I'm not sure when that's going to happen. We'll have to pencil it in there sometime. I'm sure it will be at 3AM sometime.

Jason Merritt, FilmMagic.com