Season 7 of American Idol was chock full of lovely and talented finalists, but I have to admit: No one charmed me more during their Idolatry exit interview than Brooke White. Which was why I found myself especially psyched when she dropped by EW.com HQ recently for a chat about her new CD High Hopes and Heartbreak (featuring a booklet with handwritten lyrics and artwork by the singer herself) and a performance of her debut single “Radio Radio.” Press play below to hear Brooke talk about her unexpected turn as a disco diva, the strange Idol label of “singer-songwriter vibe,” and her position on which comes first: music or lyrics.
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I love Brooke. I loved her from the moment she sat in that chair across from the judges desperate for one last chance. I will buy this album, and I will love it. Love you Brooke!!!!
Not a bad song! I want this album! Is it out yet?
Michael, nice to have some summer Idolatry! I hate to be greedy but more please.
Besides that, nice to see Brooke White — she seems like she’s made a good record.
I loved Brooke on AI and I love the new CD HH&HB. It’s got some great songs with heartfelt lyrics.
Kudos Brooke!
Ooooh… yay, Brooke! Very cool! I have the record myself; absolutely love it. Interesting notation on the “High Hopes and Heartbreak” (I had actually wondered; “all of these songs on the record and she named it after the disco song? That’s… interesting”. So it was cool to hear how that actually came about)
What is up with you people? Brooke White has limited talent and never should have made it as far as she did. Because Michael had a change of heart about her, the rest of you have to cream over her? Give me a break!
I know she was fairly regularly lampooned on Idolatry, but, no change of heart here. I’ve always liked Brooke, and always thought she was talented.
Sorry, dude. My opinion of Brooke has never been influenced by Michael or anyone connected with EW. She has a unique voice, conveys a sense of warmth and intimacy in her singing and is a woman who projects honesty and integrity when she talks. Don’t see that in Fergie or Lady Gaga or the other women on the scene right now. Love Brooke!
yes, her album is out and available on itunes and at target!
Reviews of her CD are strong. Her cover of Kings of Leon is particularly good.
adnaper: Limited talent? She is no Kradison, but how much talent do you need? In addition to her new CD, go back and listen to her idol performances of Love Is A Battlefield, Let It Be, and You Are So Vain. That’s talented enough.
I just love Brooke. Such a lovely, authentic sound. No pretense. She’s my girl.
I was not the biggest Brooke fan during her run on the show. Her slightly goofy personality always bugged me. However, the more I listened to her singles from the show last year the more I grew to enjoy and respect her talent. The new cd is great and my whole family can’t stop listening to RADIO RADIO. Congrats Brooke and thanks Michael.
I was never Brooke’s biggest fan during Idol, but her album is fantastic. I really feel that it’s the best post-Idol album to come out of that season. Download it now. It’s awesome. “Out of the Ashes” is like vintage Carole King and “High Hopes & Heartbreak” feels like a song Stevie Nicks could have written. I didn’t hear a disco beat so much as a pulsing earthy rock record with a smoky vocal. Just stunning. Really great, classic acoustic pop. Well done, Ms. White.
Just realized how much I missed looking forward to an Idolatry each week………good idea to keep on with the old ones – how about an update on this year’s guys
That’s a nice guitar she’s holding in the picture. Looks like the one Mia Rose (who is a better singer) plays.
Yay Brookie! It’s nice to hear from her, and it’s actually a really cute song. Now we are missing the Cook, Castro, Carly and Chikezie idolatries(yes anybody whose name starts with C)
Awesome interview! love, Love, LOVE Brooke!
Uh! I LOVE her! I always did – could not wait for this CD! Got it – love it! I hate to say it, but I like it better than MJ’s. Hey – Randy Jackson produced it – he saw the likeability of this chics voice and heart! The CD Jacket is gorgeous!
PS – you can HEAR the guitar being played – just like she says on High hopes. Haven’t heard that in years (the strings, the sound of the wood on the guitar etc)
Although I was not a huge fan of Brooke on Idol, I have loved everything I’ve heard off this album. After the “Radio Radio” performance, I immediately went to iTunes. Looks like I’ll be picking up the album, too! Lovein’ the summer Idolatry. More, please
Nothing wrong with collaborating. Elton John & Bernie Taupin, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Goffin/King, Ashford & Simpson…
Love the album, by the way.
She has turned out the best AI CD ever, for those of us who prefer a more laid back style. This is going to be a big CD
I like the new album, but I also really like the album she released before Idol. “Songs From The Attic” is a classic album and Tim Simms, the guy who produced it is a genius!
This episode of Idolatry was pretty hard to find. I wonder why Brooke never used her head voice on AI, like here at 2.30. Nice song–a little old fashioned. Re: the interview–She sure can talk, eh? Not exactly a laugh a minute.
Michael, I am not a stalker, FWI, but I just want to say that I like you.
Love her, love her voice. Thanks for this Idolatry!
Brooke’s a bore. I guess some people find that interesting.
The album was abviously rushed to capitalize on her ‘idol’ fame. the album is dinner music/easy listening at best and doesn’t stand a chance in this day and age or the 70’s. it’s just not the good…don’t let her sweet personality fool you and just listened to the songs…yeah her voice is good but the songs are not. say goodbye to Brooke White. ps looks like she’s not wearing the mormon ‘magic underwear’ anymore either judging by her photo shoots. I guess one will even bend their rules of faith for fame. sad
JayUT…why do you take a review of an album and turn it into a slam on religious beliefs? As for her dress standards, a google search of images fails to pull up anything immodest about her dress…which is something you can’t say about most of today’s entertainers! I think she is a breath of fresh air in today’s entertainment world.
Eliza Magazine’s blog is giving away free tickets, thought you guys might want to know.
http://elizamagazine.com/blog/?p=2060