Music First, Kids Later For 'Idol' Singer

By Amber James Posted Jul 10th 2009 05:16PM

Brooke White's upbeat personality would make some wonder if she even realized she got kicked off 'American Idol' during the show's seventh season. Coming down from the whirlwind of her post-'Idol' career, White remains positive about balancing her "intense" music career with her family life, she told PopEater.

White calculates she was only home three or four weeks from January 2008 to the end of September, when the 'Idol' tour ended. Yet, she's ready to do it all over again.

Her new album 'High Hopes and Heartbreak' will be released on July 21, and White will be back on the road touring. "I definitely am going to miss being around my family, but right now, it?s time to roll up my sleeves and work hard, taking advantage of the opportunities 'Idol' has given me," White said.

Go Behind the Scenes at Her Video Shoot for 'Radio Radio'

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Tell me about your new album. From the title, it sounds emotional.
"The album is a pretty honest journey through my experiences, whether it be related to life, chasing after dreams or relationships shifting. It's a melting pot of emotions both happy and sad ? and everything in between. I was deeply entrenched and basically invested pretty much everything I got into this album."

Did you feel pressure to write and record an album right away while you were still fresh in people's minds?
"Yes, I felt a lot of pressure, but I didn't feel forced. The truth is once you're done with 'Idol,' the ball is in your court. You have to do what you can to keep it moving. We all know there is this time frame because of the nature of the show. You really have to fight to continue to stay at the forefront of people's minds. Getting to write and going into the studio was such an incredibly positive and fulfilling experience for me. I am sad that part is over. The last day that we recorded, I was like, 'No! Let's just keep going and make another record.'"

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Brooke White Photos

'American Idol' season 7 contestant, Brooke White is back with a new album and set to prove her star power with 'High Hopes and Heartbreak.' More >>

Fox Broadcasting

Brooke White Snapshots

HOLLYWOOD - JUNE 04: Actress Brooke White attends the House of Harlow, Clandestine Industries and Switch Boutique Fashion Show held at Boulevard3 on June 4, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for MMA) *** Local Caption *** Brooke White

Getty Images for MMA

Brooke White at the Oakley Intro to Summer Event at the Mondrian Hotel Skybar in West Hollywood, CA on Thursday, May 28, 2009. Oakley Intro to Summer Event SkyBar West Hollywood, CA United States May 28, 2009 Photo by Polk Imaging/FilmMagic.com To license this image (16811082), contact FilmMagic.com

Polk Imaging/FilmMagic.com

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 20: Former contestant Brooke White arrives at the American Idol Season 8 Grand Finale held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brooke White

Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 26: ***EXCLUSIVE ACCESS*** Former contestant Brooke White (R) speaks with host Ryan Seacrest onstage during live elimination show of American Idol February 26, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The first 9 contestants of group 2 are eliminated in the results show on Fox. (Photo by F Micelotta/American Idol 2009/Getty Images for Fox) *** Local Caption *** Brooke White;Ryan Seacrest

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Randy Jackson was actually the co-executive producer on your new album. How did you two sync up?
"I actually ran into Randy at Guitar Center after the show and that's how this whole thing got started. He was great. He synced me up with Sanctuary Artist Management. The two now co-manage me. I wouldn't have anticipated working with him, but he has been really great to work with and very supportive of me as an artist."

You're going to be back on the road soon. How are your family, especially your husband, dealing with this?
"Luckily, I am married to a really solid guy, who is very supportive. It's hard, but we both put forth a lot of effort to stay in communication. It's tricky, but we definitely get through it. In the end, I think we're better off and learned a lot from it, if that makes any sense."

Do you plan to bring children into the equation or will your career make it too hectic to have kids?
"We definitely want kids. It's just a matter of timing and well, having the time I suppose."

Looking back on your Idol experience, do you have any regrets?
"There are so many of those little things that you have to let go of. You can't control all elements. Things are going to play out the way that they will. I think maybe I would have let go and enjoyed it a little more. I can say that now, but when you're [performing on 'Idol'], it's so intense and challenging... I always tried to give it my best and have very few regrets. It was a crazy, amazing experience."

In your 'Idol' exit video, you said you probably would have gone further, but you struggled with your confidence. Do you still have these insecurities now?
"I've improved, but I still struggle with my self-esteem or confidence even after everything I've been able to do and accomplish. It keeps me from ever becoming complacent though. I'll always keep working and trying to improve. I'm like the tortured artist -- I'm never satisfied. [laughs]... But that sensitivity, as much as it's a heavy weight for me, it provides me what I need to be a better artist, communicating through music and connecting with people."

'High Hopes & Heartbreak' will be available on iTunes one week early on Tuesday, July 14. Her album will hit stores on the album's official release date, July 21.

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Your Idols, Then and Now

See how many of your favorite -- or not so favorite -- 'American Idol' singers turned out since leaving the show. Starting With Brooke White ...

Frank Micelotta, FOX

Your Idols, Then and Now

Brooke White then.

Frank Micelotta, FOX

Brooke White now.

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Diana DeGarmo then.

Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

Diana DeGarmo now.

Tony R. Phipps, WireImage.com

Justin Guarini then.

Kevin Winter, FOX / Getty Images

Justin Guarini now.

Getty Images

Sanjaya Malakar then.

Frank Micelotta, FOX / AP

Sanjaya Malakar now.

Bennett Raglin, WireImage

Carly Smithson then.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Carly Smithson now.

FOX

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