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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > May > 01 > Entry
5/1: Brooke White exit interview, Kellie Pickler in Cherokee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
During the exit press conference today, Brooke White was bright, peppy and sweet, everything you’d expect. And she has a knack for spinning cliches but not in a bad way.
On the pressure: “You feel like you’re sinking, then swimming. You realize you’re here, you have to make the best of it. The pressure is so incredibly difficult. I was here to do my best. I was true to my heart. Even with the challenges I faced, I was able to do that.”
On her state of mind: “I’m an emotional girl and I’m passionate. It really came across on stage. I felt very vulnerable every time.” Later, she added: “Tuesday, I felt a resurgence of confidence, a lot of joy and gratitude being in that place… it felt great. And even though I went home, it’s wonderful I left on that note. Simon said [‘I’m a Believer’] was a nightmare but I personally thought it was a great moment… Finding that inner confidence has been a struggle for me. Idol definitely helped me work on that.”
On her own voice: “I didn’t start singing until David Achuleta’s age. I never thought I had a nice voice. It wasn’t pretty. It was this low, raspy thing. I didn’t have big range. I think I was very intimidated by the other singers, especially on ‘American Idol.’ … [What ‘Idol’ taught her was] it’s okay to be different. It’s important to accept it and make the most of it. There are people who appreciate it. You have to go with it.”
On lyrical issues: “I didn’t have problems with lyrics until ‘You Must Love Me.’ [That’s when she started, stopped, then re-started.] Suddenly, it freaked me out. You play head games. When I was singing ‘I Am I Said’ in rehearsals, I felt like ‘palm trees’ wasn’t sticking in my brain.” [So she stuck the word palm on her palm.] She said just the act of doing that helped even though she couldn’t see it while playing the piano. She said it was an added challenge this week to learn two songs vocally, plus the instruments. “It increased the workload a lot,” she said.
On getting to play an instrument: “I didn’t know going into it they would let us to do it. When I found out, I thought, ‘Gosh, this is it. This is the year I needed to do this.’ It’s something I love to do but it’s very difficult.”
On Paula’s snafu “I don’t know exactly what happened with Paula. It’s just a human moment that happened on the show. It’s live. Things change very quickly. They kind of decided to change things in the middle of the show. She got lost in the moment.”
What couldn’t she get cleared: [my question] “I would have loved to have sung Fleetwood Mac or James Taylor.” [Though she did get to do Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” which James Taylor turned into a big hit.]
What would she have sung next week for Hall of Fame week? (my question) I hadn’t completely decided. One that I was definitely thinking of was ‘Help Me’ by Joni MItchell.”
Speaking to her idol Carly Simon I spoke with Carly Simon (right) this morning. It was amazing! She was incredibly supportive, very generous with her comments. It really boosted my spirits. It kind of gave me a motivation to keep going in the direction I am. I do relate to her and those singer-songwriters from the ’70s. I connect with what they do. I hope I can make that happen in 2008 in a more modern way.” [Video below, courtesy of MJs Big Blog.]
In other “Idol” news:
-Kellie Pickler will pop into Etowah High School Monday for a private concert. Kicks 101.5 held a contest asking for students at metro area schools to text message their school and her name. In the end, they got more than 2 million texts!
-Sales were slow this week as Jordin Sparks remains the top-selling “Idol’ at No. 20, with 19K sold and 697K total. She will surpass Taylor Hicks (at 701K) this week; in fact, she should be ahead of him in sales now. And she is nearing 3 million in download sales of three singles. Plus, Chris Daughtry has just passed 4 million sold, according to USA Today’s Idol Chatter.. Carrie’s “Carnvial Ride” is at 32, with 15K sold and 2.04 million total while “Some Hearts” moves up to 65, with 8K sold and 6.39 million total. Josh Gracin is the other “Idol” on the Billboard Top 200, at 175, with 3,500 or so sold and 34K total after three weeks. Kellie is at 751K, Kelly’s “Breakaway” at 5.98 mil with two months away from hitting 6 mil; “My December” is at 763K, Bucky is at 339K, Elliot at 506K, Randy at 28K, Bo at 49K, Mandisa, 78K; Fantasia, 512K; Kimberley, 20K; Clay, 525K; Kat, 370K; Ruben, 237K and Constantine, 25K. Paris is being “retired” after several weeks of selling fewer than 100 copies a week. Her final total: 21K.
Comments
By JTesla
May 1, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Let me guess, she isn’t going to say anything surprising. I can’t see her rocking the boat any or offering too much insight… Brooke please prove me wrong.
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Oh JT…flats is gonna be mad!!!!! :-)
By tick tock
May 1, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
“which is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. EST.”
That’s nice and all, Rodney, but we’re in EDT now. Set your clock.
By JTesla
May 1, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Flats has let me down too many times ;)
By War Eagle
May 1, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
flats is inconsistent. He’ll make a good run then slack off a little.
By flats
May 1, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
6TH!!!!!!!I’M TRYING GUYS!!!!!!!
By edge
May 1, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
sweeet! cant wait to see Picklers new cans up close!!!
By flats
May 1, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
EDGE!!!NEW CANS??NOT UNDERSTANDING THAT ONE DUDE.My friend here at work(gay)loves jason and votes for him every week.
By Lara
May 1, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Flats, could you please take your coworkers phone and smash it against the wall for me please?
By flats
May 1, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!I need to Lara!
By azcat225
May 1, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Cans? I thought they were pups…
By Menana
May 1, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
I think the “Cans” that was referred to is the new boob job and they sure do stand at attention!!!
Deirdre: My choices are:
1st - David Cook
2nd - Syesha
3rd - David A
4th - Jason
I put Syesha at 2nd b/c I think DA will get a deal of some kind for the younger generation. Syesha will appeal to the little older generation.
By Blkshepherd
May 1, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Boooooo glad shes gone. goldie locks is next..then syeasha two davids left..then ON to something interesting like crashing your face on the floor!
By harrietth
May 1, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Whew, what a day. No time to post much at all since this morning. Have been checking back to see what everyone is saying, though, and Dierdre, my top 4 are the same as yours. I would love to see Syesha and David C in the finals.
By Lissa
May 1, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Hmm… no blog entry about Daughtry w/ Bon Jovi last night? I think he and his band did a wonderful job, though perhaps a crowd the size of Philips Arena wasn’t quite the right stage for him just yet. Unfortunately, not enough people knew the lyrics when he tried for audience participation. He sounded wonderful though!
I didn’t take notes on the set list, but here’s what I remember: - several album tracks and an extended version of “What About Now” - “It’s Not Over”, “Over You”, and “Home” (w/ a “Home Sweet Home” intro) were played. “Feels Like Tonight” surprisingly, was not. - cover of “It Feels Like the First Time” (Warrant?) - sang “Blaze of Glory” with Bon Jovi later
By Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm
May 1, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Senile
By azcat225
May 1, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
My choices: 1. David C 2. Syesha 3. David A 4. Jason
Reality? Who knows any more…
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 1, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
wow. when was the Brenda/Chuck thing? Thanks for pitching in, Richard. I’m soooooo confused (last thread)…
and um…. Emily isn’t the only one defending Brooke, to whomever called this a ghetto blog…. um… hardly? not quite sure where THAT came from!
And back some time ago someone said that “America’s Next Top Dancer” (that would be So You Think You Can Dance or SYTYCD to you) should REPLACE AI … ummmmm it FOLLOWS American Idol for the summer season…. and it IS a hit, but not as big in numbers as AI. you really ought to do a little more research before you pop off (to whomever THAT was a thread or so ago)
i think i’m about caught up now!
bacon? bacon! bacon-bacon-bacon!!!!!
oh wait…wrong commercial ~¿@
LATER!
By JTesla
May 1, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the info Lissa.
Willie! You’ve been spending too much time in your hole… not that it’s a bad thing ;)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 1, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Lissa — unfortunately i don’t get to downtown atlanta anymore, and couldn’t have gotten there to see Daughtry on a week night :^( But… Thanks for the report! nice to see he’s doing well, i really like him.
By War Eagle
May 1, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I refer to them as “Glands for the hands.”
By DawnH
May 1, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
I’m out for a while. I have a real craving for bacon - been smelling it all day.
By Menana
May 1, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
On the previous thread, Lara, posted her choices for next week. I have studied, selected and then re-selected mine. They are as follows:
Jason: All I Have to do is Dream (Evelry Brothers); Blowin in the Wind(Bob Dylan); Hey Jude(The Beatles);Love me Tender(Elvis); You’ve Lost that Lovin Feelin(The Righeous Brothers)
David C: Born to be Wild(Steppenwolf);CC Rider(Chuck Willis); Dancing in the Dark(Bruce Springsteen); Free Bird(Lynyrd Skynyrd);When a Man Loves A Woman(Percy Sledge)
David A: Bride Over Trouble Water(Simon & Garfunkle);In the Still of the Night(The 5 Satins);Somebody to Love(Jefferson Airplane);Stand by Me(Ben E King); The Great Pretender(The Platters)
Syesha: Chain of Fools(Aretha);Proud Mary(Done by Tina Turner); I Fall to Pieces(Patsy Cline); Move on up a Little Higher(Mahalia Jackson); My Guy(Mary Wells)
I chose five songs for each one. Over the week-end , I may make some changes and if I do, I will re-post,that is, if anyone cares to hear what I have to say on the choices.
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your list azcat!
Seems like almost all of us who have participate in the survey…WE, tap tap…are in favor of David Cook becoming the next American Idol…so here’s the point I started to make earlier:
It really does not matter in what order the others leave as long as they do! David Cook needs to be the last one standing and it’s our job to make sure that happens.
So rev up those voting fingers and get ready for a busy Tuesday night!
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Glands for the hands???? TSK!!
By emily
May 1, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
hey now! who’s this capital E-Emily!!!! what’s that all about? i said nothing about brooke! i call shennanigans!
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
We knew it wasn’t you, emily! No worries!
By huh
May 1, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
There’s more than one Emily in the world, emily. Let me guess, you weren’t class valedictorian, were you?
By emily
May 1, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
nope, i was a measly 11th in my class. i’m SUCH a slacker! :)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 1, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
huh guess YOU don’t have a sense of humor, either, eh, huh?
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
There’s always a critic! :-)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 1, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
D — you got the day off tomorrow? should be awesome weather for you!
i could use a day off… may try to do that soon!
later!
By emily
May 1, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
it’s ok, it’s just that in these days of identity theft, you can’t be too careful! i mean first my name, then who knows - - - next, my lack of capitalization (really it’s because i’m just lazy)
i will add to the convo that my kids (i teach HS) were all upset that castro’s still around. so, now i can’t figure out who the heck is voting for him? middle school kids?
By flats
May 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Stiffy?
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Yep, linny and I’m looking forward to it. Hubby has been gone all week..gets home today…and I’m planning to lounge by the lake all day.
By JTesla
May 1, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Take me with you!
By flats
May 1, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Emily…I already told you who was voting for him.
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
JT…I think when Idol ends, I’m inviting all my blog friends down to the ranch for a picnic! I know it’s a long way for you but we’ll pick you up at the airport! :-)
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Um wait a minute…I mean when the show has it’s final season!!!!! Not when THIS season ends. The place isn’t ready for company yet!
By flats
May 1, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Me too D????
By Rodney Ho
May 1, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
In retrospect, I probably should have gone to the Bon Jovi/Daughtry concert last night—at least for Daughtry. I could go tonight, too, but I need some time off.
By War Eagle
May 1, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
D, I want to come to the picnic!!!
By Justin
May 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Oh wow, Proud Mary and Chain of Fools are on the Rock and Roll list? That would be perfect for Syesha! Man…
I also had thought of another performance that would be great for her… “My Immortal” by Evanescense, along w/ and upbeat number
but unfortunately evanescense is obviously not on the list. lol
but Proud mary and chain of fools is great for syesha- as long as simon didn’t give her the ugly treatment again.
great combo though, agree?
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
“I’m inviting all my blog friends down to the ranch for a picnic! “
Which part of that didn’t y’all understand??? :-)
By flats
May 1, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
THANKS D!!!!
By Lissa
May 1, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Rodney - you missed out on a great show. I wasn’t paying attention to the date when I bought the tickets (for Bon Jovi and later found out about the Daughtry bonus). Today was ROUGH!
By Mike
May 1, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
First post, more than likely last, just wanted to ask a question. Do all of Dave A’s songs sound the same? I think you could put them all together and you would have one flat monotone 20 minute song that would that would put a wild beast to sleep.
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Yes, Mike…all David A’s songs sound the same. That monotone you hear is a low hum that fogs up his voice and takes away it’s tone. He’s a talented kid but his voice just isn’t all that special.
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
This is really interesting! From an Entertainment Weekly interview with Jason Castro. Draw your own conclusions…I’ve drawn mine:
He made it through Paulagate 2008, but is American Idol’s Jason Castro ready to call it quits? EW’s Jessica Shaw was on the scene as the Idols rehearsed for Neil Diamond week (read her “Why Song Selection Matters” feature in the issue out Friday) and spoke with Castro on Monday afternoon: “I’ll get around to practicing,” he promised her, after noting that his brother and a friend had visited over the weekend and that his Saturday meeting with Diamond had gone “really bad” because he didn’t yet know his songs. “What happens happens. I’ll sing and if people like it, they like it. And if they don’t, they don’t. I’m kind of ready to go home.” You’re kind of ready to walk off America’s biggest stage??? “It’s been overwhelming,” Castro continued. “I got 150 balloons yesterday delivered to the studio because people heard I was sick last week. That’s cool, but that’s just weird.”By JTesla
May 1, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Deirdre after reading that: Jason Castro is setting himself up to be one of my favorite Idol contestants of all time. He very well could disappear never to be seen again after this season is over. No ice cream socials, no sitting in the audience next season, that will earn my respect, just go away. Did anyone catch Ace and his freaky brother desperately hoping that Ryan would give them some love after he talked to Constantine? Go away.
By Deirdre
May 1, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
I saw that, JT…doesn’t Ace have a new cd out?
Hubby will FINALLY be home in a few minutes so I’ll say goodnight. Have a good evening everyone!
By JTesla
May 1, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
D. I don’t see his name in the sales list that Rodney provided. However, I do see that he “retired” Paris. I think Rodney needs to get another interview with her, she’s a peach.
By Justin
May 1, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
This is very random, but a probable situtation. Some stupid thing that will probably advance Castro into the top 3. Like Paula, I can see the future: Jason will be sat down before his song next week on them stools and he will clear rumors of him quitting the show. They won’t eliminate him after that! |:O
maan. let’s hope he doesn’t say that. stupid whoever posted that article.
By War Eagle
May 1, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Justin, I like you but some of your thought baffle me.
By Harmony
May 1, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
War, Are you still here? I haven’t had a chance to blog today,and I’m still LOST.
By War Eagle
May 1, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
I’m lost too. Tonight’s episode wasn’t real good to me.
By Lara
May 1, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Bo Bice will be performing on Idol next Wednesday. He will perform “Witness” from his album See the light”.
By War Eagle
May 1, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks Lara.
By Harmony
May 1, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
I guess I’ll watch Leno and see who is Brooke’s celebrity spokesperson on there, then I will report back to the blog and give my analysis on Brook’s appearance,since I don’t have anything else to contribute today.
Be back soon with my Analysis.
By Harmony
May 1, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
So, that was one of the better ones, her celebrity spokesman was sound effects master Michael Winslow, he was very entertaining.
Crying- what Brooke did every week
Eerie sounds- Brookes mental state
Dogs- Randy’s most used word
machine gun- what Brooke wanted to do to Simon
Brooke held it together, no crying or weirdness on her part.
By Harmony
May 2, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Eerie sounds - Paula’s mental state
Sorry
By Rodney Ho
May 2, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Thanks Deirdre for that EW tidbit. As I only semi-jokingly noted Wednesday, Jason really is ready to go home—but America won’t let him! I’m sure he didn’t realize how much work this would all be or that he’d last this long.
No wonder he didn’t mess around with the arrangements of either Neil Diamond song. He had just barely enough energy to just sing them karaoke style!
I’m not looking forward to his exit interview! It’s going to be truly painful!
By Deirdre
May 2, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Morning mushblogians!
Rodney, the only good thing about Jason’s (hopefully soon) exit interview is, you won’t be alone in asking him questions. :-)
Harmony and War Eagle…I thought Lost was heart-wrenching last night…while I can’t go into detail because linny is still catching up…Juliet’s efforts to save Jack even though…… well, you know. Jack’s inability to trust Kate even though…..do you think Jack knows that Aaron is…well, you know! :-)
By sandee
May 2, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Jason simply cannot handle the publicity and has shown it each week with his poor, boring performances. He’s aware that looks keeps him there and America should shift those votes to one of the Davids.
By flats
May 2, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
GOOD MORNING MUSHDAWGS!!!!!!
By Lara
May 2, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Deidre - watch those Lost spoilers - I Tivo’d and haven’t had a chance to watch yet. Silly me had to watch Survivor last night!
By brodie
May 2, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Jason Castro is boring and should have been gone weeks ago, Michael Johns was a much better singer. David Archuleta sounds like he should blow his nose, but the tennie poppers think these two are cute… ” get real man ” this is a singing and talent competition and Jason has “no talent at all”….Brooke White was much better …. David Cook is far far superior in talent, showmanship and singing ability than all the rest but together
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 2, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that’s MEAN! LOLOL!!!! I was about to tell you to have a lovely day at the lake but…. now i think i’ll wish for early rain!!!! sheesh!!!!
(i’m kidding, lest anyone mistake this for an attack on Deirdre)
(well i already know about claire’s mom and jack’s dad, so …. aaron would be jack’s nephew? unless of course L producers threw more curves in since season 3, LOL!!! and NO DON’T ANSWER THAT, ANYONE, I HAVEN’T FINISHED THE LAST 4 of Season 3, and have seen NONE of Season 4 yet!!!)
By sandee
May 2, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Jason simply cannot handle the publicity and has shown it each week with his poor, boring performances. He’s aware that looks keeps him there and America should shift those votes to one of the Davids.
By Deirdre
May 2, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
I didn’t give anything away, Lara! :-)
By Deirdre
May 2, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
LOL, linny! I was very careful! Plus, it might spur you on to finish season 3, and btw, the last 4 episodes of season 3 are fantastic!
By Deirdre
May 2, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Here’s a little tidbit; Brooke White will be a bridesmaid in Kristy Lee Cook’s wedding.
By harrietth
May 2, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I’m with you, D. Lost was heart-wrenching. I could not watch it last night because my friend was watching basketball, but I came in to work early and watched the episode online. linny, you are in for a treat when you do catch up!
Also, I kept wondering if Jason might pull a stunt like Mario did in a past season. Of course, he was in the top 10 or 12 at that time, wasn’t he? BTW, I heard his song on the radio two days ago. They said “here is Mario, from AI.”
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 2, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
i know D….it’s the weekend, finally!!, and i can watch the last disc in season 3. THEN i have to figure out how to catch up with season 4!!!!!
i know the episodes are online but my computer :-( may not let me watch comfortably… howevah! my college son MAY be home and HIS computer is MUCH better than mine…hmmmmmm…now there’s a thought! although since i own 1,2,3 i am sure i will want to buy 4 for the set, LOL
thanks guys for being so kind about Lost for lil ol’ linny!!!! :^D
By Mike S
May 2, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Hola Mushers!!!!
I am very unhappy about the weather forecast. Tomorrow Mrs. S turns 50, and I am having a big party at my house. I have no idea how I am going to fit all those people inside if we are unable to use the porch and back yard. GRRRRRRRRRRRR
By Lara
May 2, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I know you didn’t, D. Man, why am I still addicted to that show?