High Hopes for Brooke White, post American Idol

By April MacIntyre Jul 23, 2009, 4:54 GMT

06/04/2009 - Brooke White - Brooke hails from Phoenix, Arizona, and began singing at age 15. She made a big impression during last season’s “Idol” by delivering breathtaking renditions of songs by the Beatles (“Let It Be”), Dolly Parton (“Jolene”) and Neil Diamond (“I Am I Said”). © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Brooke White is in the next phase of her career post-American Idol.

Brooke was a top five finalist on last season’s “American Idol,” who won the hearts of fans around the world with performances that were strikingly beautiful.

She returns July 21st with High Hopes & Heartbreak, a new album that sees Brooke channeling the infliuence of Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Elton John. The result is a stunning collection of songs.

High Hopes & Heartbreak was produced by Dave Cobb (Shooter Jennings, Chris Cornell, Jamey Johnson) and executive produced by “Idol” judge/veteran producer/session player Randy Jackson.

Jackson’s also co-managing White with Carl Stubner, head of Sanctuary Artist Management.

"I wanted to work with Brooke from the moment I met her,” says Jackson. “When she sang, I instantly heard the legendary greats that inspired her: Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell.  She truly is an artist for all ages. And this album is a great collection of songs from a great new artist who was birthed on the stage of ‘American Idol.’ I’m so happy to be working with an amazingly talented artist at the beginning of her career."  

The album will be released through June Baby Records, a brand-new indie label formed by White, Jackson and Stubner.  

"If there was one valuable lesson that I learned from my ‘Idol’ experience, it would be to remain true to myself, even if that means going down the road less traveled and taking a few risks," says the singer-songwriter. "I’ve been hands-on with all aspects of this record, so I decided to form my own label and release it myself, too. Once the decision was made, it felt pretty liberating.”

White gave us insight into her new album: “The goal was to create a very free-flowing, adventurous type of record,” she says. “I wanted it to have the feel of a classic, timeless album.”

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, White began singing at age 15. She made her mark on last season’s “Idol” by delivering unique performances.  Simon proclaimed White to be her favorite “Idol” vocalist. Following her appearance on the show, White appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and performed on “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” among others. 
Earlier this year, White released “Hold Up My Heart,” which hit No. 2 on the iTunes Pop Singles Chart.