Tween Girls Get an 'Idol': Brooke White

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DURING THE SEVENTH season of "American Idol," Brooke White made a big impression by performing barefoot and admitting she'd never seen an R-rated movie. Her debut CD, "High Hopes & Heartbreak," expands on that down-to-earth character by delivering a bouquet of earnest acoustic pop tunes about life's little ups and downs. But the Arizona native's persona wasn't just an invention for TV's sake.

"Quite honestly, the transition off of 'Idol' is kind of traumatic in a way," said White. "It just changes your whole life, and not to be cliché, but you're never the same again."

Unlike most musical performers, who build up audiences gradually, White had millions of viewers get to know her instantly. So, she says, it's been "bizarre" getting used to strangers recognizing her and knowing details about her life.

White will be performing at a new happening called the First National Tween Girl Summit. The all-day event is open to girls ages 9 to 14 (and their parents or chaperones), and will look at issues pertinent to that age group by having them share thoughts and ideas with guest speakers. With her rags-to-"Idol" story, White will be nothing if not a role model to the young crowd

"It was kind of mind-blowing how challenging ['Idol'] really was and how much it really stretches you," she says. "It's very intense, and it really shows you what you're made of."

» Historic Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th St. NW, with Comic Book Heroes, Wow, Cymphonique, Jacob Latimore; Sat. 8 a.m. (concert 8:15 p.m.), free; Tweensummit@allykatzz.com. (Farragut North/Farragut West)

Written by Express contributor Tony Sclafani
Photo courtesy Angela Kohler