American Idol's Brooke White Says A Tearful Farewell

I’m a little tired but I’m feeling pretty good. Last night everything was going through my head. I kind of anticipated it in a strange way, it was in my gut. I felt grateful and happy but then it hit me – this is done. The finality of it was sad. The fear of going back into the real world and seeing what the future holds. I wish I had been stronger but I guess I’m an emotional girl and I’m passionate and that came across on stage because I felt very vulnerable every time.

I think after Tuesday night I was ready; I was re-energized, my spirits were up and I wanted to keep going. When I woke up on Wednesday morning, I knew in my gut I was going home. Part of me wanted to keep going and the other part of me was just thinking, ‘This has been amazing.’ It is kind of a relief. Song selection and the pressure has really increased. Preparing for the finale, it’s all just an incredible amount of pressure. In that sense, it does feel kind of good to be done, but I was welcoming the challenge as well.

I can’t even believe I made the top five. It’s such an amazing journey. I didn’t start singing until I was a teenager and I never thought I had a nice voice. It wasn’t pretty. I thought it was this low, raspy thing. I didn’t have big range. I was very intimidated by other singers, especially on American Idol where it’s so focused on vocals. I didn’t know how well I would do or if I’d survive. These people are incredible and sometimes it was easy to feel intimidated.