Sometimes life gives you more than you bargained for, and this is true for season seven American Idol contestant, Brooke White. The young talented singer-song writer made an impression on fans and judges on American Idol, and Executive Producer, Brian Wells was also charmed by her free spirit and guitar skills and offered her a role in the Fox movie “Change of Plans.”
The former nanny will make her acting debut in “Change of Plans” which premieres on FOX, January 8th at 8/7C. CHANGE OF PLANS is the fourth movie in the P&G and Wal-Mart Family Movie Night initiative. The movie also features a star-studded cast, including cameo appearances by NASCAR driver Jeff Burton and AMERICAN IDOL judge Randy Jackson, who has produced all of the “Family Movie Night” soundtracks, including the one for CHANGE OF PLANS.
Up to this point, Sally Danville’s (White) life has played out just as she hoped it would. A beautiful and free-spirited musician, she and her fighter-pilot husband, Jason (Joe Flanigan, “Stargate: Atlantis”), live life on the go, free of domestic responsibilities. But with a single phone call from social worker Dorothy (Phylicia Rashad, “The Cosby Show”), Sally learns that things don’t always go according to plan. Sally is met with the news that her best friend from college has died in a tragic accident while serving in the Peace Corps and she has been named the legal guardian of her friend’s four children – three of whom were adopted from third-world countries. Now Sally and Jason must quickly learn to parent this instant family and help the kids deal with culture clashes and life in America. Find out how fulfilling life can be when you look beyond yourself and invest in the lives of others. CHANGE OF PLANS airs Saturday, Jan. 8 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
What was the toughest part about acting?
Brooke White: When I found I got the part, I shipped off to Toronto within two days. So there was very little time to think or prepare, which was probably in my best interest because I was afraid. But gosh, what can I say was the hardest part about acting? Probably my 4:30 a.m. pick up every day. That was probably the hardest part. I have to say, there were certain technical aspects I wasn’t super savvy to, but other than that it’s so supernatural just to get in. I think I was concerned about what if I forget, I’ve been known to forget lyrics here or there or whatever, and I was worried I would forget a line or two, but it really isn’t a big deal. You get in there and memorization of dialogue isn’t that big of a deal when you get there. I don’t know. I thought it was more fun than hard.
On her role in the movie:
Brooke White: I actually play a singer/songwriter in the movie, which was such a stretch for me, you know. But I was able to co-write three songs, which I actually sang in the movie all three of them, and Randy produced them.
Advice to Idol Contestants:
Brooke White: Keep it short and simple. Don’t Google your own name, that’s what I say, and be you. Be you, don’t Google, work hard, have fun.
What was your reaction when Randy approached you?
Brooke White: I would never have anticipated standing on the Idol that post-Idol that I would be working with Randy. I didn’t foresee it. Things just happened in a strange way. I remember we were actually both at Guitar Center, I was looking for a keyboard and he happened to be there at the same time as me. I don’t know if people watching from their TVs can tell how personable Randy is. He sits and takes his time to talk to everyone and he really was just talking about life after Idol. He was just so incredibly positive and said, “Hey, let’s keep in touch,” and before I knew it we started really, actually working together. He helped connect me with my management and has been a major player and supporter in my post-Idol life. It is very difficult to survive and to stay present after Idol, and the trick is becoming an artist because the music business is becoming more and more difficult to sustain as an artist. Randy said you’re lucky if you have a ten year career or more than one hit, and I think I’m really trying to adopt the, maybe not the rocket ship but the climb, and steadily and slowly building a career that I hope lasts. I’ve been super fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him, both on my own record and then to do this movie and the soundtrack. It’s just been a huge surprise and a blessing.
**In 2009, White started her own record label “June Baby Records” with Randy Jackson.