Brooke White, a native of Mesa, Arizona, recently spoke with Randy Cordova of The Arizona Republic about her experience as one of the 24 finalists on American Idol – and about her Mormon faith.
In her audition, when the judges asked her to share something that was unique about her, Brooke told the judges that she has never seen an R-rated movie or tasted alcohol. While she did not bring religion into her explanation, she did testify that the values have worked in her life and “made sense” to her. The judges seemed impressed with her “purity,” although Simon Cowell declared they would “turn (her) over to the dark side.”
Brooke did not mention her religion at all, but, as she told the Republic, her remarks, persona, and hometown of Mesa, Arizona set off “the Mormon radar.” Soon bloggers all over the Internet were speculating that she must be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or “Mormon.”
The speed at which the world associated her with a particular religion surprised the singer. “People from all different faiths and walks of life live their lives this way,” she said. “For me, part of it is attributed to my faith, but it’s also beyond that. It’s a choice I made on my own.” (The Arizona Republic, Feb. 20, 2008, “Mesa ‘Idol’ Contestant’s Innocence Strikes Chord with Many”)
But the support from fans has been amazing. “I’ve gotten all these e-mails and letters from adults and little kids,” Brooke told the Republic. “Sometimes they say they live their lives the same way, or they’re going to live their lives that way. I was nervous when I saw it on TV, but that response was very reassuring… It was scary to talk about (my values),” she added. “I didn’t want to come off as self-righteous, but American Idol seemed to think was interesting and picked it up and ran with it.”
It certainly can be a boost to people striving to live similar values to see someone such as Brooke White living them so publicly. The apostle Paul said in the New Testament, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 1:16) Sometimes it can be scary to keep different standards from those around us, but truly, if we believe in these values and in the gospel of Christ, we should not be ashamed and nor should we act as if we are. I appreciate her willingness to stand as an example before the world.
Meanwhile, Brooke is just enjoying the ride, however far American Idol takes her. “I’m thrilled, overwhelmed, nervous, excited, all of the above,” she said. “It’s beyond what I could have anticipated.”
