Brooke White, “American Idol” Alum, Makes Acting Debut In TV Movie

Brooke White, a chipper nanny from Mesa, Arizona who placed fifth on the seventh season of American Idol, is following in the footsteps of fellow Idol alum-turned-starlet Jennifer Hudson after landing her first acting role in an upcoming TV movie.

White, 27, has been cast in the lead role in Change of Plans, a tearjerking drama set to air on FOX next month. Brooke, who has no professional acting experience, will play a singer/songwriter who becomes the legal guardian of four children after her best friend dies while serving in the Peace Corps.

The movie also stars Cosby TV Mom Phylicia Rashad and features cameo appearances by NASCAR driver Jeff Burton and A.I. judge Randy Jackson. Randy produced the film’s soundtrack, which features three songs performed by White.

“Brooke has been featured on the soundtrack for two of our other ‘Family Movie Night’ films and we immediately thought of her for the character of Sally Danville, the free-spirited, kind-hearted guitar player,” “This was an ideal first acting role for Brooke and we knew from her audition that we made the perfect choice,” says executive producer Brian Wells.

Chicago’s own Hudson didn’t have acting experience either when she was cast as the larger-than-life Effie White in the critically-acclaimed 2006 movie musical Dreamgirls. She won an Oscar for her performance.

“Yep, it’s true… I’m in this cute show called Change of Plans,” Brooke Tweeted in a message to fans on Tuesday. “Thanks to everyone for all the sweet tweets about Change Of Plans. It’s a charming show w/a great cast (sic).”

Change of Plans premieres Jan. 8 @ 8/7c on FOX.

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