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What a difference a night without any sleep makes. You're too TIRED to cry anymore!

"American Idol's" latest eliminated contestant, Brooke White, put all her vulnerability out there Wednesday when she got the bad news. (See my posting below.) But, in a conference call today with "Idol" writers, she was back to being happy Brooke. So, she was definitely composed and eager to talk about her experiences on the show and about moving forward.

Here's some of what she had to say:

Q: Last night was quite emotional for you. Did you think being eliminated would be that tough?
A: I kind of anticipated it. At that moment, I thought I was strong. Then, boom! It hit me that it’s over. The finality of it was sad. There's a fear of going back into the real world, of what’s to come. I had hoped I could have been stronger. I’m emotional and passionate. And I felt vulnerable every time. But it's been an amazing journey.

Q: It has been a journey. How do you think you dealt with the pressures, and did your faith help?
A: I didn't have a choice. It was just something within me. When you feel like you’re sinking, you say, "OK, swim." You have to make the best of it. Even with the challenges, I thought I could do it. Yes, there were two of us who are Mormon. It's just part of our lives. My faith definitely helped me make some decisions.

Q: What are you looking forward to?
A: I actually had an interview with Carly Simon this morning, and she gave me a lot of support and the hope that I can make it happen. She told me it was OK to be different. People appreciate it.

Q: What kind of album would you like to make?
A: I want to be a singer/songwriter. I would love to co-write and build an album around that organic sound, playing the piano and guitar. I want to connect with people on an honest level.

Q:You were upset about Carly Smithson going home last week. Was there any guilt because you had to stop and start your Andrew Lloyd Webber song?
A: I was grateful (I got to stay). The voting process is very interesting. You never know what will happen. I had to see past my mistake of forgetting the words last week. I’ve been packed (to go) for two weeks. Ever since Michael Johns went home, I wondered, "How long do I get?" I hoped for the Final 2. I also tried to set goals: Top 24, Top 12, Top 10, Top 5.

Q: Can you talk about judge Paula Abdul's incident on Tueday night? And how did Jason Castro feel afterward? Did it impact him?
A: It’s live television - anything can happen. I had to start and stop again last week. Human moments happen on the show. Things can change very quickly. Paula probably got lost in the moment. She’s a good-hearted woman. Jason is a very laid-back guy. He’s great. We've all learned to fly by the seat of our pants.

Q: This week's mentor, Neil Diamond, told the contestants last night not to listen to Simon Cowell. How do you feel about Simon now?
A: It was quite a challenge. I always give my best. But there was always this place of vulnerability. Sometimes Simon's delivery is plain mean. He can be harsh and blunt. But he wants to push you do to your best.

Q: We always ask about your relationship with the other contestants and, of course, who you think has the best shot at winning?
A: I had great friendships with the contestants. And I'm looking forward to going on tour together. There was always a lot of sitting in rooms and waiting for something to happen. We’re very different from one another. It’s what people like. As for predicting a winner, each contestant is really special. It just depends on what America wants. The boys are awfully popular and charming this year. They get stacks and stacks of mail!

Q: Your husband, Dave, pledged not to cut his hair as long as you remained on "American Idol." Any idea when will he cut it? How great was it to have him for support?
A: He'll get a haircut whenever I get around to it. I’ll be the one doing it! Maybe 3 a.m. He likes to hear me sing. Dave is a laid-back fellow with a great perspective. I was very fortunate to have him hang with me.