Post-'American Idol,' a judge and alum team up

Salt Lake Tribune - United States - Despite being a judge on "American Idol" for every season of the top-rated TV show, Randy Jackson has never been involved in an album by an "Idol" alum.

Jackson is the executive producer of "High Hopes & Heartbreak," to be released July 21 by Brooke White, the blond-tressed 26-year-old singer who finished fifth in the 2008 season. She was commonly known on the show as the Mormon nanny who had never seen an R-rated movie. Perhaps soon she'll be known for her music, with her new album featuring songs rooted in the 1970s California-country style she grew up listening to in Arizona.

"It is completely bizarre," the self-effacing White said about Jackson producing her work, out of all the "Idol" alums. "I never saw this coming. I have no idea why he's working with me."