After a teary, no perhaps the most weepy goodbye in "American Idol" history, Brooke White is still feeling a litttle emotional.

But this time, it's for a different reason -- kicking off a three-month tour of almost-nightly performances to sold-out crowds across the nation, with the possibilities of her future becoming a reality. The "American Idols Live" tour hits the Wasatch Front for shows tonight and Tuesday at the E Center in West Valley City. 

"When you get out on that stage and see all those people, it feels amazing and overwhelming," White said in a recent phone interview from Los Angeles. "It finally feels real."

Still, the stirring feeling that White gets when she hits the stage is different from the one she felt when she was eliminated from the top five on the seventh season of "American Idol."

"That day was pretty much the last time I think I've had that sort of emotional moment," White said. "At that moment, I realized, 'This part's over, that's it, we're done.' I couldn't believe it was actually happening even though I had a gut feeling that it was my time to be done with the show."

The rigorous schedule of "American Idol," in combination with the national exposure of live reality television, also contributed to her built-up emotions, White said.

"You work so hard and the pressure is so intense. ... You get 15 minutes to practice with the band -- it's by the seat of your pants. Everything is so quick," White said. "Your emotions really come out, even more than I wanted them to, definitely."

With the pressure, however, came great opportunities and cherished memories.

White said that besides singing in front of 30 million people every week, one of her favorite parts about the competition was getting to know the other contestants.

Depending on who went home each week, White switched roommates several times, allowing her to build lasting relationships with many of her competitors.

"I made some great friends and I'm so excited to be out here with them," White said.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, White said one important goal she had during the experience was to make good choices and stay true to herself.

"I wouldn't say it was hard, but there were certain situations that took a little bit more thought and caution," White said. "But people are very respectful toward me and my life and value system."

In particular, White was always insistent about wearing clothing that follows modesty standards.

"Being very specific about my wardrobe choices was sometimes hard to get across," White said. "Everything that I wore, I had to have altered."

But White said she understands that, when under the entire nation's eye, you can't always please everyone.

"It wasn't always very black and white -- I did a lot of praying," White said. "There are people that are still going to think it's not good enough. ... [But] for the most part I feel like I was successful."

On a pop-star-making TV show as a '70s-rock-inspired artist, White also strived to stay true to her musical style during her time on "American Idol."

"I'm not a huge vocalist and I don't do any fancy runs with my voice, yet I hope it's a heartfelt type of sound," White said. "Playing an instrument [on the show] really helped and gave people a sense of who I wanted to be as an artist beyond the show."

And, as for life after her contract with "American Idol," White said she has some plans in store -- first being to get some R&R.

"I want to take a couple of weeks just to breathe ... and then jump into the music and solidify some sort of record deal," White said.

Using her exposure to have a positive impact on society is also on White's to-do list.

As a spokesperson for Malaria No More, a nonprofit organization that sends mosquito nets to Africa to prevent malaria deaths, White is anxious to make a difference.

"I want to do anything positive and worthwhile, and contribute to making the world a better place," White said.SClBSClBAmerican Idols Live

• When: Tonight and Tuesday, with both shows starting at 7 p.m.

• Where: The E Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City

• Tickets: $39.50-$68.50, available at the box office or through Ticketmaster outlets

• Info: (801) 988-8800, (801) 988-8888, www.theecenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, touramericanidol.com