Brooke White
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How did you spend your summer vacation?

For those that follow the lead of American Idol finalist Brooke White, the answer will involve giving back to various charities and causes.

White is teaming up with Malaria No More to launch the "Save The World Summer" campaign. Its main focus is on providing mosquito nets to those in danger of the disease in Africa. In fact, the participants that raises the most money for these nets will earn two free tickets to next season's American Idol finale.

"This generation of American kids is the most globally-conscious and actively engaged the world has ever seen," said White.

"Malaria remains the number one killer of children under five in Africa, claiming more than one million lives a year including an African child every 30 seconds and I am so inspired and proud to be participating in this summer campaign. These kids amaze me and see no reason to wait until they grow up to start saving the world."

For more information on how you can help - and, yes, how you can win those tickets - visit the "Save the World Summer" official site now.

Following her American Idol elimination this week, Brooke White spoke to reporters. She was candid, as always, commenting on the confidence issues that plagued her throughout the competition.

"I was very honest and open about that struggle I have and, to be honest again, it escalated at times during Idol and other times I felt like I had a better handle on it," she said. "It was very much a roller-coaster ride.

"Tuesday I think I felt kinda a resurge of confidence that I hadn't felt in a long time, a lot of joy, gratitude for being in that place, and I think that's what gave me that boost. It felt great and even though I went home, it was wonderful to leave on that note.

"I know that Simon Cowell said it was a nightmare or whatever, but personally I think it was a great moment and I've such incredible support from fans, which also helps to kinda reassure you."

Following a couple surprise eliminations - we still haven't gotten over Michael Johns or Carly Smithon yet - American Idol viewers finally got it right last night.

We've been big Brooke White supporters all season, but it was time for this laid back singer to go. She forgot the lyrics last week, she wrote a few on her hand this week and she is simply overmatched vocally by the remaining finalists.

Best of luck in the future, Brooke.

Take a look at Brooke White and Kristy Lee Cook in the photo below.

What could be making these American Idol finalists so angry? Actually, it's just a new promotional video for the show.

We're not sure what the premise of the spot is, but we're guessing viewers will find out this week. For now, we're just gonna leave Brooke and Kristy alone...

Relax, Brooke White and Kristy Lee Cook. You're American Idol finalists.

It may not have been as incredible as the performance of David Archuleta from the night before.

But last night Brooke White had judges and viewers in awe of her relaxed, guitar-strumming version of the Carly Simon hit, "You're So Vain." Regarding the rendition, Simon Cowell said:

"I absolutely loved it. The absolute perfect song for you. It was one of the rare occasions where I felt the artist had genuinely chosen the song. It absolutely connected."

Is Brooke White the female front-runner on American Idol?

White wasn't the only female to receive praise from the judges, however. These singers also impressed last night:

• Kristy Lee Cook put on a solid, bounce back performance. Randy Jackson said her audition of "You're No Good" by Betty Everett was a "100% improvement" from the week before.
• Carly Smithson continued to make her (great) voice heard. The Irish sensation belted out "Crazy on You" by Heart and was told by Cowell: "At the point you [choose the right song]... I think you're the girl they've all gotta beat."
• Syesha Mercado went with "Me and Mrs. Jones" by Billy Paul. Paula Abdul said: I like what you did. I like the interpretation you did and the choices you made."

Who do you think was the best of the night? Who do you think goes home tonight?