Madison teen, self-described "crack baby," part of American Idol

MADISON, Wis. - Denise Jackson describes herself as a "crack baby," but the 16-year-old junior is now one of 17 contestants chosen in the Midwest to go to the semifinals for a chance to be the next "American Idol."

"There's a lot of controversy about what I said on 'American Idol.' Some people asked me, Why would you say that?'" Jackson said of her description of her upbringing. "It's the truth. I'm not ashamed of what I am. I'm a young lady."

Jackson, who goes to La Follette High School, has spent a chunk of her time with TV camera crews and answering phone calls about her success after being plucked out of more than 18,000 who auditioned. The show aired Tuesday in front of 30 million viewers, and she'll return to Los Angeles on Feb. 14 for the semifinals.

Jackson credits her brother, 28-year-old Rafael Jackson, as being instrumental in her decision to audition.

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