Sarah VonderHaar is not your average model.

The Lake Zurich native, who was a part of Cycle 8 of “America’s Next Top Model,” released her debut album, “Are You Listening Now?,” earlier this week. In promotion for her album, she will be signing copies and performing songs at Best Buy, 2074 Sycamore Road, at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The blonde describes her music as a “soulful blend of pop-rock.”

“One of my biggest [musical] influences is Sara Bareilles; she’s the best songwriter,” Vonderhaar said. Some of her other influences include Sheryl Crow, Green Day, Elton John and Jewel.

“Me and my mom used to jam out to Jewel,” she said.

Vonderhaar’s mother is “without a doubt” her biggest motivation when writing music.

“My mom’s an English teacher, so she pushed me into poetry as a writer,” she said.

Although she was the sixth model eliminated by Tyra Banks in 2007, Vonderhaar has found no reason to stop following her dreams. She has since found success after being a reality television star. In addition to producing her new album, Vonderhaar has been touring across Illinois.

“[Touring] is awesome!” said Vonderhaar. “It takes a lot out of you. We just played Western [Illinois University], Illinois State University and in Dubuque, Iowa.”

Although she describes touring as a mix between “so much fun and so much driving,” she appreciates every show she plays.

“It gets crazy because you’re playing until 3 a.m., but you get to meet great people, and I get to see all of my old friends from high school.”

The model/musician can add actress to her resumé. She made her feature-film debut last fall in the urban fairy tale, “Dimension.”

“Being in a movie is like modeling,” Vonderhaar said. “You go there for your time and then you’re done.”

How does her film career compare to her budding career in music?

“It’s so much different, I’m more involved.” said the musician. “[My music] is about my experiences so it’s more personal.”

In addition to her album release and signing at Best Buy, Sarah Vonderhaar will also play at The House Café at 7 p.m. Saturday.