French First Lady Wears Many Hats

Musician And Former Supermodel Carla Bruni Juggles Career And Life As Wife Of French President

(CBS)  Carla Bruni is not your typical first lady.

The wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy is also a singer, songwriter and former supermodel and has recently released her third studio album, "Comme si de rien n'était."

She shared her thoughts on being a modern first lady and musician with Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez and performed songs from her new CD.

Bruni has been a busy lady since her wedding to Sarkozy almost a year ago. She took time out this fall to promote her very personal project, her CD.

It's not the norm for a first lady to also be actively pursuing a career in music, but the role seems to really suit Bruni.

"It is unusual, but it's like quite an adventure and I like it," Bruni gushed.

Not all heads of state would be thrilled if their wife was a musician as well, but Sarkozy is supportive of Bruni's career.

"Very much. He's very supportive. We are in 2008 now and women are working. So, of course, I had this -- my songwriting, you know, has been going on for 10 years now. And it was not like a hobby. It was like a real passion and a job for me," Bruni said. "So when I met my husband, I was a bit worried because, of course, he's president of the French Republic and I thought maybe some people would be shocked if I go on with writing songs and singing them."

For those who have never heard Bruni's music, they may be pleasantly surprised at the soft simplicity of it.

"Well, it's very simple music, folk music. The kind of song you can always play, just with a guitar and it will be like it doesn't need to be performed in a great stage with lights or an orchestra. It can be played with a fireplace at home," she said.

Bruni recorded one song in English on her new CD, "You Belong To Me."