She was the third place finalist in the sixth season of American Idol. Since that time Doolittle has demonstrated her phenomenal singing talent and philanthropy to the world.
Melinda Doolittle Before American Idol
Miss Doolittle was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but she thinks of Brentwood, Tennessee to be home. She is a 1995 graduate of Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She majored in music at Belmont University. According to her own story from her official website, Doolittle was "tone deaf until the 7th grade."
She developed an early love for Gospel music, and her time in Nashville earned her serious work as a back-up singer to some major stars.
Doolittle Performs on American Idol
Melinda Doolittle gained quite a following during her season on American Idol. She was selected from her first audition, when she and three friends tried out together. Doolittle was the only one chosen. Out of 16,000 people who showed, Doolittle eventually was one of the few to become a finalist.
After one of her performances, the normally abrasive Simon Cowell complimented Doolittle by telling her that she was fresh and new and that "You remind me of a young Gladys Knight." Cowell has since stated that he thinks Doolittle, based on her talent, should have won that season.
A Debut CD and a Trip to Zambia
Doolittle has performed quite a bit since her days on Idol. She sang the National Anthem at game five of 2007 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Her first single, My Funny Valentine, was released in February 2008 and she did a Christmas tour that year with Michael W. Smith. On February 3, 2009, her debut CD, Coming Back to You, was released.
In June 2007 Doolittle visited South Africa with then First Lady Laura Bush. They spent time in Zambia with the Malaria No More group to raise awareness and distribute bed nets. She has also done charity work for the Ronald McDonald House through the Hearts and Hands Gala in Atlanta, Georgia. Doolittle's work in these areas reaffirms her as a woman of conviction.
Melinda Doolittle Recent Release
Miss Doolittle's release of Coming Back to You is a tribute to many of her own music idols. Songs such as "Walkin' Blues" and "Dust My Broom," both Robert Johnson classics, sizzle with old time blues sounds.
Melinda Doolittle is a vocal powerhouse who has shown her heart to be as huge as her amazing voice.
Source:
Melinda Doolittle Official Website
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