Birthday: October 6, 1977
Hometown: Brentwood, TN
Audition City: Memphis
American Idol Season 6 - 3rd place
Melinda Doolittle Biography:
Another back-up singer who has decided to emerge from the shadows is 30-year-old Melinda Doolittle from Brentwood, Tennessee. When she auditioned in Memphis for season 6 of
American Idol , Melinda was shy and timid when talking with the judges about her experience as a background vocalist. But when she belted out her rendition of Stevie Wonder's “For Once in My Life,” her talent awed the judges. Melinda has been singing since the seventh grade and was a commercial music major at the Belmont University. Her Bible is her lucky charm. She says a little prayer before performing and has been known to cry whenever she would be sent to a higher round of the competition. She has an album of Tchaikovsky but also enjoys listening to contemporary artists like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.
Though she managed to secure herself a spot in the Top 24 of American Idol season 6, Melinda Doolittle ranked 3rd overall the competition. Highly praised for her mighty vocals, she was invited back to perform for the finale where she had a special performance with Bebe and Cece Winans and received a standing ovation from the crowd, as well as all three judges.
In addition to the American Idols Tour 2007, Melinda Doolittle took part in the book Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul and was also featured on a web show called Moments With Melinda where fans can call and actually talk to her.
American Idol Finals performances:
Week 1: Diana Ross - "Home" (Stephanie Mills/Diana Ross)
Week 2: British Invasion - "As Long As He Needs Me" (Shirley Bassey)
Week 3: Gwen Stefani - "Heaven Knows" (Donna Summer with Brooklyn Dreams)
Week 4: American Classics / Tony Bennett - "I Got Rhythm" (Ethel Merman)
Week 5: Latin - "Sway" (Dean Martin)
Week 6: Country - "Trouble is a Woman" (Julie Reeves)
Week 7: Inspirational Music - "There Will Come a Day" (Faith Hill)
Week 8: Bon Jovi - "Have a Nice Day"
Week 9: Barry Gibbs - "Love You Inside Out" (Bee Gees), "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?" (Bee Gees)
Week 10:
Judges' Choice: "I Believe in You and Me" (Whitney Houston)
Producers' Choice: "Nutbush City Limits" (Ike & Tina Turner)
Contestant Choice: "I'm a Woman" (Peggy Lee/Maria Muldaur)
(Photos courtesy of AmericanIdol.com)