Doolittle was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Steve and Marguerite Doolittle. She graduated from Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1995. Although she has been singing since the seventh grade, her professional career did not begin until 1999 as a music major from Belmont University. Doolittle sang back-up for Michael McDonald, Anointed, Mandisa, Aaron Neville, Jonny Lang, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Alabama, Julie Wilde, and CeCe Winans.
American Idol
Audition
Doolittle first auditioned for American Idol in Memphis, Tennessee. She sang the song "For Once in My Life", which was popularized by Stevie Wonder, one of her favorite artists. She went down to Memphis with some friends who were auditioning and decided to audition for fun. She was met with admiration from all three judges in response to her audition. They did express concern, however, about the nerves she had exhibited and told her to believe in herself.
Semi-finals
Doolittle managed to secure herself a spot in the Top 24, who all performed on national television. During her first broadcast performance, Doolittle was highly praised for her rendition of "Sweet Sweet Baby (Since You’ve Been Gone)", by Aretha Franklin. The following week, Doolittle pulled off another winning performance with the song "My Funny Valentine". According to the judges, it was "without question the best vocal we've had through the competition.", and it ranked #3 in AOL Top 20 Idol Performances. For her last semifinal performance, Doolittle attempted the song "I'm a Woman", causing Simon Cowell to call her "a little tiger," continuing: "I thought we had a pussycat." On March 8, 2007, Doolittle made it into the show's Top 12.
Finals
* Week 1 - March 13, 2007 with special guest Diana Ross, Doolittle performed Diana Ross' song Home. After her performance, she received an enormous standing ovation that lasted for quite some time. She was once again praised by the judges and even made Paula Abdul cry over how much emotion she showed. After her performance, Simon Cowell proclaimed her as a "fantastic singer," comparing her to a young Gladys Knight.
* Week 2 - March 20, 2007 with special guest Lulu, Doolittle sang "As Long As He Needs Me" by Shirley Bassey for Top 11 "British Invasion" week. Once again, she received praises from all three judges, and Simon referred to her vocals as impeccable. Ashley Ferl, a 13 year old girl who achieved fame notably from crying during Sanjaya's performance, was once again shown shedding tears as Doolittle sang.
* Week 3 - March 27, 2007 with special guest Gwen Stefani, Doolittle made a change of pace and sang an up tempo song called "Heaven Knows" by Donna Summer. She received praises again, and Randy complimented her on how she knew how to sing like the character would have in the song. Simon said that once again it was another outstanding vocal.
* Week 4 - April 3, 2007, with special guest Tony Bennett, she sang "I Got Rhythm". Doolittle received a standing ovation from the audience and critical acclaim from all three judges. Simon, who is known for being very critical, said they would never be able to criticize her. The next night, Melinda, Lakisha Jones and Jordin Sparks were the top three in collecting votes for their performances.
* Week 5 - April 10, 2007, with special guest Jennifer Lopez, Doolittle sang "Sway". Randy thought it was solid, but it wasn't her best. Paula gave her a thumbs up, saying that she was sultry and sexy, a side she had never seen in Doolittle before. She then received her first unsatisfactory review on the show, as Simon said "Well, it had to happen Melinda... I didn't like it." He continued, saying that it was "lazy and wooden." Doolittle responded that she was glad he finally got the chance to say something bad about her performance.
* Week 6 - April 17, 2007, with special guest Martina McBride, Doolittle sang "Trouble Is A Woman", an up tempo song. She received a positive response from both the audience and all three judges. Randy thought it was once again another solid performance by "our resident pro." Paula said she just knows how to pick the right songs and perform like "there's no tomorrow," and Simon said that it was a fantastic performance, and that he felt like he had seen a bit of a "Tina Turner" side in her. The only criticism that Simon gave was that she needed to lose the shocked look when she gets compliments, attributed to the fact that she was too modest. The following night, Doolittle displayed just how humble she is. Ryan Seacrest had divided the seven contestants into two groups. One contained Jordin Sparks, Phil Stacey, and Chris Richardson; the other was comprised of Sanjaya Malakar, LaKisha Jones, and Blake Lewis. Doolittle was left alone in the middle of the stage with Seacrest, as he told her she was safe. He proceeded to tell her to go to the group she thought was safe. She shook her head and refused; after persistence from Seacrest, she sat down in the middle of the stage. As a result, she received approval from the audience, judges, Seacrest, as well as her fellow contestants.[4]
* Week 7 - April 24, 2007 Doolittle sang "There Will Come A Day" by Faith Hill as part of the "Idol Gives Back" special. She again gave a stunning performance, and left Randy speechless as he said: "I don't even know what to say anymore." Paula said that there was "no one like you, you're just magical." Simon joked and asked her if she would look surprised, since he criticized that she looks shocked too often when she receives compliments. He went on to comment that what he liked about the performance was that it wasn't a copycat, and she made him believe that it was as if she had recorded the song originally, and added that it was a "vocal masterclass."
* Week 8 - May 1, 2007 She sang "Have a Nice Day" by Bon Jovi. In her introductory video, she noted that she was very uncomfortable with rock music and wasn't sure what to do. In spite of this, she delivered another solid performance prompting Simon to say that her vocal was in another league from any of the other contestants. Paula added that she was a "rock star," and both Randy and Simon also compared her to a young "Tina Turner."
* Week 9 - May 8, 2007 For her first performance, Doolittle sang "Love You Inside Out", where, for the first time since Top 8 Latin week and only the second time on her run on Idol, she was given only mixed reviews. Randy and Paula both thought that it was only alright, while Simon commented that he knew that she always gave incredible performances and that this performance wasn't enough compared to her previous efforts, and referred to it more as a "backup" vocal. For her second performance, Doolittle sang "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?", following which the judges' critiques returned to universal praise. Randy said that he knew she had it, and that she is still a resident pro. Paula said that the vocals were great, but she would like to see something more surprising from Doolittle. Simon commented that he did not understand what Paula meant, and proceeded to say that he thought "the second half of the performance just put her in the semifinals next week."
* Week 10 - May 15, 2007. For this week, the contestants had to sing three songs: first, a judge's pick, then, an American Idol producer's pick, and lastly, the contestant's own choice.
o The first was Randy Jackson's choice: "I Believe in You and Me" by Whitney Houston. All the judges were impressed and Randy complimented that he picked something challenging for Doolittle because he wanted to see how she did, and was proud that she nailed it. He also noted that she "blew it out the box." Simon said that "round one" was hers. All three judges also noted that if she could sing Whitney, she could sing anything.
o The second song was the producer's choice: "Nutbush City Limits". Again, the judges were impressed. Randy noted it was another strong performance, Paula called her "fantastic," and Simon noted that he loved "that side of her." This performance was unusual because Doolittle, usually known for her shy, humble personality, was shown grabbing the microphone stand like a rocker and showing a Tina Turner attitude that the judges loved.
o Her final song was her own choice, "I'm a Woman", which she also sang during the Top 16 round. Despite messing up her second line of the lyrics, Doolittle was met with universal praise from all three judges. Simon even felt that if anyone deserved to be in the finale because of delivering week to week, she would be the one.
o When Ryan Seacrest asked all three judges which contestants they would like to see in the final rounds (Top 2) next week, Randy mentioned he would like to see Doolittle as well as Jordin Sparks. Paula declined to answer, and Simon merely stated that he wanted to see "my girl Melinda."
o Doolittle was eliminated on May 16, 2007, after nearly 60 million votes were cast, which surprised many critics and observers, especially Simon Cowell. Simon later noted that he would've happily swapped either finalist, Lewis or Sparks, for Doolittle. He stated that he wanted to see one of them against the "big singer," but later suggested that the reason why Doolittle may have been voted off was because Lewis and Sparks were "much younger," and that younger viewers vote more often than older ones.[5]
* On the night of her elimination, Melinda was referred to as one of the greatest singers in the history of the show by the judges as well as Ryan Seacrest.
* When former Idol contestants were asked who they thought would win the season on May 10, the vote was almost unanimous: Melinda Doolittle.[6]
* Finale Night - Along with the other eliminated nine Idol contestants, Doolittle was invited back to perform for the finale. She had a special performance with Bebe and Cece Winans. She again received a standing ovation from the crowd, as well as all three judges. Notably, Doolittle and seventh place finisher Sanjaya Malakar were the only finalists besides Lewis and Sparks to have featured performances during the telecast.
Post-Idol
Melinda Doolittle will be part of the American Idols Tour 2007, along with fellow contestants who were in the top 10. Some of her performances included "Proud Mary", which she sang as a duet with Sanjaya Malakar (joked by many critics to compare 'the best and the worst' of Season 6), Supremes tribute with Lakisha Jones, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, which she sang solo. Two days after the American Idol Season Finale, Melinda, along with the other nine top ten contestants, appeared on Larry King Live.
In an exclusive interview with Good Morning America, Simon Cowell stated that the season six title of American Idol should have rightfully gone to Melinda.[8]
Writer Stephen Holden of The New York Times described her as a "phenomenally gifted, stylistically adroit [...] Gladys Knight-Tina Turner hybrid [who] brings a compelling honesty to every phrase she sings," and predicted a successful post-Idol career for her.[9]
Doolittle has stated that she plans to work on a CD, and that it would be "soul music",[10] yet a recording contract has not been confirmed.
Melinda along with Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks performed at Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special where they sang America.[disambiguation needed]
It has been confirmed that Doolittle will be joining Michael W. Smith on his upcoming Christmas tour. [1]
On February 3, 2009, Melinda released her debut album, "Coming Back to You." Over thirteen tracks, the long-awaited CD spanned such musical stylings as classic soul, smooth jazz, standards, blues, and gospel.
Philanthropy
In June 2007, Melinda visited Zambia with Laura Bush and the Malaria No More organization to distribute life-saving bed nets and raise awareness. As part of the trip, she performed with a praise band at the Miracle Life Family Church in Lusaka.
Wonderful
Melinda Doolittle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe in a past life, you were mine and I was yours
'Cause the vibe we share feels so comfortable
Is it possible someone could make me lose control?
Look what you've done to me, finding it hard to breathe
'Cause I just can't believe you're feeling me like I'm feeling you
I had to pinch myself 'cause nobody else has given me such a chill
I just gotta let you know in case you didn't know
I-I-I think you're wonderful
There's this thing you do to me
That thing that makes me weak
Baby I-I-I think you're wonderful
Questioning what this is, if it's too good to be true
I don't wanna fool myself 'cause I'm fallin' hard for you
Givin' me that old school love, sayin' I'm the only one
Showin' me in so many ways that you're crazy for me
Look what you've done to me, finding it hard to breathe
'Cause I just can't believe you're feeling me like I'm feeling you
I had to pinch myself 'cause nobody else has given me such a chill
And made me feel the way that you do
I just gotta let you know in case you didn't know
I-I-I think you're wonderful
There's this thing you do to me
That thing that makes me weak
Baby I-I-I think you're wonderful
I'd go anywhere far away from here
It would be okay as long as you are there
You'll take away my pain, I'll never be the same
You've got my heart baby and I just want to say
I just gotta let you know in case you didn't know
I-I-I think you're wonderful
There's this thing you do to me
That thing that makes me weak
Baby I-I-I think you're wonderful
I just gotta let you know in case you didn't know
I-I-I think you're wonderful
There's this thing you do to me
That thing that makes me weak
Baby I-I-I
In Melinda Doolittle's song "Wonderful", the artist describes the feeling of falling in love and being unable to resist the person's charm and affection. She starts by recounting how familiar the person seems to her, as if they had known each other in a past life. The connection they share is so strong and effortless that she wonders if it's even possible for someone to have such a hold on her. She feels like the person understands her in a way that no one else has before, and it's making her lose control.
As the song progresses, Melinda talks about how incredible it feels to be with this person. She's finding it hard to breathe because she can't believe how much the person likes her in return. It's almost too good to be true, but she can't help falling for them more and more every day. The person is showing her an "old school love" and making her feel like she's the only one that matters to them. She can't stop thinking about how wonderful they are and how they make her feel weak in the knees just by being around.
In the last verse, she talks about how much she would do for this person. She would go anywhere and put up with anything as long as they were together. The person has already stolen her heart and she just wants them to know how much they mean to her. Overall, "Wonderful" is a song about the joy and exhilaration of falling in love and being with someone who makes you feel like you're the most important person in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Feels like I've seen you before
The sense of familiarity in our connection is reminiscent of a past life where we were together.
Maybe in a past life, you were mine and I was yours
I feel like we were meant to be together even before this current life we share.
'Cause the vibe we share feels so comfortable
Our connection is one of ease and comfort, like we have known each other for years.
Is it possible someone could make me lose control?
I feel vulnerable and out of control because of the intensity of my feelings for you.
Look what you've done to me, finding it hard to breathe
Your impact on me is intense, and it's hard to catch my breath around you.
'Cause I just can't believe you're feeling me like I'm feeling you
It's hard to believe that you feel the same way about me as I do about you.
I had to pinch myself 'cause nobody else has given me such a chill
You give me an electric feeling that no one else has ever been able to evoke in me.
And made me feel the way that you do
The way you make me feel is indescribable and beyond compare.
I just gotta let you know in case you didn't know
I want to make sure you are aware of how much you mean to me.
There's this thing you do to me
You have a particular effect on me that I can't quite put into words.
That thing that makes me weak
Whatever that effect is, it makes me feel vulnerable and powerless in the best way possible.
Baby I-I-I think you're wonderful
I think you are amazing and incredible in every way.
Questioning what this is, if it's too good to be true
I am unsure about what this connection means and whether it's really happening because it feels too perfect.
I don't wanna fool myself 'cause I'm fallin' hard for you
I don't want to deceive myself about my feelings because I am deeply and strongly attracted to you.
Givin' me that old school love, sayin' I'm the only one
You are treating me with a kind of love that feels classic and timeless, and you make me feel like I'm the only person in the world who matters.
Showin' me in so many ways that you're crazy for me
You express your love and passion for me in countless ways that leave no doubt in my mind about your feelings for me.
I'd go anywhere far away from here
I would be willing to go anywhere in the world as long as you are with me.
It would be okay as long as you are there
As long as you are by my side, everything else would be fine with me no matter where we are.
You'll take away my pain, I'll never be the same
Your presence in my life has the power to heal my pain and change me for the better.
You've got my heart baby and I just want to say
You have captured my heart, and I need to express how deeply I feel about you.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Ronald Anthony Lawrence, Aleese Simmons, Phillip Anthony White, Katrina Celeste Willis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrGooie
I saw her perform this song live today and she was AMAZING. I loved the live version than the recorded version
Jazmin
excellent...excellent.....simply beautiful