I just want to state how proud I am of Melinda for all her accomplishments
on American Idol.
Not only did she make it to the top 3, she made it to the VERY top of many individual's Hearts ... who were looking for a new and true "DIVA" who possessed perfect artistry and undeniable talent.
While "America" (a' hem) voted her off the show last night, Melinda certainly proved to everyone (with more taste in their Soul than in their mouth) that she had both of these.
I also want to state how proud I am of the grace she demonstrated, when being told she was no longer on the show. Her character was fully present and it was amazing to watch. Being the true trooper she is ... she took the 'dramatic news' in stride and was appreciative of having had the opportunity. Before leaving the stage to sing her swan song, she went over an encouraged the remaining 2 contestants. That is sooo Melinda!
Now I want to comment on something I have heard people say or wonder about Melinda over and over again.
Finally ... I get to say my piece!
OK ... here is the question:
"Is Melinda really THAT humble of a person? Why does she always act so surprised when she receives praise for being such a great singer?"
My answer: She really is just as she appears. What you saw was a very kind and grace oriented Melinda.
You also witnessed, along with the rest of the world ... a fantastic woman emerging from a cocoon.
Understand, Melinda has "played" the role of back-up singer for many years for many great performers, too many to name. So Melinda (like so many before her) learned to play the game. If you want to 'remain' in the position of back-up singer, you get used to never putting on 'an air' that you are better or at least 'as good' as your boss. In other words, you learn to sing as if you are singing with a choir. You NEVER ... EVER ... SING OUT. Not unless you are invited!
Look at Siedah Garret or even Sheryl Crow. Both were back-up singers for Michael Jackson in their early days. Siedah (who just got off tour with Madonna) even co-wrote Michael's song, "Man in the Mirror."
Do you think Siedah or Sheryl played "star" to get that pay check? I think not.
It can be a bad habit to shake when you "as back-up singer" decide to go out completely on your own.
I have personally known many great back-singers/dancers, even one (who comes to mind named "Ayn") from the early days of Ike and Tina. All I can hear Ayn say right now is, "It is very hard to step out in that spotlight and do your solo ... and boy are you glad when you go back to singing in the dark! The pressure and the stress is much less!" When Melinda started on American Idol she came from a similar circumstance. Plus, she came from very humble beginnings, yet she had enough experience and wisdom to know that she needed to enjoy every moment she was encountering. And how right she was!
What you saw was Melinda absolutely enjoying her journey. With every laugh, sigh or wide-eyed look of surprise. You saw the REAL Melinda on "REALITY TV" discovering, hearing and getting confirmation (for the first time) that she was ever bit as good as her former bosses.
As I am very fortunate to have had the chance to work with her myself, I know a little something about her work habits. She is a total perfectionist and when you hear her sing right in front of you, it just makes you want to hug yourself! Yet, even when I worked with her and called her a "Star Waiting to Born" right to her face ... she blushed.
True Story: Melinda worked with me on my last album, "The Rhythm of Life" and is featured
on the same titled song. **And thanks to her, my online downloads have gone up considerably! THANK YOU MELINDA!!** Anyway, there is a note at the end of the song that I needed her to hold strong and long.
At first she did not think she could do it. But I kept persisting that I thought she could. Finally, she looked at me (in not such a good way) and said, "OK! BUT ONE LAST TIME!" And with a big breath and a mad stare that could freeze boiling water ... she boomed out and held a note that blew everyone away in the studio. When it was over, she just laughed and kinda said, "Wow! That really was good, wasn't it?" Now, whenever I listen to the song, I always wait to hear Melinda hold that note, and I always remember how she thought it would not be possible to give me exactly what I wanted. And yet, she did and more!
Now look at her! She has blossomed into a true Star. Now, I wonder if she will have ME as her back-up singer? LOL!
I believe with all of my Heart ... God willing ... that Melinda Doolittle will be around for many years to come!
So I encourage each of you to keep an eye out for Melinda and for you to support her future projects.
Melinda ... I am proud of you Angel.
Thank you for filling so many with such Joy!
This is just the beginning...
Love and Hugs!
Christian Andréason