Melinda Doolittle

Melinda Doolittle is a 29-year-old pop star from American Idol who lives in Memphis, Tennessee. Originally from Brentwood, Tennessee, Melinda has wowed the judges, (yes, even Simon 'The Scowl' Cowell) week after week, evading deletion from America's most beloved television show.

A fan of Aretha Franklin, Melinda Doolittle was a music major in college and went on to become a backup singer for various artists.

From her vary first audition on American Idol, Melinda has told people that she has wanted to step out of the shadows of others and into her own spotlight as a lead singer.

As a person who likes to make other people laugh, Ms. Doolittle also claims that her Christian religion is a large part of her life. Before each performance Melinda Doolittle prays and she considers the Bible to be her lucky charm in performing and in life.

The toughest obstacle in American Idol so far has been overcoming fear. The shy and reserved Doolittle, however shows little fear when she's actually performing on stage, belting out songs like "Trouble Is A Woman" or "Heaven Knows".

When the judges critique Melinda Doolittle's performances her typical facial expression has been one of shock and surprise at the accolades. In fact, when in the episode when the TV show was down to its last seven contestants, Simon had mentioned to Melinda not to look surprised by his feedback as he didn't want to see this expression on her face again.

Many viewers can relate to Melinda Doolittle's plight, making her the frontrunner for most of the season. Millions can relate to standing in someone else's shadow and never getting credit or the opportunity to come out into their own.

Many can also relate to the tentative and innocent nature Melinda has shown, clearly uncomfortable yet, being completely in the limelight. But, as Melinda Doolittle steps out of the shadows and into the bright, hot spotlight, so do we all step out of the shadows a little more.

Ms. Doolittle is the poster child for courage in the face of fear, pursuing your dreams in spite of fears that may seem insurmountable and achieving and acclimating oneself to one's own well deserved success. Melinda Doolittle does a lot for the rest of us and will be in that spotlight for many years to come, showing us this "Little Engine That Could" and gone and done and done it well.