Melinda Doolittle on American Idol

Melinda Doolittle rose to fame on TV show American Idol, where week after week she turned in strong performances separating her from the rest of the contestants. Though a frontrunner throughout the competition, fans pulled for Melinda as if she were the underdog.

Melinda has spent most of her career as a backup singer to others who are less talented, never brave enough to stand in the spotlight on her own.

Then one day, that changed when she stood in line for the American Idol auditions and this little Nashville native would never take a backseat to anyone ever again.

Fans connect with Melinda since it is still so readily apparent that she has trouble in the interview portion of the show and being the in the limelight. The one exception is when she is performing. With a mike in her hand and a band playing behind her, Melinda Doolittle is transformed and empowered when performing vocally.

For that three minutes on stage, singing her heart out, it is apparent the power and range this vocalist has and her emotional connection to the audience. When the song is over, however, Melinda recedes into obvious shyness that is endearing to fans.

So, many people can relate to her plight of being shy to take a risk and constantly standing in other people's shadows. It also gives many in the same plight hope that one day they can spread their wings like Melinda has and transform themselves to the highest and most grandest version of themselves that they can be.

Here is a list of the songs Melinda performed on American Idol:

(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone
My Funny Valentine
I'm a Woman
Home
As Long As He Needs Me
Heaven Knows
I Got Rhythm
Sway
Trouble is a Woman
There Will Come a Day
Have a Nice Day
Top 4 Love You Inside Out
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?
I Believe in You and Me
Nutbush City Limits
I'm a Woman

American Idol is not the end of Melinda Doolittle's career but a grand vehicle to launch a career that will excite fans for decades. Many fans are on the edge of their seats now waiting for her first CD to come out. And to those naysayers who think that Melinda may be just a flash in the pan, in her words, "Have a nice day."