Is Melinda Doolittle the Best American Idol Singer ... Ever?
Verne Gay of New York Newsday thinks so. He's what he has to say about Melinda Doolittle ...
TV critics don't have much else to do they often sit around thinking deep thoughts about Jack Bauer's mental health or that amazing bathing suit Tyra Banks wore on "America's Next Top Model."
But sometimes they get bored and switch disciplines altogether. Forced to watch American Idol every week, they dive really deep and wearily wonder, will a truly great female singer ever emerge from this pleasant little talent contest? (Considering the woeful male turnout this season, they almost never bother with the question about a potential Sinatra.)
I'm not just talking "good" or "terrific" or "swell." I'm talking Judy Garland-great. Lady Day-great. Or ... Dinah Shore ... Peggy Lee ... Barbra Streisand ... Julie London ... Aretha Franklin ... Lena Horne ... Gladys Knight ... Put your own favorite name here.
Or, dare I even think such a blasphemous thought: Could American Idol even turn out another Ella Fitzgerald?
Reflexively, the answer is - no way, dumbkopf. The great ones typically have other means of career advancement beyond Idol. It's called "an agent."
But what if ... what if ...?
This is why one Melinda Doolittle, 29, of Brentwood, Tenn., is the single most electrifying performer on American Idol in six seasons.
That Doolittle has already won American Idol is a foregone conclusion. Everyone knows this, or everyone should know this, or everyone will know this in just about two months' time.
But here's the more remarkable thing to consider. Doolittle is, indeed, the potential Great One. She is not merely the finest singer from this season - there is absolutely no point in debating this - but the finest singer on Idol ever.
There's no debating me on this either. Of course, you won't take my word, nor should you, so go to YouTube and check out some other so-called landmark performances, like Fantasia Barrino's "Summertime" or a couple of standards sung by Jennifer Hudson, both during the show's third season.
In the cold light of YouTube, they are merely OK.
Go back to Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood.
Yeah, good. Nice. Fine. Ho-hum. Yaawwwwnnnnn.
Now, go to Melinda Doolittle.
Two weeks ago, she sang Charlie Smalls' "Soon As I Get Home" from "The Wiz." This is a technically difficult song, full of sudden key changes, and tempo breaks, and encompasses pretty much the entire musical scale, while the singer foolish enough to attempt it must maintain absolute command over every single note, or risk demolishing in an instant the spell it casts.
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May 25th, 2007 9:34 PM
I am a principal member of a group that has had 4 top ten hits including the world reknowned record "See You In September". I produced one of their latest CD's released on RCA, and I have been in this business my whole life. I am heart broken yet not necessarily surprised that Melinda was sent home without the gold ring. That being said, I'm so glad to see these sentiments in print. Melinda, who appears to truly be an unassuming, gentle, kind, and almost ego-less individual is, quite simply, nothing less than a world class talent that I would characterize as unrivaled by any of the biggest names in this industry! I'm not ashamed to say that I was literally moved to tears by her rare and extraordinary gift on more than one occasion! I just hope this industry that is so polluted with manafactured artistry, and so blind sighted by the persuit of a quick buck, doesn't miss out on an opportunity to embrace and nurture this truly magnificent gift and plant the seed that legends are derived from.
June 26th, 2007 9:16 PM
Melinda.Doolittle!When I heard your voice first time I was sitting there like a stone without any act just listening,the whole 3 minites.And I said "God,what a good singer!I`ve loving it!" I`m from China,ang my English is poor,but you konw,I relly want you know that I love your show very,very much.Come on,baby,I will buy your CDs,hahaha,do make your singer carrer go on and on.
July 2nd, 2007 8:04 AM
I would like to know if Melinda will produce a CD in the near future.
For me she was the best ever in American idol and I'm very sure somebody must propose to record a CD or something.
If somebody will let me know I will really appreciated.
Thanks SB
August 8th, 2007 12:03 AM
I agree with Sergio. I have been looking everywhere for Melinda's CD's. When can we expect more of her lovely voice?
August 14th, 2007 11:20 AM
I also think that Melinda's voice is one of a kind. I don't usually watch American Idol, because it's aired late at night here in Finland, 11:30pm until about 1 am. But since I heard Melinda singing I just can't wait to hear her singing again. Here, we have 3 weeks left before the finals. But then I've been following her in the internet, so when I saw that she wasn't in the finals, well I really got so dissapointed. So, now I'm just waiting for her first cd. Lycka till, as we say here, or Good luck to you.
June 29th, 2008 5:03 PM
Melinda will released her first album in fall. New website to supporting her with her future album. Fresh updates, Videos and pictures. Come join us
August 12th, 2008 12:42 PM
Tue Aug 12 2008 10:44:54 By: Louise7 ( 5)
This past week Melinda finally finished the vocals on her CD! All of that happens quickly then we will see her CD on shelves this Fall! Also, keep your eye out for her first official single that should be hitting airwaves in the coming weeks. Melinda is going to be throwing a lot of music at us in the coming months so get ready!
New website to support Melinda Career. www.mdstreetteam.com come join us and get to the forum to read what Melinda have to say. She is a amazing singer.