It's almost as though a 28-year-old Judy Garland or Ella Fitzgerald were plunked down in the middle of amateur night. Talents of that caliber and polish would always outshine even the brightest young amateurs.
So I wondered what Melinda's background was, and why she needs AI to reach stardom. She has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music from Belmont University in Nashville. She has a very successful career as a backup singer, having performed on the stage, on tours, and on recordings. She's recorded backup vocals for albums by Aaron Neville, CeCe Winans, American Idol's George Huff, and others.
She is also a vocalist with the Music for the Soul Christian music ministry. Here's a link to a page that includes her photo, among others. She has sung the lead on some songs for the music ministry.
In researching Melinda, I came across a reminder that, during the audition phase, she told the judges she liked being a backup singer because that was her comfort zone. She also said that a year ago she was hoping to become a backup singer on American Idol. What made her take the step of auditioning as a contestant instead of as a backup singer for the show has never been revealed as far as I could determine. But I wonder if she tried out as a backup singer for this season, and someone connected with the show encouraged her to audition as a contestant instead. We'll probably never know.
Anyway, apparently she really has had to work at overcoming a painful shyness. Judging by comments about her awkward physique on AI boards around the internet, that may very well be the source of her shyness as some folks here on this thread have already observed. In any case, she's been hiding a great talent in the background for years, and I'm glad she finally decided to take the risk of coming to the forefront.
Although she should walk away with the win this year, I suspect her core audience is older than the tweens, teens and very young adults who are the show's core audience. I can see the kids and young adults gravitating toward Blake, Chris Robinson, and Gina, while the vote for the "divas" is split.
If this were the 1940's I'd have every confidence Melinda would win. But this is the era of rythmic talking (rap) being considered music, and no-talents being famous just for being famous. So who knows what will happen.
Good research. She is gifted and she's going to the top. Genuine.
This is the first season I've watched Idol. Now my husband is hooked.
You might be right about Melinda trying out for backup and being sent to the judges. Lots of good info in what you posted.
I believe you're right. I'm afraid she won't win. If it gets close to the end, I'm voting like mad for her and Lakisha.
Good morning..great job of research on Melinda. I can't wait to see her after the stylists redo her..
I think when it comes down to those gawd-awful theme nights, Melinda will show her versatility, even more so than LaKisha. While I believe LaKisha is a true talent and amazing vocalist in her genre, Melinda has already shown how she can twist a song around and own it. I have a hard time picturing someone like LaKisha or Chris R (as much as I like him) doing Beatles night.
At some point, I hope that she can somehow work her magic on a very contemporary song, so that the younger set can relate to her.