Watch Melinda Doolittle’s incredible performance of “Natural Woman” from Saturday night’s concert:
“Nashville is the new LA” is written on Melinda’s shirt. And when I met her at the after show (even though she was about to dash out, she spoke with me for a minute and allowed me to snap this picture) she said her next move was to get back there and take a looong nap.
Currently she is writing and collecting songs for an album. She’s really excited about touring with Michael W. Smith. She’ll be performing on his Christmas tour starting in November. She was originally scheduled to perform with the New York City Young People’s choir at Carnegie Hall, but she’s not going to be doing that gig now.
***
***
***
Melinda’s “Natural Woman” was one of the highlights of the Idol concert. What makes Melinda amazing is that while she approaches her songs like a technician, she’s still able to bring warmth and emotion to her performances. It’s hard to imagine Melinda fitting into the Top 40 world of today (she would have had mega hits in the 80’s a la Anita Baker, no doubt), yet, there has to be a niche for Melinda somewhere. Whether it’s jazz, gospel or Broadway. Or maybe all three. She’s too fine a talent for the music industry to pass up.
*
*
*
