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May 17, 2007
Don't cry for 'Me'-linda
I've been reading a ton of comments on Idol Chatter and other "American Idol" blogs, and the fans are fuming today after Wednesday night's elimination of Melinda Doolittle.
There are accusations of vote-fixing, that the show's now a popularity contest (not a singing competition), that the judges should pick the winner and not let America have a say, that it's all about youth and being cute ... and on and on.
Well, I talked with one person who is just fine with the results. And that would be Melinda herself.
She spoke during a teleconference earlier today with "Idol" reporters and, basically, said, "Hey, I'm fine with this. You guys be fine, too."
And, unlike the fans who say they don't like either Blake Lewis or Jordin Sparks, Melinda had great praise for the two finalists who beat her out.
As gracious as she was in her departure on Wednesday, Melinda was even more warm and humble during her interview today.
Here's some of what she had to say:
Q: We hear the words "shocking, absurd, a total fiasco" being tossed around today. There's talk that Jordin slipped a little, and her fans came out in force this week. And that maybe the girls split the vote. Why do you think you were sent home?
A: You know what? I was up against two amazing contestants. They did a fabulous job Tuesday night. I was probably getting a little bit more of the older vote. I know that because I had folks coming up to me, saying, 'Hey, I voted for you five times!' They weren't spending a full two hours voting. Personally, I think I've won as far as where I ended up in the competition.
Q: How did you feel when Jordin was called forward and told she was safe, and then Ryan (Seacrest) asked you to step up?
A: I kind of had an idea it would be me (going home). I was taking deep breaths. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. ... Actually, it was a happy occasion I made it this far.
Q: Simon (Cowell) gave you a hard time about being visibly shocked by positive critiques. He was pretty shocked last night. What did he and the other judges say to you afterward?
A: He was ultra-supportive last night. He was explaining to me that he believed in me and wanted me to succeed. All of the judges were so sweet and encouraging about my future.
Q: How did your mother and the rest of your family react?
A: My mom was back at home. She called me to see if I was OK. I said I was and she said we'll just take this and run with it. She's been my biggest supporter out here.
Q: It sounds like you're pretty fond of Jordin and Blake. What's particularly interesting about them?
A: Jordin is only 17 years old! It doesn't make any sense for someone her age to sing that well. I'm in awe of her. She has one of the most mature voices I've ever heard. And a pure heart. It comes through when she sings.
Blake may quite be one of the most original performers "American Idol" has ever had. He takes songs and makes them his own. He gets into his own groove. He takes risks. I'm so proud of him for doing that. For stepping out and making people listen to a different style of music.
Q: You're friends with Season 5 contestant (and former Sacramentan) Mandisa. What advice did she give you?
A: Mandisa has been great for me. She's been the kind of person who knows what I'm going through. She didn't necessarily give me advice. She told me to love it and live in the moment. She's been a great rock.
Q: Which live performance turned out better than you expected, and which performance did you feel you let loose on?
A: Goodness. I think maybe "Have a Nice Day" (for the first question). I was most afraid of doing rock because I had never attempted it before. It was way out of my comfort zone. I'm still dumbfounded people really liked it.
Sadly, the first time I let loose was after I got eliminated last night. So much goes through your head when you're being judged and voted on. I don't know if I've completely achieved letting loose on the show.
Q: As a previous backup singer, you brought the "Idol" backup singers on stage when you performed "I'm A Woman." Was that planned?
A: I remembered doing the song before and I went back to sing with them. They've been my rock, my support. They can hold their own out front, and I'm so grateful for them. And I think it's great for fans to see them in their element.
Q: As the show progressed, you started looking more confident, more sexy and really dressing great on that $400 budget. Any thoughts on that and your evolving hairstyles?
A: You know what? I'm trying to pack my suitcase now. I've got great new clothes. The show has great stylists who have been very helpful to me. I'm also privileged to have a best friend who was a stylist. She instilled something in me, so hopefully I will shop better. I'm gonna blame the sexy part on the new wig! I now have more than one, and I love them. I even started to name them. One of my favorites is the "Whitney."
Q: Back to the age issue. You're 29. How did that factor in your relationships with the other contestants, and do you really think it influenced the voting?
A: Everybody is hiliarous on this show. Because I'm the oldest, I'm the mama of the bunch. They're my babies. We love to hang out. We're definitely one big happy family, and Blake is definitely the class clown. As for my age, it may or may not have figured in the voting. It's just speculation. Hey, it could be that more people like Jordin and Blake, and I'm OK with that.
Q: Most of the Top 12 contestants are back in L.A. Are you looking forward to reuniting with them (for the show finale on Wednesday)?
A: I didn't get to see anybody last night because of all the interviews. But I know we're starting rehearsals for the finale today, so I'll see all of them.
Q: You said at one point you were really afraid going in to this whole thing. Was there a time when you shed that fear, and when did you first decide to audition?
A: I was driving to Memphis (audition site) with a friend of mine to support him. He wanted me to see the funny auditions in person. But you had to actually audition to get inside. I was the only one out of that group to make it through. I thought to myself, "I'm still here!"
The growth in me has been amazing. There is a lady minister, and I heard something she said about being afraid. She said the key is not losing the fear. Go ahead and do it afraid. The fear will go. It's been a gradual thing for me. I got past it more and more as the weeks went by.
Q: What type of album would you like to record?
A: The only way to describe it would be soul music. Anything from the heart, but with a groove. Anything where I can tell a story.
Q: What will you take away from your experiences on "American Idol?"
A: The biggest thing is that I know I was really scared to do this at the beginning. I had to step out, even in the midst of fear. It gave me an outlook on how strong God has made me. I found my own voice instead of blending my voice with others.
Posted by Leigh Grogan at May 17, 2007 12:34 PM
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