Exclusive
Melinda Doolittle -- Before She Got Screwed

TMZ has obtained exclusive photos of robbed "American Idol" Melinda Doolittle -- from when she was just a grade-schooler!
Click to launch!
These candid photos were taken at the birthday party of one of her closest friends ... then. TMZ also has the wrongly-canned Idol's elementary school class photo (above). Doolittle attended a Christian school, and we're told that she and her mom were very religious.

The old friend told TMZ that Melinda was as genuine then as she appeared to be on the show. "She is such a sweet girl, we spent most of our time playing double dutch together."

Watch for Melinda's career to surpass this year's actual Idol winner, probably Jordin.



Tags: American Idol, AmericanIdol, Melinda Doolittle, MelindaDoolittle

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(Page 5 of 5) Previous 15 Comments

61. Which one is she?



Hehehehe...

Posted at 4:38PM on May 23rd 2007 by Lydia

62. "Idol" should be canceled. If they can't prevent skewed voting then what's the point?

Posted at 12:55PM on May 23rd 2007 by Roger C

63.
JORDIN!!! JORDIN!!! JORDIN!!!!! IDOL ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 5:03PM on May 23rd 2007 by Tyma

64. Melinda has obviously the best singing voice that has ever appeared on Idol. When I listen to her sing you could tell that every other contestant would have to spend the rest of their lives to even be half that good. As a record producer myself, I was wondering how she would be "packaged" to further her career. As we all know the recording industry is trying to create superstars because that sells records to the kids mostly, but I can't wait to sit down with a glass of Chardonnay and thoroughly enjoy Melinda's debut album. She will be a mainstay long after Jordan, & Blake get flashed in the pan.

Posted at 7:36PM on May 23rd 2007 by Dr. Cox

65. Why does everything have to typically end in some type of stereotype (race, religion, body type)? Why can't we just enjoy the person and the individuality they bring to the table. Kristiannah, you were just down right rude and it would be interesting to see what you look like. It is okay to have your opinion about a particular genre of music and/or person, but to belittle them because you may not care to listen to their music shows a lack of character on your behalf. American Idol is a top rated reality show. Reality...things do not always go the way we want them to go or intend for them to go. America, as whole, voted Doolittle, Sparks, and Lewis in the top 3 and Sparks #1. Granted, a lot has to do with who America believes will be more marketable, though they should always consider the main objective of the show "SINGING CONTEST". Doolittle, by far, was the best singer and should have made the top 2 but, in retrospect, I am glad Doolittle and Sparks did not have to go up against one another. Hands down, Sparks was the winner after Doolittle was voted off. Though I disagree with the way Kristiannah made comments, there is some believability to it. Last night was the first time I listened to both Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood and neither of them had anything on Doolittle, Fantasia, Sparks, Elliott, or Reuben (vocally). Matter of fact, their vocals lacked a lot; pitch was off; and so much more was wrong with their performances, but they are marketable according to social stereotypes. The music industry is just as diverse as the world we live in and the reality shows we choose to watch. Ultimately, the sell of any album depends on the choice of music an individual wishes to listen to. Some prefer Doolittle, some prefer Hicks, some prefer London, some prefer Aikens, some prefer Hudson (hopefully, you get the picture). As stated so many times, in some aspects if you just make the Top 12 you are at least a winner for gaining exposure on one of the most top rated reality shows. No matter the level of their talent, they lived @ least some part of their dream and many expressing themselves on these blogs haven't even put their dream into action or come close to it. Express your comments, but try not to hate so much when doing so.

Posted at 8:00AM on May 24th 2007 by Genuine Idol

66. To Comment #63: It is something how, again, race is the center of every issue. Just because Doolittle socialized with some Caucasians, that does not mean they are the foundation and/or reason for her success, character, and personality. Sweetie, what Doolittle possesses has everything to do with what she learned from home. No, I did not grow up with her but I grew up in the same capacity as she did--around and in predominantly Caucasian schools. The "white people" as you categorize them taught me very little about being decent (or maybe they did because of their apparent racism, judgments, and stereotypes, I knew how NOT to act). The picture shown of Doolittle is just one picture, do not get it twisted because it happened to be a picture showing one African-American and the rest Caucasians. She was not around those Caucasians 24 hrs. a day. She spent a small fraction of her day with them and the rest; I'm sure, with her family. Doolittle is hot now, so everyone wants a hand in discerning why she is, who she is. She is who she is because God ordained her life to be that way. Her destiny is her purpose created by God regardless of who she was around and she clearly exemplified that during her entire run on American Idol and I'm sure it'll continue throughout the remainder of her success.

Posted at 8:46AM on May 24th 2007 by Genuine Idol

67. Melinda Doolittle was, by far, the best vocalist!! Jordan Sparks was and is FANTASTIC!!!
American Idol (the program) is a Farce!!!

Posted at 10:29AM on May 24th 2007 by JustSomeGuy

68. One does not to come in first place to be the most successful in the business. History has shown. However, Jordan is an exception talent as well. No one got "screwed" in the end.

Posted at 9:18PM on May 24th 2007 by screenplay1999

69. When LaToya London was voted off a few seasons ago, I realized that the best, most consistent singers could be voted off. I was furious that Jasmine Trias was there, and LaToya was gone. Now I'm just resigned to the process, and I enjoy the show anyway.

Posted at 9:34PM on May 24th 2007 by Crisq

70. I knew weeks out that Melinda would not win AI. Even though she was clearly the most talented, people tend to vote for the most popular contestents. All I know is that I don't fall for the Music Industries ideal of a pop singer. It is about content and quality then it is about how the person looks, unfortunaltly we live in a society where beauty is everything.
I have not bought any of the AI albums, but would buy Melinda's album if she releases one.

Posted at 2:16PM on May 25th 2007 by toybot10

71. Whatever, Melinda is the BEST the rest are GOOD, so i will only buy Melinda's CDs as and when they are available.She will be a Legend.She deserves the best as she has consistently give the best of all shows in all variations. She is not afraid to let people know her flaws like she is nervous, she has fear.....she genuinely a lovable person.She has accepted he vote-out graciously and she looks towards what she can do better in future. As he fans and supporter, lets wish her the very very best and her recognition is universal as I am a Malaysian along with many others juz love her!

Posted at 3:41PM on May 28th 2007 by Potatosho

72. I'll only say 1 thing. Melinda Doolittle is the Chris Daughtry of Season 5. We already know that the winner doesn't aways sell more albums. Melinda will outsell Jordin and Blake combined.

I haven't heard 1 Taylor Hicks song on the radio yet. And I hear several songs from Daughtry every day.

Posted at 12:13PM on Jun 2nd 2007 by David

73. Also. I do not consider anyone a winner who gets more votes from half the amount of people. Unless each one of these people are planning on buying hundreds of her CDs a piece.

Posted at 12:11PM on Jun 2nd 2007 by David

74. Hey # 12,maybe you should pray for a heart & some eyes too,Melinda is beautiful & you
can't compare her voice to any of them on American Idol.I don't see how anyone can listen
to her & not love her,she is AMAZING!!! Also,# 9 what do you mean no personality? Have
you watched her interviews ?And back stage videos on the American Idol website? She is
sweet,smart & has a great sense of humor,she is hilarious! It doesn't matter that she didn't
come in 1st place,I'm sure you will hear more about her than any of them.

Posted at 8:18PM on Jun 27th 2007 by Jo

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