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TechnoratiMelinda Doolittle, former backup singer from Nashville and one of the top Christian finalists competing on this season’s “American Idol,” was recently voted off from the top-rated Fox TV show to the dismay of many fans.
(Photo: AP / Mark Humphrey)Melinda Doolittle, left, one of three finalists from the 'American Idol' television program, poses with fans at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 11, 2007. Doolittle is a 1999 graduate of Belmont. The three finalist were being honored in their hometowns last Friday.
After her removal, another past Christian favorite, Mandisa Lynn Hundley – most commonly known as “Mandisa” - had words of encouragement for her fellow sister.
Although disappointed with how the votes turned out, Mandisa explained in her blog that this would not be the end of the road for Doolittle, but that God has plans for her in the future.
“Well it is a sad, sad day as I sit in my hotel room here in Grand Rapids,” wrote the former ”Idol” contestant. “[Doolittle] had a long and successful run but I will tell you like I just called and left a message telling her...it only begins now.
Mandisa, like Doolittle, was one of the strongest contenders when she competed in last season’s “American Idol.” Before being eliminated from the “Idol” Top 9, Mandisa had never previously been among the bottom three vote-getters. Her vote-off came as a shock to many, as did Doolittle’s Wednesday night.
“Like me, Melinda loves God with all of her heart,” wrote Madisa, who will be coming out with her first single next week. “Because of that, her steps are ordered. She wasn’t eliminated merely because of a song, a faulty phone line, a judge’s comment, or anything else. She was ‘invited to exit’ because God has a plan for her that goes beyond what our human minds can understand.”
As part of her entry, Mandisa explained that competitors get too caught up in what place they finish in, but what is more important, according to the blog, is the way in which a person represents themselves while on the program. Doolittle was more than gracious during her ”Idol” days.
Mandisa also explained that the responsibilities that come with winning the talent contest have some good aspects but also some negative. Artists must do things that they may not want to do, and “Melinda’s elimination was a blessing in disguise.”
The California native concluded her entry by calling for prayer, not only for Doolittle, but also for the final two contestants, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis. They all have a lot of stress right now that needs healing from God.
“Will you join me this week in praying for my girl?” Mandisa wrote. “Pray for peace, understanding, and faith. Finally, ask God to make His plans clear.”
Mandisa, who has performed with soul singer Gladys Knight and worked with award-winning artists tobyMac and Kirk Franklin, will her debut album releasing on July 31 following her first single on May 22. A book that she co-wrote with Angela Elwell Hunt called Idol Eyes was also planned to be released in June by Tyndale House.
