Melinda Doolittle (real name - Melinda Marie Doolittle) is an American singer. She was born on October 6, 1977.

She finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season of American Idol. Prior to her appearance on American Idol, Doolittle worked as a professional back-up singer for, among others, Michael McDonald, Kirk Franklin, Aaron Neville, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Alabama, Jonny Lang, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Anointed.

Doolittle first auditioned for American Idol in Memphis, Tennessee. She sang the song "For Once in My Life", which was popularized by Stevie Wonder, one of her favorite artists.

Doolittle managed to secure herself a spot in the Top 24, who all performed on national television. During her first broadcast performance, Doolittle was highly praised for her rendition of "Sweet Sweet Baby (Since You’ve Been Gone)", by Aretha Franklin. According to the judges, it was "without question the best vocal of the night.", and it ranked no 3 in AOL Top 20 Idol Performances.

In June 2007, Melinda visited Zambia with Laura Bush and the Malaria No More organization to distribute life-saving bed nets and raise awareness. As part of the trip, she performed with a praise band at the Miracle Life Family Church in Lusaka.