tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73663468815886330422024-03-14T10:05:49.970-07:00Melinda's BlogMelinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-60089430666026234222013-10-09T08:50:00.000-07:002013-10-09T08:50:42.971-07:00Never Giving Up<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Recently, I had someone
close to me tell me to only talk about my successes so people wouldn’t see me
as weak. For a brief second, I listened, but then I remembered the people who
have had the biggest influence on my life. Those were the people who weren’t
afraid to share all parts of their journey with me…the failures and the
successes. Then, I knew that not only was I not alone in whatever I was facing
at the time, but there was success on the other side and the lesson would be in
the journey. So…here goes…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">When I walked into the
room to write "Never Giving Up", I went in planning on writing a really upbeat,
sassy song. Then my producer, Tre’ Corley, and awesome songwriter, Jonathan
Lee, asked me to name the most difficult obstacle I have faced in the past 7
years. It took me all of three seconds to know what my answer was. Short and
simple, it was dealing with all the awful things people said about me as a
person after American Idol. There were always really amazing things being said
about my singing, but when people had anything bad to say, it was always about
my looks and sometimes my personality. People made fun of the fact that I have
a short neck and a wider nose. They said I had a bland personality and, if
anything, I was putting on an act on TV and I was probably a really rude
person. Those words hurt more than anything they could have ever said about my
voice. They stuck with me and I believed those words far too long. Even while
singing at The White House, Carnegie Hall, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and
so many more amazing places, I still saw myself as less than.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Well, one day, I was
speaking to a fellow artist and I was explaining to her what people were saying
about me and she told me people were saying the exact same things to her. I was
shocked! I consider this woman to be one of the most beautiful and successful
human beings I know and people were calling her less than also. That day
changed everything for me. It was definitely a process, but I started to see
myself as the beautiful woman God created me to be. I started being able to
appreciate all of the awesome things I had been able to do as an artist and see
the success in that. I came to the conclusion that no matter what people said
about me, the true test was in what I believed about myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">That is what "Never
Giving Up" is all about. Even when life takes a different path that I could have
ever imagined, I will always be a big dreamer and I won’t give up until it
happens. The song focuses on love, but really it’s about life. It’s about knowing
myself and what I’m capable of, and not letting anything…the words people say,
how hard the journey is, how delayed the winning seems…make me stop the fight.
I’m so much stronger than people give me credit for and I refuse to give up on
ANYTHING. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">So, that’s my journey of "Never Giving Up". Will you share yours with me? You can either send me a message
on here, on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMelindaDoolittle" target="_blank">facebook page</a> or on <a href="https://twitter.com/mdoolittle" target="_blank">twitter</a>. I want to know
your story. You never know, maybe telling it is half the battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Xoxo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>447</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2553</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>21</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3135</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Melinda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">P.S. Wanna hear a little snippet of the chorus? Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Giving-Up/dp/B00FOTS3IS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381331293&sr=8-1&keywords=never+giving+up+melinda+doolittle" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-73756287595256314332013-05-08T09:24:00.001-07:002013-05-08T09:24:15.611-07:00My Top 5 Perspective
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>661</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3769</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>31</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4628</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Yesterday, an article came out for the New York Times that claimed to rank “<a href="http://6thfloor.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/07/rank-something-the-top-5-most-talented-american-idol-contestants-ever/">The Top 5 Most Talented ‘American
Idol’ Contestants Ever</a>.” Obviously, this is all based on the opinion
of the writer. There was no poll conducted or anything like that. Nevertheless,
I made the list!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Fact: I don’t normally read articles like this
because I never know what they’re going to say, but the link had been tweeted
to me so many times, I gave in and clicked on it. Imagine my surprise when I
found myself #2 on the list…sandwiched between the flawless Kelly Clarkson and
the amazing Jennifer Hudson. Rounding out the list were Carrie Underwood and Nadia
Turner. I was in the company of ‘Idol’ royalty!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Then, my eyes drifted to what this particular
writer thought of me. His exact words were…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“The rare artist who benefited from “Idol” pushing her into
unfamiliar genres (her rock rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Have a Nice Day” killed),
but a postshow retreat into safe soul territory has made her a footnote in the
music industry.”</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In all honesty, my first reactions were of
disappointment, hurt and embarrassment. I decided not to “retweet” the link to
the article and tried to pretend I never saw it. However that “footnote”
reference would not leave me alone. So, I did what I always do. I prayed about
it. What happened next is one of the many reasons I am so grateful for a God
who loves me dearly. I began to be reminded of the awesome things I have been
blessed to do as a result of being on American Idol. From performing at The
White House, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Rock & Roll Hall of
Fame and so many other amazing places…to becoming an author and speaker with my
own book “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Me-Finding-Lifes-Level/dp/1484815939/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368027559&sr=8-2&keywords=beyond+me+melinda">BeyondMe</a>”…to traveling
all over the country singing my heart out…to being a part of life-saving
efforts for children both domestically and internationally…I have absolutely
LOVED every opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In the midst of me being reminded of how
thankful I was to be doing what I love for a living, a chapter of my book came
to mind. It’s a lesson my Mommy taught me when I was younger. Chew the hay and
spit out the sticks. (I grew up in Oklahoma…we’re country! LOL!) This approach
to criticism is both difficult and rewarding, because you have to be willing to
be extremely honest with yourself. So, that’s what I did. If I’m being honest,
the NYT writer was correct. I love that ‘Idol’ pushed me into so many
unfamiliar genres and it did open new possibilities for me vocally. I never
knew there was a rocker in there.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">J</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">However,
I definitely did retreat into a safe soul territory with my CD. Whether that
was my choice or not, doesn’t matter to the writer. He was just merely stating
a fact. So, in “chewing the hay,” I had to agree with him and decide if I
wanted to do anything about it. While I’ve always been told a CD should be one
genre so as to not confuse the audience, I now tend to give more credit to the
audience. My voice is soulful and It will be on any style song you hear it on.
So, there’s your continuity. Genre is free game.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">J</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I can’t wait
for you all to hear the new music we’ve been working on. Now, for “spitting out
the sticks.” What he describes as a footnote, I describe as bliss. I hear what
he’s saying and I can now say it doesn’t bother me. I see that he’s comparing
me to others on his list of 5 and in sheer comparison…I get it. However, my
life and career are my own and I am so grateful for how things are going. Can I
do more? OF COURSE! Will I do more? YOU BET? Will it be to prove him wrong?
NOPE. It’ll be because it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. Will him being
proved wrong be an added bonus? MAYBE. Hehehe…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I wrote this blog to be real with you guys.
There are always things in life that will attempt to bring you down and may
succeed for a while. Learn to chew the hay, spit out the sticks and live your
life they way God has planned for you…not for anyone else. Comparison happens,
but at the end of the day, you will do your very best at just being you. I know
it’s cliché, but it’s truth. So, be real with yourself and as much as you can,
work on seeing the best side of all things. Your perspective makes all the
difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, today...I’m in the Top 5 Most Talented
‘American Idol’ Contestants! That's pretty dang cool if you ask me! Woo Hoo!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-86143921870819567712013-02-26T12:03:00.000-08:002013-02-26T12:03:51.655-08:00Les Mis
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>345</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1967</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>16</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2415</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So…I know I’m WAY late, but I just saw the Les Miserables
movie yesterday. I have to admit, I was nervous to see it at first because I
heard so many differing opinions on it. Some people loved it and sobbed as they
watched this tragic story of redemption and others could not get past the fact
that some actors could not sing and this was, in fact, a musical and therefore
required that ability. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Normally, it is extremely hard for me to watch/listen to any
musical performance without my “singer hat” on, so I was not excited about
having to try, but I gave in because I knew I would kick myself if I failed to
see Les Mis on the big screen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turns out, I’m so glad I did. I loved it! I didn’t sob (I’m
beginning to think I only cry at animated films like Toy Story), but I loved
it. Now, there were definitely times I questioned my sanity as some characters
(one in particular) let out some vocal sounds worthy of an entire episode of
Idology critique, but what I loved was the commitment these actors had. I was
actually inspired by it. The fact that they immersed themselves SO deeply into
something that does not come naturally to them and most of them carried it out
beautifully was a wonder to me. It was also a challenge to me to push myself
harder…to dive deeper into my songs…and to not be afraid to let imperfections
color outside the lines a bit for the sake of a message. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am fully aware that I have heard and seen beyond amazing
performances of these songs by Broadway actors and I would have loved to see
more of them utilized for this movie.
***Side note: Eponine and Marius were absolutely brilliant and they are
perfect examples of Broadway actors being utilized so very well.*** However, I thought this was definitely
cast well. I mean, have you ever wanted Javert to die as much as you did in
this movie? Also, wasn’t Anne Hathaway beautifully flawed? How about that
“Master of the House” performance? Was that not brilliant? What about Gavroche?
Plus, I can watch Hugh Jackman lift anything heavy off of anybody for as long
as you’d like me to. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">;-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All that to say, I had a great time watching the story
unfold. Next time, I may watch with my “singer hat” on and have a different
story to tell, but for now I will give them their kudos for One Day More! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m so curious to know what you thought about the movie? Did
you love it? Did you hate it? Hit the comment section and let me know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-31876190703214178272012-11-01T11:39:00.000-07:002012-11-01T11:39:03.907-07:00X Factor thoughts!
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>754</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4303</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5284</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>754</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4303</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5284</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.5pt;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>755</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4307</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5289</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.5pt;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>755</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4307</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5289</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>755</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4307</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5289</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>755</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4307</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5289</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>755</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4307</o:Characters>
<o:Company>MDE</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5289</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<b>Watching last night’s X Factor today
and I thought I would let you in on my thoughts as they happen. Pretty much,
I’m live tweeting…except…it’s not live. LOL! Here we go!</b><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
1. Still mad at Demi Lovato for letting
Jillian Jensen go! *side note: I think I have that same muumuu she’s wearing.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
2. Simon is wearing fangs. That’s all I’m
gonna say about that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
3. Ummm…crazy plunging neckline Khloe
(but she looks great) and Hi, Mario…I love you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
4. Question: Is the audience going to be
this loud the entire show? Can’t they turn them down a little?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
5. Paige Thomas is first. Demi just
admitted that she’s not the best vocalist. Wow. Why cut her hair if she’s gonna
wear a spike hat? A LOT going on in that performance. Hmmm…not my fave, but
kinda reminded me of [insert any award show here].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
6. I would love to see the artists work
up to these HUGE productions. Start smaller and have somewhere to grow, I
think.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
7. Arin is next. Did Britney just say he
needs to “focal down?” I think I know what she meant…I think. Cool version of
this song. A few pitch problems and is he old enough to have those ladies
body-rolling on him like that?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
8. L.A. Reid is kinda harsh on David. Is
this like a reverse psychology strategy? Boy can sing. Interesting song choice,
but I think he sang it well. Totally agree with Simon on the slightly manic
delivery, but overall I liked it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
9. Sister C…can someone please tell me
who doesn’t think these girls are likeable? Didn’t they audition with this
song? Yay for 3 part harmony, though! I like them. GASP – could they be likeable?!?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
10. I refuse to blame Khloe for having to
deliver that “Hex Factor” line before the lights went out. I will, however,
blame whoever came up with that idea. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
11. Jennel really likes fringe. She rocked
that song. There were a few weak moments where I thought she could have made
better melody choices to highlight her voice, but nice job!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
12. I see what Britney is trying to do
with Diamond…keep her young. Plus, I think De’Borah from The Voice has ruined
anyone else singing this song for me. She has my favorite version! However,
loved what Diamond did at the end vocally. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
13. This song is way too low for Vino at
the beginning. Oh dear…he took his hat off. He’s definitely a rocker and the
higher part at the end was really cool. Hmmm…Simon says he’s more of a soul singer…now
I’m confused. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
14. Lyric 145! Please don’t let me down!
Loving Lyric DaQueen! Actually love everything except for Gangnam Style. How
did that song get in this performance? Not sure about the outfits either, but
that’s ok. Don’t agree with L.A. Reid’s assessment of no soul, but love Lyric’s
answer to him asking if she like the song…”I made you like it!” Yes. Ma’am.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
15. I have to say, I wish CeCe had on more
clothing. Now on to the song…I didn’t care for the singing of the verses at
all, but the pre-chorus and chorus were fierce! Liking the blond hair. I can
tell that she’s an extremely hard worker and I love that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
16. So far, Tate has had the best pitch
and control hands down. He wasn’t
my favorite leading into the live shows, but MAN, he did a great job! I definitely
want him to stick around! Then, when he started to tear up and his voice broke
about his family…I’m in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
17. Love that Beatrice was so vocal about
not liking the song choice. Holy crimps in her hair Batman! She’s beyond her
years as far as emoting goes. Her voice sounds good, but I loved her Titanium
performance so much more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
18. So…when I close my eyes, Jason Brock
is singing his tail off! Not my favorite song for him, but doesn’t matter…he
can just sing. Now…when I open my eyes, I’m completely distracted and it’s like
I can’t even hear him sing. How do they fix that? Please fix that… *side note: I could have done without
him trying to pat Mario Lopez’s bum after the critiques.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
19. 1432?! Seriously? That’s the new name?
I’m gonna try to look past that name for now. I love Taylor Swift, so I guess
I’m okay with the song choice. Question: Why does a group of 5 need 6
background singers? Wasn’t my favorite performance, but I think they can
improve. Love that Khloe made Demi say who her favorite was…she was my favorite
too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
20. Not used to male country singers
having a bunch of dancers and stuff, but maybe I’ll be proven wrong at the CMAs
tonight. Willie can sing, but it seemed like a caricature of a country singer. I
know people love him and I really want to. He is a cutie pie, though! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
21. This little Carly Rose can sing. This
was not a singer’s song, and I still heard her amazing voice in spite of that.
Here’s hoping she get something more worthy of her chops next week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
22. Emblem 3. Apparently, all the
shirtlessness paid off. I’m a fan. All three of them can sing. Loved the song.
Loved the harmonies. Loved them. Uh-oh. I feel like Demi Lovato.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
23. All in all, the first live show of X
Factor was a lot to take in with only SOME of it being exciting, but I have
hope for the show. I really do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
24. 4 acts go home tonight…who do you
think it might be? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
25. You know I hate results shows and
predicting, but I know I have to so…If it’s one act from each mentor…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Demi’s Group:</b> Either Willie or Paige</li>
<li><b>L.A.’s Group:</b> Vino</li>
<li><b>Britney’s Group:</b> Arin or Diamond (this
makes me sad)</li>
<li><b>Simon’s Group:</b> Sister C or 1432 (for
their name alone)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-42516588200928122722012-09-17T11:11:00.001-07:002012-09-17T11:11:24.058-07:00Smokey Joe's Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf68K37WmJ-CoqKMcHTpxt-762XiLv4-QyvF_GLx4n5RTfoz_iH6XBcdu8MUxD1iX1fAWyVgRsHLpz_J-pFdkL5uQWtLCYmiGCsdZrtyQJTWJhiKt2-zEUzCcMPsLWuGXEFYj2O1bpd5CI/s320/614439_809846249802_1694532659_o.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
So...here's the thing...I'm part of this AMAZING production of Smokey Joe's Cafe that opens THIS Thursday Sept. 20th and I thought I would tell you why you <i><u>really</u></i> want to come see this! It's a show full of singing HEFFAS...even the guys! ;-) I seriously sit in rehearsal every day wanting to throw my shoes at every single cast member. If my shoes weren't so dang cute, I might actually do it. On top of all of that, I get to sing my heart out! I have never been so stretched in a show to cover different genres, moods and notes. NEVER! It's so challenging and so much fun all at the same time.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, I know some of you are like...what in the world is Smokey Joe's Cafe? Well, it's a musical of revue of some of the best music out there written by Lieber & Stoller. If you don't know who I'm talking about...proceed to google immediately! They are the writers of huge Elvis hits like <i>Treat Me Nice, Hound Dog </i>and<i> Jailhouse Rock</i>...Doo Wop hits like <i>Young Blood, Ruby Baby </i>and <i>Searchin'</i>...Pop hits like <i>I Keep Forgettin', Love Potion #9 </i>and<i> On Broadway</i>...Blues hits like <i>Trouble </i>and<i> I'm a Woman</i>. Seriously, they are musical geniuses and that doesn't even begin to cover all the fabulous songs in this show. No talking...just singing...and you are guaranteed to be singing along all night!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now on to this stellar cast! Meet my HEFFAS!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIu39IQQw4y-GpQNC0IbBHa-pQT2FmW5BZ8SzOnr4yUW-kx-yGs0JlNgvLmZvH4CHkT8jOT0o2tbp9altNNhpGpAiWQJd6S_ngBOwM5ZRwAKgIYhKteVdcVXi_de1MiC7l0d6W3AJrEQP/s1600/IMG_1369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIu39IQQw4y-GpQNC0IbBHa-pQT2FmW5BZ8SzOnr4yUW-kx-yGs0JlNgvLmZvH4CHkT8jOT0o2tbp9altNNhpGpAiWQJd6S_ngBOwM5ZRwAKgIYhKteVdcVXi_de1MiC7l0d6W3AJrEQP/s320/IMG_1369.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abner Ramirez</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCWsITKWPidWuL-WzGrT9pZ9qQf9YT2jq3JBqGD4CvB-CEH3zjEtusZ9qghamlE3edIJzo9-PZjTCcdMYquh6dMAkJOLSGhCcgIDPFkaf0qgiQp9HVHqgwr6asu87N65jpVNY1zuM3ogX/s1600/IMG_1372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCWsITKWPidWuL-WzGrT9pZ9qQf9YT2jq3JBqGD4CvB-CEH3zjEtusZ9qghamlE3edIJzo9-PZjTCcdMYquh6dMAkJOLSGhCcgIDPFkaf0qgiQp9HVHqgwr6asu87N65jpVNY1zuM3ogX/s320/IMG_1372.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amanda Ramirez</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMub7W7YL-gNo5x2Uw8Y3sWXem0HfVH_KZEvNIyAbbOBt0ruMUUE0XUvLSg0InAFN1hEGNbCyAiCNcOomaefBjBuql3fmBTnBfSgpObdvhWdv5lSL31s0a7-CkhS109pVr83vHgK-oDZv/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMub7W7YL-gNo5x2Uw8Y3sWXem0HfVH_KZEvNIyAbbOBt0ruMUUE0XUvLSg0InAFN1hEGNbCyAiCNcOomaefBjBuql3fmBTnBfSgpObdvhWdv5lSL31s0a7-CkhS109pVr83vHgK-oDZv/s320/IMG_1361.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laura Matula</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaAJbCTLA-hIv2aNMFfCmRl79O3xxNsnfgrn7BMfK3IInrOhdoHc8w-cWcbOeWtMvuWJvCudtwpRIEL76pI-lL61_Q6CBzNn6lNvBLZJOfs7VNIYkQj3ttHXIL_r7TR2o7BIUy1Q69VQa/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaAJbCTLA-hIv2aNMFfCmRl79O3xxNsnfgrn7BMfK3IInrOhdoHc8w-cWcbOeWtMvuWJvCudtwpRIEL76pI-lL61_Q6CBzNn6lNvBLZJOfs7VNIYkQj3ttHXIL_r7TR2o7BIUy1Q69VQa/s320/IMG_1362.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ryan Greenawalt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6liLx6JFMnpX8vULu-YfNAySjHCReVQljptDOADCh9I1diqHHWRguLGMLm_n1UB024z7sm9TDRt7FUYt7bUtR5y4XFgpyi_AQzLTn9Uj9apYvdESunCQE65AjyDtpqy4HZVnhEAaehSL/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6liLx6JFMnpX8vULu-YfNAySjHCReVQljptDOADCh9I1diqHHWRguLGMLm_n1UB024z7sm9TDRt7FUYt7bUtR5y4XFgpyi_AQzLTn9Uj9apYvdESunCQE65AjyDtpqy4HZVnhEAaehSL/s320/IMG_1366.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Libby Hodges</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6szjxR1jFkkX1SxJPdJr0xgcxrmzPH2HZxwdHhKBEBlRa1V54A8XVqh75O5dESZalOy_zJKEKf1ifFW6_qUe0snwU7GiHk3N5H2wEhyphenhyphene8MMOpFhGjakVOvlBoUiwgmICYTKcaPM_Vk5E4/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6szjxR1jFkkX1SxJPdJr0xgcxrmzPH2HZxwdHhKBEBlRa1V54A8XVqh75O5dESZalOy_zJKEKf1ifFW6_qUe0snwU7GiHk3N5H2wEhyphenhyphene8MMOpFhGjakVOvlBoUiwgmICYTKcaPM_Vk5E4/s320/IMG_1375.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John-Mark McGaha</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4TE5B23X_bIIDg8WzTYtLSogqvtKmFtQOcLZAqSl6P_hor-t2ILLgaScauLy3qmOYoFT6UipmtfZTUP-TuwQ2AczDPcvdLkkPi7hSMnT9IAk8S8Jzm752BBStJk0C-a5eHU2JlmfusxI/s1600/IMG_1413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4TE5B23X_bIIDg8WzTYtLSogqvtKmFtQOcLZAqSl6P_hor-t2ILLgaScauLy3qmOYoFT6UipmtfZTUP-TuwQ2AczDPcvdLkkPi7hSMnT9IAk8S8Jzm752BBStJk0C-a5eHU2JlmfusxI/s320/IMG_1413.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Harvey Hubert</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Abner and Amanda are the acclaimed duo JOHNNYSWIM. Their voices are sublime and they make every song come alive like you've never heard it before! Plus, they're the most adorable husband and wife ever!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Laura's voice is capable of anything! I am not exaggerating. I seriously have not found something she can't do. It's my new mission in life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Ryan sings higher than me. This is not okay, but it's really impressive to watch. FYI: When I say he sings higher, I mean he's actually belting higher than me...this is not falsetto. I have some work to do. :-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Libby...let's just call her the blond Aretha Franklin! Her voice is bananas. Just you wait...you will be throwing shoes at the end of every. song. she. sings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*John-Mark is the male version of Laura. Still haven't found what he can't do. His voice has so many colors to it...it really is breathtaking.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Harvey quite possibly has the smoothest voice I've ever heard. Plus, he sings bass. Seriously...it's beyond gorgeous and I generally melt whenever I hear him up close...which creates a slight problem for our duet. :-/</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...your assignment is to head over to <a href="http://www.studiotenn.com/">www.studiotenn.com</a> and get your tickets RIGHT NOW. Trust me, the ticket price is WELL worth the show you will see. (You'll probably want to donate more after the show) I also suggest you come the first weekend because you're gonna want to see this one more than once. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See you there! Oh...and make sure you say Hi to me after the show!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-36134035225086522092012-03-01T12:29:00.000-08:002012-03-01T12:29:53.499-08:00Daydreaming...Hey, lovely people! I thought since the Top 13 are going to be revealed tonight, I would let you know my dream Top 13. Let me preface this with saying, I rarely get what I want when it comes to American Idol. The show itself is great, but the voting public and I just don't seem to agree. That being said...in my perfect world, here are my picks:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Boys:</u></b><br />
Joshua Ledet<br />
Aaron Marcellus<br />
Colton Dixon<br />
Deandre Brackensick<br />
Jeremy Rosado<br />
<br />
<b><u>Girls:</u></b><br />
Jessica Sanchez<br />
Elise Testone<br />
Skylar Laine<br />
Hollie Cavanagh<br />
Jen Hirsh<br />
<br />
<b><u>Wildcards:</u></b><br />
Erika Van Pelt<br />
Cheighton Fraker<br />
Hallie Day<br />
<br />
<br />
Once again...there is NO way I'm right on this. It's just what I would LIKE to see happen. That is all. Give me your list now. You have until <b>6:30pm CST</b>. The person closest to the actual Top 13 will get a Melinda Doolittle hoodie (you know you've been wanting one) and bragging rights...at least for the next week. ;-)<br />
GO!Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-43949193521383044902012-02-14T06:24:00.000-08:002012-02-14T06:24:38.737-08:005 Reasons Valentine's Day ROCKS for Single WomenHey guys! If you've kept up with me at all, you know by now that I like to look on the positive side of things. Sometimes, it's a stretch, but I do all I can to find at least 3 nice things about any situation. Well, this time, I upped the number to 5 just to show you how awesome singleness is! So here we go!<br />
<br />
<b><u>#5. You can eat dinner at a normal time! </u></b><br />
Trying to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant tonight could very well end up with you eating at either 4:30pm or 9:00pm because of how booked these places get, but you don't have to even try when you're single!<br />
<br />
<b><u>#4. You can eat ALL you want!</u></b><br />
Have you ever put on your favorite, slimming outfit, headed out to your favorite restaurant but then not been able to eat all you want because all of the sudden your outfit isn't so slimming anymore? No worries here! Just put on your onesie and eat to your heart's content!<br />
<br />
<u><b>#3. No dead flowers!</b></u><br />
Sure, the roses look nice and pretty when you first get them, but then they die...and smell. Well, that doesn't happen when nobody sends you any!<br />
<u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
<u><b>#2. No awkward moments!</b></u><br />
Ever tried to pick out the right Valentine's Day card or gift for that special person based on where you are in your relationship? Not too mushy...a little more than friends but not saying "I love you" just yet...whatever the case may be. Well, you don't have to even think about this when you're single.<br />
<b>ADDED BONUS:</b> You're saving money! I mean seriously, does it get any better than that?<br />
<br />
<b><u>#1. No unmet expectations!</u></b><br />
Face it ladies, whether we want to or not, we all secretly wish for that movie perfect, romantic date. But no matter how hard the man tries, he will never be Ryan Reynolds or Denzel Washington. (Can you tell I'm excited about Safe House?) However, if there is no man, there's no chance for disappointment. See how that works?<br />
<br />
<b><u>Honorable Mention:</u></b><br />
You can send out texts to all your happily married or dating friends that say "Happy VD" and then pretend you meant "Valentine's Day" instead of the alternative. *wink, wink*<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you go! Let me know what you think. And sincerely...Happy Valentine's Day! I really do love the day, single or not. Love makes me happy! Cherish the ones you love and be nice to the ones you don't...at least for today!<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-funny-valentine-single/id272900406" target="_blank">HERE</a> for my Valentine's Day song just for you!Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-76217068115019375722011-12-31T18:03:00.000-08:002011-12-31T18:04:45.663-08:00Happy New Everything!Have you ever hit a point in life where you felt like everything was changing all at the same time? I mean everything: career, relationships, health, personality traits...everything. Well, that's where I am right now! First of all, any one of these things changing is normally a little stressful for me, but all of them? At the same time? I have to admit, I was stressed. Even knowing that all of this was changing for the better, it can be overwhelming. So, I spent some time to myself...just being alone...praying, singing, maybe even crying a little bit (I am a woman, you know!). Then I saw this quote. I've seen it so many times and I know it by heart, but something clicked in me the other day when I saw it in front of me.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><b>The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">I realized in that moment...change was awesome! Change is needed. Change is necessary. So now...I've never been as excited for a new year as I am right now. I am charged and ready to take the bull by the horns. So what, everything is changing? I got this! This is how it should be. What an opportunity to have everything change at the same time! Sure, there's more responsibility and a ton more work to be done, but I know I'm capable. Is it scary sometimes? Heck yes! Do I ever want to go hide somewhere? Sure! Will I? Never! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm writing this blog just in case you might be dealing with the same kind of change. I just wanted to let you know you can do this! It's okay to be scared sometimes, but don't let it paralyze you. Keep moving towards the change you want to see. Make it work for you. I believe in you. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>A couple things that are helping me along the way</u> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My new favorite Bible verse: Hebrews 13:5b (Amplified version)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And a quote that came to me the other day while I was being quiet:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't mistake my meekness for weakness. I AM STRONG. Or my tears for wavering. I AM UNMOVABLE. Or my quietness for fear. I AM FEARLESS.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">So...here's what I want you to do. Keep me posted right here on how your new year is going and how you're embracing change! I can't wait to hear your awesome stories! Love you guys so much and I couldn't be more grateful to have you in my life!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy New Year! Happy New You! Happy New Everything!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Melinda</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-83603890745824314012011-12-10T13:17:00.000-08:002011-12-10T13:20:32.723-08:00Early Christmas!I really need your help! I can't believe I'm saying this, because I've never been the kind of person who feels comfortable asking for anything. However, if I'm gonna get this job done, it'll take all of us working together. So here's what I need...<br />
<br />
For the next two weeks, I need you guys to help me promote the living daylights out of my new Christmas single "God Bless Us Everyone." I know you guys have already been helping me spread the word, but I would love to do an extra huge push for Christmas! I've never been more excited about a song I've released! Regie Hamm was the perfect person to write with, Tre' Corley was the perfect producer and you guys were the perfect muse for the video! There are hundreds of radio stations already playing the song and that makes me ultra excited too! So, how do we get even more? Here are a few ideas...<br />
<br />
Call any of your local radio stations that are playing Christmas music and request the song...if you don't hear it, keep calling!<br />
<br />
<br />
Tell everyone you know (and some you don't know) about the song!<br />
<br />
<br />
Write a review on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/god-bless-us-everyone-single/id476134057" target="_blank">iTunes</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Bless-Us-Everyone/dp/B0060BJA54/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1323551633&sr=8-7" target="_blank">Amazon</a> about what you think of it!<br />
<br />
<br />
Watch AND share the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzaVdeR_cv0" target="_blank">video</a>! (I promise to post an extra special victory dance if we can get the views to at least 10,000)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>If we can ramp it up over the next two weeks, we will not only be getting the word out there, but we will also be setting ourselves up for next year! We want to make this song a Christmas staple! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Whew! Ok...I did it! I asked for your help! Thanks so much for all you've already done and thanks in advance for your help in the next two weeks! You guys are the most amazing group of supporters and I totally consider you my early Christmas gift!</div><div>Love you all,</div><div>xoxo Melinda</div>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-68907519481629181892011-11-30T11:37:00.001-08:002011-11-30T12:52:18.205-08:00It's Christmas Time...I. absolutely. love. Christmas.<br />
<br />
These are a few of my favorite things:<br />
<br />
Christmas lights and trees<br />
Fireplaces<br />
Nativity scenes<br />
<div>
Warm spicy drinks</div>
Rainbow candy canes<br />
Christmas movies<br />
Onesies<br />
Giddy children<br />
Santa's knee<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Rockettes</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Snowfall</div>
Sweet Potato pie<br />
Christmas songs (Have you gotten your copy of "<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/god-bless-us-everyone-single/id476134057" target="_blank">God Bless Us Everyone</a>" yet?) ;-)<br />
Family and friends that are like family<br />
The spirit of giving<br />
<br />
I have so many more, but I want you to finish the list for me. What do you love about Christmas?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-63978331850357235542011-11-06T15:03:00.000-08:002011-11-06T15:03:57.217-08:00One word...WONDERFUL!I really don't have words to describe how amazing last night was! Not only did I get to share a stage with some of my favorite legends, I got to do this while honoring the Queen of Soul, Dr. Aretha Franklin! (She also received an honorary doctorate) I owe a HUGE thank you to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for offering me this opportunity and for making a dream come true. Here are some pics of the night since I can't find any more words. Plus, you can click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150521500933835.468510.127635253834&type=1" target="_blank">here</a> for even more behind the scenes photos!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The incomparable Queen of Soul!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuE1oH64PewkGu2DWIHKg23DotlXE-anxxEUH-72dPFO0g38cWRqW0xgapV4xe4hU4JV6SfqZch0TQrp_5iSAYHnw6ddESBtHhMeS3pz46k4-EK1Cv1ALAD0052uGfG8HEHqycbNJQ5yG/s1600/MD2011_Aretha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuE1oH64PewkGu2DWIHKg23DotlXE-anxxEUH-72dPFO0g38cWRqW0xgapV4xe4hU4JV6SfqZch0TQrp_5iSAYHnw6ddESBtHhMeS3pz46k4-EK1Cv1ALAD0052uGfG8HEHqycbNJQ5yG/s320/MD2011_Aretha2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chaka Khan, Dennis Edwards (of the Temptations) and Mrs. Ronald Isley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuLxStZLZ7U7qOrKG7pxaDNZFuNmF2XTzgQ5hdj2TFewzano2OI2OSPHY2o797wfZEPKyVB4ir0vNQf2k6VfqvHGITZhMea6c0wIW8vLrdwB2ipR1M6KgR1Qlf-dAtzlalPvR8juijtA2/s1600/MD2011_DennisEdwards_ChakaKhan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuLxStZLZ7U7qOrKG7pxaDNZFuNmF2XTzgQ5hdj2TFewzano2OI2OSPHY2o797wfZEPKyVB4ir0vNQf2k6VfqvHGITZhMea6c0wIW8vLrdwB2ipR1M6KgR1Qlf-dAtzlalPvR8juijtA2/s320/MD2011_DennisEdwards_ChakaKhan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Drummer Extraordinaire, Bernard Purdie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81MunYm5hhHpH3jYD2Uu7o1IIZfnPc33QezQszfydH4L6mxh8Eh6mbONxr-LLDqohArpFdZT7EvNBXMFLnwdg4wNmWXxt4UEHrfmPEEFjBGI-zgmmmE9ORn0R3oMKSzWRzGLV8woTujLu/s1600/MD2011_BernardPurdie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81MunYm5hhHpH3jYD2Uu7o1IIZfnPc33QezQszfydH4L6mxh8Eh6mbONxr-LLDqohArpFdZT7EvNBXMFLnwdg4wNmWXxt4UEHrfmPEEFjBGI-zgmmmE9ORn0R3oMKSzWRzGLV8woTujLu/s320/MD2011_BernardPurdie.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Dennis Edwards and Ron Isley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGys-JcTwcjA4gscuBl0TDk4pPpKdPUkeryNbWq88DZ_zFItyFoC2mFzrOkNTlb-IX7cOkhxqdnrXfv5_849Ry89bWyxglvC5TSjbJoODqCCm_YPiSyh94kyEvk5uoW-cJzXJoYH3eJ6fv/s1600/MD2011_DennisEdwards_RonIsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGys-JcTwcjA4gscuBl0TDk4pPpKdPUkeryNbWq88DZ_zFItyFoC2mFzrOkNTlb-IX7cOkhxqdnrXfv5_849Ry89bWyxglvC5TSjbJoODqCCm_YPiSyh94kyEvk5uoW-cJzXJoYH3eJ6fv/s320/MD2011_DennisEdwards_RonIsley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Attorney General was there!!! Mr. Eric Holder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8rliPM4ls1Dh0930TaCOaTLaQNN0FqmMwAkHv-NpF2aVRnnSzAHJyn7w5sXiWZ94NYB8E-4zFg4FSR6iKzWQCOyXEEG22ueASxtbfJADgG-NRzAgDdjYVTNKBrTuttPY6EgbDr1_1FtY/s1600/MD2011_EricHolder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8rliPM4ls1Dh0930TaCOaTLaQNN0FqmMwAkHv-NpF2aVRnnSzAHJyn7w5sXiWZ94NYB8E-4zFg4FSR6iKzWQCOyXEEG22ueASxtbfJADgG-NRzAgDdjYVTNKBrTuttPY6EgbDr1_1FtY/s320/MD2011_EricHolder.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The sweetest lady in the world, Ms. Cissy Houston</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4NkbNuM69L8ZZjR31QAXzU1tjnnS6NsmA1yOqzJheHirQ1nOnPOBJimS7meBIYe5hiTsz9E5MUSPYl5qWhDzh1paxMAVUnb5sZT1pH5jphc-crMn2gSjbV62Yyq45Sg1IG4VjTuZZCVn/s1600/MD2011_CissyHouston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4NkbNuM69L8ZZjR31QAXzU1tjnnS6NsmA1yOqzJheHirQ1nOnPOBJimS7meBIYe5hiTsz9E5MUSPYl5qWhDzh1paxMAVUnb5sZT1pH5jphc-crMn2gSjbV62Yyq45Sg1IG4VjTuZZCVn/s320/MD2011_CissyHouston.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">WHAT A NIGHT!!!!</div>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-78559876597760915432011-10-19T14:55:00.000-07:002011-10-19T15:04:02.579-07:00Merry Christmas Early!!!Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year, so I’m really excited to be able to say I have a brand new Christmas single coming out November 1st!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeHGdaoU3tfsc-IQjw5o_P3r2Q4F8Qp5jUKUSzD2LRVUoIp6LWeG9JzdrP5vBaMIe0_jaIXKnpgwM-XreYqly-NtgI7qYHBEvj5YIeFa22nflHopLEIgAnfnjic3SmNzLJ4HTuJXp8iYf/s1600/MD-GodBless-cover4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeHGdaoU3tfsc-IQjw5o_P3r2Q4F8Qp5jUKUSzD2LRVUoIp6LWeG9JzdrP5vBaMIe0_jaIXKnpgwM-XreYqly-NtgI7qYHBEvj5YIeFa22nflHopLEIgAnfnjic3SmNzLJ4HTuJXp8iYf/s320/MD-GodBless-cover4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
On top of that, it will be my first original released to date! Those of you that have come to my shows this year have probably heard me sing “Do What it Do.” Well, I got together with that same writer, Regie Hamm, and wrote “God Bless Us Everyone” for Christmas. This song includes all the things I love about the holiday season and it has the classic feel that makes it all warm and fuzzy. :-) In fact, you may recognize the title as the line spoken by Tiny Tim (the little boy in Charles Dickens' <i>A Christmas Carol</i> - NOT the ukelele player)!<br />
<br />
You can hear it right now on my website, so click <a href="http://melindadoolittle.com/index.htm?id=15806">here</a>! <br />
<br />
I know you’re going to love this song as much as I do, so Merry Christmas early!<br />
<br />
Love, MelindaMelinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-24582341668277466792011-08-10T22:59:00.000-07:002011-08-11T06:06:02.837-07:00Summer School!<div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">Just in case you didn't know, I have a really soft spot in my heart for kids! I love them because they think outside of the box, they're able to see past limitations and they're not afraid to DREAM BIG! Whenever I team up with an organization, it is normally because I see them enabling kids to live out their dreams.</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">Take Malaria No More (MNM), for instance. Every 45 seconds, a child under the age of 5 dies of malaria. That statistic is staggering, but MNM is working hard to eliminate those deaths by the year 2015! That means that these children get the chance to live their dreams. As soon as I heard that I could help and that it was easy (a bed net only costs $10), I was on board!</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">So, this summer, I hooked up with a few more organizations that are enabling kids to reach their dreams.</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">***First, I went to San Francisc<span class="Apple-style-span">o for the NCCEP Gear Up Conference. Their main goals are to </span><span class="Apple-style-span">help improve public education, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">increase students' academic achievement levels, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span">increase low-income students' access to higher education. I got to meet 75 students that are benefiting from this program. </span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFM-rsXH_-PA7PLXede50FUBpe95GoJIgzrERWvrT35zDyNQgJ8ndvmRZmp95rE9PWWXC6E6kxN48mSUoeG8bLbTfOirODoW3eX3i-BaxRHI5BbuizxQ0ZMZiwagfNjQfay3uRJfd5u61/s1600/DSC_0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFM-rsXH_-PA7PLXede50FUBpe95GoJIgzrERWvrT35zDyNQgJ8ndvmRZmp95rE9PWWXC6E6kxN48mSUoeG8bLbTfOirODoW3eX3i-BaxRHI5BbuizxQ0ZMZiwagfNjQfay3uRJfd5u61/s320/DSC_0161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWAEOj0jUURfPDnYD_Z0vpXde2EI0fd7u0RJ-rKDLpYW1h34pyjLChb27PHzFuKVhsqo4R3lNUGE-yMBmFrNt0ej9bVkCs0RHhussLgKIaJDjtVfOC-sFs3bDYRHrn_uUM7TkQ4nkiG7Y/s1600/DSC_0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWAEOj0jUURfPDnYD_Z0vpXde2EI0fd7u0RJ-rKDLpYW1h34pyjLChb27PHzFuKVhsqo4R3lNUGE-yMBmFrNt0ej9bVkCs0RHhussLgKIaJDjtVfOC-sFs3bDYRHrn_uUM7TkQ4nkiG7Y/s320/DSC_0144.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span">And since they were there, I brought them up on stage to be my backup dancers for my last song! They were absolutely amazing! </span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Thank you NCCEP for having me...and thanks for all you're doing to help kids everywhere live out their dreams.</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">***Then I went to an organization right here in Nashville, TN! Goodwill Summer Youth Program for low income or disabled high school students helps to provide the tools necessary to enter the workforce. The students will go on field trips, meet with guest speakers and take part in interactive activities designed to help them prepare for the world of work. I got a chance to go hang with the kids in this summer's program and do a question and answer session with them. They asked some tough questions, but I had a great time! </span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cccccc; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQbIoy102tGoPAxGBpEFnA3LJKAUSOP4t3kiJBZ1Yd8sbXwnAhzoSqotMTqJqY-jIe2NFOBLMh4nPoTWAPeOm4-Olrwwy4Qn7SxLvgQlxjkvd8QGKzBcMaXkBolT57NB4CC09Z8BZqaRN/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQbIoy102tGoPAxGBpEFnA3LJKAUSOP4t3kiJBZ1Yd8sbXwnAhzoSqotMTqJqY-jIe2NFOBLMh4nPoTWAPeOm4-Olrwwy4Qn7SxLvgQlxjkvd8QGKzBcMaXkBolT57NB4CC09Z8BZqaRN/s320/IMG_0718.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cccccc; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGyyyZnyNqHpolKY0YSFQovjg-Z2-D3bwi2aAa9fiNd4gq01rvLGjBsuNgh7R0XSmWoh-pZQ3xt0sNk9g_bHmC-9P16f7azuNieAViGUnoKu_2d2nxymNmD2B1iRKFm34h5wZbKkxVo0j/s1600/IMG_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGyyyZnyNqHpolKY0YSFQovjg-Z2-D3bwi2aAa9fiNd4gq01rvLGjBsuNgh7R0XSmWoh-pZQ3xt0sNk9g_bHmC-9P16f7azuNieAViGUnoKu_2d2nxymNmD2B1iRKFm34h5wZbKkxVo0j/s320/IMG_0719.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And of course, I had to take a silly pic too! :-)</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">***After Goodwill, I headed to Atlanta for Usher's New Look Foundation! Usher (yes, the singer) has an amazing program training youth in leadership. The training is based on four pillars...talent, education, career and service. The service pillar is connected with President Clinton's 2009 Global Initiative to keep youth Powered By Service. That's where I came in. I went on behalf of Malaria No More to talk to the kids about how they could get involved in serving others. The panel I was on was awesome!</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cccccc; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU_O5eQPt-uhsPlJANLptrJB5iR80khacKYVvZlEGBGUrvB9bdgVxsMWDoYMODeHh0QISLEHm_iD4oZ3F_BLk58xQgc0HTFplXKvAXkLxFN4fngVz8Su1aUm5WBuXdiYg7-4J8cFTqE_B/s1600/100_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU_O5eQPt-uhsPlJANLptrJB5iR80khacKYVvZlEGBGUrvB9bdgVxsMWDoYMODeHh0QISLEHm_iD4oZ3F_BLk58xQgc0HTFplXKvAXkLxFN4fngVz8Su1aUm5WBuXdiYg7-4J8cFTqE_B/s320/100_0636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">From left to right we have Tommy (our youth moderator - he was amazing), Martin (marketing director for MNM), Flaviana (Tanzanian model), Me, Osas (Miss Black USA), Scott Wolf (actor - Party of Five, V) and Admiral Ziemer (head of the President's Malaria Initiative).</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We had a great time and it was awesome to see youth get inspired to lead their country by serving! </span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Overall, I've had the best "summer school" session ever! The best part about it is, even though I'm going to share my story about dreaming big and giving back, these kids have taught me something too! Seeing the world through their eyes is nothing short of inspiring. The more amazing kids I meet, the more I am encouraged to keep dreaming bigger! </span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Maybe next year, we can make a pact to all participate in "summer school". Are you in? ;-)</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-45876810738272588322011-07-31T14:23:00.000-07:002011-07-31T14:23:35.842-07:00American Idols Live!!!I had such an amazing time at the AI concert last night! The entire show was wonderful! Mad props to all of the performers for killing that stage! (yes, I just said "mad props")<br />
<br />
First of all, I went to the show with Mandisa and she is the best concert companion in the world! We had so much fun dancing, screaming and being in awe of each of the singers!<br />
<br />
So...here's my quick rundown...<br />
<br />
I was ultra excited to see the band! Most of them were the guys that played on my season's tour, so it was like a reunion. They sure did not disappoint! They were such a highlight of the show for me. It's so wonderful to have a slamming band behind you when you're singing your heart out! Took pics with some of my favorite buddies from the band...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirS5wqV7mnBemQcqEvlrI7g-AA9Nm-1gqquqqMJxMkcX2oB0jdAwPTA8aiqfDJHTIvChjHMEp0r9dQtCLEtf6lB63lTa1UvpV16kueENtqyXuA7-bfmpcQKnTcHuOZ2RPtceeQAEdLpy4r/s1600/IMG_0727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirS5wqV7mnBemQcqEvlrI7g-AA9Nm-1gqquqqMJxMkcX2oB0jdAwPTA8aiqfDJHTIvChjHMEp0r9dQtCLEtf6lB63lTa1UvpV16kueENtqyXuA7-bfmpcQKnTcHuOZ2RPtceeQAEdLpy4r/s320/IMG_0727.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This is my boy Aaron Spears!!! Love his drumming so much!!! Plus, he's such an amazing big brother!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw3FRERl3iJiuAVBUcjClT0wNVpBBKJPeW2lAym-ZsmnvVIRJ9HwA5h8O31KftTaJMXRrbCbN3qp1FRvHkEC_ElYcOFlgYzf8drMWo5Yd6IZfCkNy-I00VfjBR3kb8IPLX1GZZdBrjCrP/s1600/IMG_0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw3FRERl3iJiuAVBUcjClT0wNVpBBKJPeW2lAym-ZsmnvVIRJ9HwA5h8O31KftTaJMXRrbCbN3qp1FRvHkEC_ElYcOFlgYzf8drMWo5Yd6IZfCkNy-I00VfjBR3kb8IPLX1GZZdBrjCrP/s320/IMG_0728.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my boy Tim Stewart, a.k.a. guitarist extraordinaire!!! All I can say is WOW!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rest of the band (Dave, Andy and Brandon) was amazing too! LOVE THEM!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I don't have pics of these wonderful people, but...<br />
<br />
<b>Thia</b> was amazing! Her tone was gorgeous and she handled that stage like a pro. Loved her.<br />
<br />
<b>Paul</b> was mesmerizing! His stage presence is just amazing! He had the audience up and jamming with him and I was sad when he finished.<br />
<br />
<b>Lauren</b> looks like a little country baby doll on that stage and that girl sang with all she had. It was great to hear her open up and just sing! Her voice is absolutely beautiful!<br />
<br />
<b>Scotty</b> owned every bit of that stage! I loved seeing him in his element. He is a bonafide country star. Can't wait to see what's next for him.<br />
<br />
<b>James</b> is a showman...plain and simple! Wow! He really had the audience in the palm of his hand and then proceeded to melt the paint of the walls with his amazing voice! Loved it sooooo much!<br />
<br />
<b>Pia</b>...WOW! That voice is just phenomenal! Every time she opened her mouth is was flawless and beautiful! I'm in awe of her singing and can't wait to hear an entire album of hers. We did take a picture and she posted it right here... <a href="http://www.whosay.com/piatoscano/photos/51719">http://www.whosay.com/piatoscano/photos/51719</a> She is such a sweet girl too and am definitely a fan!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGG_G_vJueIWLnX5c-JtV8qjLNivzpbTTJx20SjFb-_ktscMDq7C09v35mvzo2jxH4t83C9au_IRFqX9ih_rtthOHjcByLvzRGN953vAwXI6-DBf8bEqW3Ys5kxsYpjJjcm5yJAM0lJu7/s1600/IMG_0724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGG_G_vJueIWLnX5c-JtV8qjLNivzpbTTJx20SjFb-_ktscMDq7C09v35mvzo2jxH4t83C9au_IRFqX9ih_rtthOHjcByLvzRGN953vAwXI6-DBf8bEqW3Ys5kxsYpjJjcm5yJAM0lJu7/s320/IMG_0724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Stefano</b> nailed his performances! He sang his heart out and it was pretty flawless! This boy can sing and he's a sweetie! (And pretty cute)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDGeGjwov-EuI257D-MVf0CtRQy69KJufLJJvG3YynV5amBbA47kpuxHVTFLn-gnnZKfpwXMoIK0cOlLs7lkzkvbfvjnOTae2iOxIVtH5zQ1zD67wDJMFympzfzjNkmnxd1ozjJjzGs7W/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDGeGjwov-EuI257D-MVf0CtRQy69KJufLJJvG3YynV5amBbA47kpuxHVTFLn-gnnZKfpwXMoIK0cOlLs7lkzkvbfvjnOTae2iOxIVtH5zQ1zD67wDJMFympzfzjNkmnxd1ozjJjzGs7W/s320/IMG_0725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Jacob</b> can just flat out sing! His energy on stage was infectious! Mandisa and I couldn't help but get up on our feet and cheer him on! He's amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhETjJZ8MRaNX1n1B3LGwPCYfsyuGP_0EqXH9mqT_cZuA9CVk_6KtBhqgWd2xB3zyPDUlEXfz0c4Ip9TK6t0RPXdyEaMB7OwCv8-gcBrVrzGaiIElAAvu_rvH6pCpwHweB50qEKUcY2CR/s1600/IMG_0729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhETjJZ8MRaNX1n1B3LGwPCYfsyuGP_0EqXH9mqT_cZuA9CVk_6KtBhqgWd2xB3zyPDUlEXfz0c4Ip9TK6t0RPXdyEaMB7OwCv8-gcBrVrzGaiIElAAvu_rvH6pCpwHweB50qEKUcY2CR/s320/IMG_0729.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Naima</b> KILLED that stage! She is such a great performer! She gave it all she had and it was spectacular to watch!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd48OR0bRGWU4NqtwwI59oL1U1tG-YTscqNbq97OgxSLiwMnOWmbwytjFK5No_laXwPoYCpisc8kRSWU_hvpro6jrPd1oeKcWJ0Umho81_MW6G83vGSS0ha-Pu5ju9hURl_-XH8ZyfUop/s1600/IMG_0732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd48OR0bRGWU4NqtwwI59oL1U1tG-YTscqNbq97OgxSLiwMnOWmbwytjFK5No_laXwPoYCpisc8kRSWU_hvpro6jrPd1oeKcWJ0Umho81_MW6G83vGSS0ha-Pu5ju9hURl_-XH8ZyfUop/s320/IMG_0732.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Haley, Haley, Haley!</b> What can I say??? This girl's voice is absolutely phenomenal! I don't think it has any limits! She just effortlessly wowed the entire audience. Loved meeting her! She's got spunk. I have no doubt that she's gonna fight her way to the top no matter what! Love it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG5gq8D7kk8vNE8z96tGR2TzAjyb-tt7J-0re22eqkjtErnEcc3zmm7RKa7F-kNG9f9VUGFAts33B4LD5Jy3_spS0cyVkDeLkMMsz5KP_kAy6OGajGxgkW49PZQHbBt9Yv5RrChEeGgax/s1600/IMG_0730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG5gq8D7kk8vNE8z96tGR2TzAjyb-tt7J-0re22eqkjtErnEcc3zmm7RKa7F-kNG9f9VUGFAts33B4LD5Jy3_spS0cyVkDeLkMMsz5KP_kAy6OGajGxgkW49PZQHbBt9Yv5RrChEeGgax/s320/IMG_0730.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This boy right here made my night!!!! You guys know I love me some <b>Casey</b>, but after seeing him perform live, I am a lifelong fan! His performance skill and his voice were so amazing! At one point, I had to just stand there and shake my head in awe! He is a true artist and on top of all of that, he's an amazing person! He gives the best hugs in the world and he's such a sweetheart! Can you tell I loved meeting him? :-) He's so awesome, he gets two pics. Hehehe...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmE3JKRz5DTzNcGsK08-BL5siBpzIPyrHENZge4_G03rZB7XZd_4joNsiIoW9Rb2HJEIfwijNtfibJv6PwBydoQfFTMWB8XQsZwmSKMbkTXVYrqJlxkMhLaBjG9DeoZ6ASBd67jsmpknd/s1600/IMG_0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmE3JKRz5DTzNcGsK08-BL5siBpzIPyrHENZge4_G03rZB7XZd_4joNsiIoW9Rb2HJEIfwijNtfibJv6PwBydoQfFTMWB8XQsZwmSKMbkTXVYrqJlxkMhLaBjG9DeoZ6ASBd67jsmpknd/s320/IMG_0731.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
So I had a great night! If they are coming to your city, definitely go to the show. You won't be disappointed! :-)Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-52758860420098510272011-07-11T15:22:00.000-07:002011-07-11T15:22:50.195-07:00I just couldn't resist...... and I swear it wasn't my fault!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1XF5C8ykx_8" width="425"></iframe>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-77300382162050555092011-07-05T11:56:00.000-07:002011-07-05T11:56:05.097-07:00Independence Day!I had the best 4th of July EVER! Well...the best 3rd and 4th of July.<br />
I decided that in celebration of my independence, I was gonna try some new things...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the 3rd, I went to my friend's house/retreat to hang out, shoot some fireworks and (believe it or not) roast my 1st S'more. I was in Heaven!!!! First of all, look at this house! This was our view from the amazing deck and fire pit in back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVn3iEDQyFsebnwp2Mq1EMn8PuWUpAtEBCe0Z06ZHH80CwKPBuw8TkkJq-NZlNfSGhn8yvdAwzMiawgud53UH-VD9ANq9fH2lhBS5R9gKjG9VinLgZAS5xDb0fTPQOfOnmhmAsOG6NfVx/s1600/agwkj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVn3iEDQyFsebnwp2Mq1EMn8PuWUpAtEBCe0Z06ZHH80CwKPBuw8TkkJq-NZlNfSGhn8yvdAwzMiawgud53UH-VD9ANq9fH2lhBS5R9gKjG9VinLgZAS5xDb0fTPQOfOnmhmAsOG6NfVx/s320/agwkj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend, <a href="http://lisaharper.net/">Lisa Harper</a>, lit the most amazing home fireworks display I have ever seen...seriously! Check out the grand finale. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://yfrog.com/njopjz" target="_blank" title="yfrog.com - Image And Video Hosting"><img border="0" src="http://a.yfrog.com/img847/7733/opj.mp4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then...I roasted my first marshmallow and made my first S'more! OMG...I have been missing out! It was absolutely amazing! It may have helped that we had the world's largest marshmallows, though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqejAgwQ22urNVmnSefz2zRHY0ASzBsuoQkeKszqkRbmayurJsNJ_RusyR7dOIU0Si3RAIpCbKTN3kPQAj9aAQX9FvyONURKhytFOrra4bx36mnVZBAz0l-i6SeV4y5KQn7WVI7Lx8vW8G/s1600/garnl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqejAgwQ22urNVmnSefz2zRHY0ASzBsuoQkeKszqkRbmayurJsNJ_RusyR7dOIU0Si3RAIpCbKTN3kPQAj9aAQX9FvyONURKhytFOrra4bx36mnVZBAz0l-i6SeV4y5KQn7WVI7Lx8vW8G/s1600/garnl.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my friend, Kyle Cooksey, showing me how it's done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4mjspmRYPoxTlqbcysQg_67Prjbpc1d76nuIU7n54bFBi52JsMeAqRl-ceEcboVRdLIMdicCIzrYePss7AKIGLAjGAbyjlQqJuJG7hzS6EKXcGng-VJSJ5OZnh0SLZ7jxwY9XzNK7RhQ/s1600/6ydmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4mjspmRYPoxTlqbcysQg_67Prjbpc1d76nuIU7n54bFBi52JsMeAqRl-ceEcboVRdLIMdicCIzrYePss7AKIGLAjGAbyjlQqJuJG7hzS6EKXcGng-VJSJ5OZnh0SLZ7jxwY9XzNK7RhQ/s1600/6ydmp.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is me showing you how it's done. Hehehe...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that was the 3rd. The 4th was amazing as well. I went to 3 different celebrations just cause I have really awesome friends! :-) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*The first party was with my family away from home. I got to hang with my little niece on her first 4th of July, and I also got to eat some of the best homemade chocolate ice cream in the entire world. Is now a good time to mention that it had little chunks of dark chocolate in it?!?! Amazing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*The second party was with 1/3 of the fabulous morning crew at 92.9FM. Not only did I get to meet an adorable 15 month old girl just adopted from China, but I also got to hear a 10 year old play the living daylights out of the piano. On top of all of that, I met two amazing authors of Young Adult Fiction. Those are my favorite books to read! Don't laugh...I totally count as a young adult! (Now reading Hourglass by Myra McEntire)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*The third party was at the home of some of my favorite people, The Cooksey's. Kyle and Laura are not only amazing people, but amazing hosts. We ate, we laughed, we even sang! I can honestly say, it was the first time I have ever ridden in the back of a truck 8 deep to go see fireworks. It was also the first time I have watched fireworks with a truck full of singers...yes, we sang America the Beautiful in 4 part harmony during the finale. However, my favorite part of the evening came when we all got together around the piano and started singing songs from back in the day. We covered Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Walter Hawkins...you name it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will now leave you with our benediction of the night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe class="twitvid-player" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.twitvid.com/embed.php?guid=HTHMC&autoplay=0" title="Twitvid video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-74500453463003722822011-07-01T10:36:00.000-07:002011-07-01T12:57:06.054-07:00You have to see this video from my last show!!!Had a great time at my Nashville show last weekend! Went out to dance with an audience member and got two for the price of one...LOL!!! : )<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wBXKWASzNTw" width="640"></iframe>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-40540897410407471772011-05-25T12:51:00.000-07:002011-05-25T12:51:52.253-07:00It's IDOL Finale week - Duh Duh Duh (Ominous music lead in)...It’s finale week! Someone is about to be crowned the tenth American Idol!<br />
<br />
In the past, we have had amazing breakout performances in the Top 2 performance night. Some of my favorites include - Adam Lambert’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Fantasia’s “Summertime,” Katharine McPhee’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” Clay Aiken’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and the list continues. So...I was expecting a lot from tonight.<br />
<br />
Well, we didn’t get a huge moment from either contestant, but they were both solid all the way through. I think we have a really even match up and I’m very curious to see who takes home the crown. <br />
<br />
Here are my thoughts on tonight’s performances…<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/articles/melinda-doolittle-reviews-the-american-idol-finale-performances-for-hitfix">HERE</a> to read Melinda's song by song critique on HitFix.com!Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-71347798666043066452011-05-19T10:21:00.000-07:002011-05-19T10:21:44.172-07:00AI Top 3 - Now this brings back memories...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I love Top 3 night! These three contestants really gave it their all to make it to the finale, and I truly think they each have a chance. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Once again, I have no idea who is in danger of getting voted off. My </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/Mdoolittle"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> feed is saying Haley is definitely in, and my </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melinda-Doolittle/127635253834"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Facebook</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> page is saying Lauren is definitely in. I agree with both, but we've had more than one shocking elimination already this season and Scotty also had a great night. Hmmm...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I do have a confession to make, though. For some reason, I was easily distracted while watching the show tonight. So, I have now watched each performance twice so that I could make sure to give you my true critiques. I thought you might enjoy hearing some of my distractions though, so I have included them as side notes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Let me know what you think of the show, my thoughts and even my distractions. I love hearing what you have to say! :-)<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>***Side note: This is the week I got voted off, so be nice. Hahaha!</i></span><br />
<br />
...To read Melinda's song by song critiques, visit <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/articles/melinda-doolittle-reviews-the-american-idol-top-3-for-hitfix">HitFix.com</a>!Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-81273576318417973082011-05-05T11:03:00.000-07:002011-05-05T11:04:34.138-07:00Constructive criticism is a good thing!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I promise that I started off watching Idol in a good mood tonight. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I was excited about the contestants getting to do two songs and show different sides of their craft. Then the show started and my mood changed. It wasn’t the fault of the contestants, though. It was the judging panel that literally made me rewind my television to make sure I was listening to the same song they were critiquing. I’m fully aware that the sound in the studio is different from what we hear on our television, but it’s hard for me to believe that it’s the complete opposite of what we’re hearing. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So...I decided to write what I wish the judges would have said. Don’t get me wrong; all of the contestants are very talented. I’m just thinking about how constructive criticism has helped me in the long run. Here we go...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Click <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/articles/melinda-doolittle-judges-the-american-idol-top-5-for-hitfix">HERE</a> to visit HitFix.com and see Melinda's song by song comments and see if you agree! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-53565567780149534462011-04-28T11:52:00.000-07:002011-04-28T11:53:17.123-07:00Love me some Carole King!!Carole King is my hero!<br />
<br />
When you can write songs so well that anyone sounds good singing them, you automatically achieve hero status.<br />
<br />
Wow! This was an amazing night on Idol. At this point, it's anybody's game. I loved the feedback that Jimmy Iovine and Babyface gave the contestants this week. I think they are really taking time to bring out the artistry (as Kara DioGuardi would say) in each contestant.<br />
<br />
So here are my thoughts about each contestant tonight. I've put them in order from most favorite to least favorite. I even critiqued the duets. Well...most of them. :-) Let me know if you agree... <br />
<br />
<br />
*** To see Melinda's comments on the Top 6, visit <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/articles/melinda-doolittle-rates-the-american-idol-carole-king-night-for-hitfix">HitFix.com</a> and join her <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/leagues/american-idol">Idol Fantasy League</a> while you're there!Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-7666716862010734822011-04-07T10:03:00.000-07:002011-04-07T10:03:53.319-07:00IDOL Rock & Roll HOF Week: A departure from niceties...<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>I. MISS. SIMON.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Maybe it’s because I’m in a very punchy mood tonight, but I thought the judges were way too nice. So, in honor of Simon, I have written a brutally honest review with the help of my closest girlfriends. Enter at your own risk. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><u>Jacob Lusk “Man In The Mirror”</u><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I totally respected him for choosing a song he believed in, however, I was a little distracted by all of the hip thrusting in the Saturday Night Fever suit. Why does the man in the mirror have to be dressed in all white? Very cool to have Saidah Garrett there, but not sure their pitch matched up that well. Also, I believe skipping is hazardous to your vibrato. Not even gonna discuss the booty bump with Ryan at the end of the show.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><u>Haley Reinhart “Piece of My Heart”</u><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Loved the L.A.M.B. top and leggings...so cute! (Now, I’m being Paula.) I blame the judges for this one. No one can ever be Janis Joplin. She looked uncomfortable at the prospect of even trying to take it on. The only time she settled in was the last third of the song when she quit trying to be Janis and was just Haley.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><u>Casey Abrams “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”</u><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Loved the arrangement with the upright bass, although, I wouldn’t call it “revolutionary”. (Esperanza Spalding, anyone?) You know I love Casey’s tone, but he does need to be careful about chewing the ends of his phrases. Loved the part at the end when he took it high and cascaded down. This was one of the only times I agreed with the judges tonight. I’ll be sitting next to Jennifer Lopez on the front row of his concert.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">...To see the rest of Melinda's individual performance comments, <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/articles/melinda-doolittle-critiques-the-american-idol-top-9-for-hitfix">visit her blog on HitFix.com</a>!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">(And while you're there, sign up to compete against her in her <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/leagues/american-idol/featured-player/melinda-doolittle">American Idol Fantasy League</a>!) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-20771573945455438632011-03-03T11:26:00.000-08:002011-03-03T11:26:10.302-08:00Top 24 - Let's Break it Down...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">BOYS vs. GIRLS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The girls win! I actually didn’t see this one coming. I really thought the boys had it, but it looks like the girls learned a lot from watching the guys the night before. They were able to see how the staging worked, how the judges reacted and how the audience reacted before ever stepping foot on the stage. It’s definitely a perk, and they took full advantage of it. </span><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, since we have to do rankings to play in <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/leagues/american-idol">Fantasy Idol</a>, I thought I would briefly tell you what I thought of each performance this week. Let me know if you agree or disagree. I will start by saying, this is the hugest and saddest elimination ever! I can’t believe I have to pick only a Top 5 (maybe 6 or 7) boys and girls to make it through. It just doesn’t seem right, but here we go...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">...To read Melinda's thoughts on each contestant go to <a href="http://www.hitfix.com/articles/melinda-doolittle-ranks-her-american-idol-top-24-for-hitfix">HitFix.com</a> and make sure to join Melinda's Fantasy Idol League while you're there!!</span>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-78348368635115063382011-02-07T16:04:00.000-08:002011-02-07T16:04:57.215-08:00Oh, say can you....I've seen all kind of comments today about Christina Aguilera's National Anthem last night at the Super Bowl. Some of them were forgiving, most of them were not. Some were people I knew, some weren't. After reading all these comments, I thought I would let you in on my perspective.<div><br />
</div><div>The National Anthem is my favorite and least favorite song to sing. :-)</div><div>I love honoring our country, backing my favorite team (Go Titans!), hearing the crowd singing along...it's all really exciting and I feel so amazing when I get asked to sing it!</div><div>However, the range on the song is nuts...so starting in the right key is very important. Plus, I almost always second guess myself on the lyrics...even though I've been singing it for years. The "what so proudly we hailed" and "o'er the ramparts we watched" lines are the ones that get jumbled in my head sometimes. I can be all the way to "the land of the free" and still be wondering if I did it right. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So...that being said, I have all the sympathy in the world for Christina Aguilera. We all know the girl can saaaang! She's so talented and I've heard her do awesome versions of the anthem. I was impressed that she and Leah Michelle sang live. But not only did Christina sing live, she did it acapella. Normally, singers at the Super Bowl have some huge orchestral accompaniment that gives them an extra boost, but she just laid it all out there. Yes, she mixed up the lyrics, but it happens! It's just sad that it had to happen in front of all of us. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My last week on Idol, I sang two songs chosen by the executive producers and the judges, and then I sang I song I had already sung on the show...I'm a Woman. That was the only song I actually knew and I royally jacked up the lyrics! I can't even tell you what I sang...just jumbled up syllables. I was horrified. I couldn't believe I did that on a song I knew well with 30 million people watching. I cried when I got back to my apartment...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then I think of the fact that Christina did that in front of 111 million! And you know that she immediately knew everyone was going to be talking about her. So, let me be one of the people that says, these things happen and I'm more impressed that she powered through it and didn't even let it show on her face that she messed up. That is a true professional.</div><div><br />
</div><div>For those that talked about all the runs she did....ummm...she's Christina Aguilera...what exactly were you expecting? Yes, she probably added a few more in the end, but it is human nature to try to compensate for a mistake and end big. My close friends know that when I mess up on a song, the first thing I do is belt out a big 'ol note to try to make the audience forget that ever happened. LOL! ;-)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, I just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks for letting me do that! </div><div>Love y'all and would love to hear what you think!</div><div>Melinda</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366346881588633042.post-83435959656420175532011-01-31T07:51:00.000-08:002011-01-31T07:54:00.859-08:00You asked...(Part 1)<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">So here are my answers to your first 20 questions. I'll post the rest next week. I wasn't sure if you guys could come up with that many questions I have never been answered, but you surprised me! There are a couple that I have been asked before, but I decided to answer them anyway. :-)</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Love how creative you guys are! This was fun!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Melinda</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div>Who was the last person you texted? <b><i>My friend Damien Horne...amazing singer! You should totally look him up. </i></b><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Butter or margarine? <b><i>Margarine for food, butter for baking.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Have you been to an opera? <b><i>I sure have. Don Giovanni is my favorite! I’ve seen it 3 times. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>What's your favorite Disney movie? <b><i>Cinderella with Whitney Houston, Brandy, Victor Garber, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters and the gorgeous Paolo Montalban!</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>What is the most valuable lesson God has taught you? <b><i>Loving everybody...even the ones I don’t like. :-)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Your 1st car was? <b><i>A Geo Prizm (can’t remember the year) Her name was Pipi</i></b>. </div><div><br />
K-LOVE is asking people to pick a word for the year...what would your word be? <b><i>Marathon! I love that my life/career has been a marathon instead of a sprint. I want to make sure I continue not to rush into anything. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>If zombies were taking over the world, what would be your weapon of choice? <b><i>A gun! I need to be as far away from them as possible!</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>What was the most significant thing about your elementary school years? <b><i>That’s when I fell in love with Jesus and Motown! </i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Will you marry me???!!! <b><i>Can you cook? :-) (PS-I said ask me something I've </i>never<i> been asked before)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Do you have a boyfriend? (don't know if you have been asked that but I’m curious) <b><i>Not at the moment. I’m very happily single!</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Would you ever compete on Dancing with the Stars if asked? <b><i>I have no idea! I think it would be fun, but I also may be terrified! </i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Your top ten neo soul albums? <b><i>Any 5 by Jill Scott, India.Arie’s 4 albums and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Do you cook things in uneven numbers? <b><i>Haha! It depends...3 and 5 are very acceptable cooking numbers for me though.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>If someone wanted to choreograph a dance to one of your songs, which song would you pick for them and why? <b><i>Hmmm...I would love to see a couple dance to “Wonderful”</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Would you ever perform in Las Vegas at a casino? <b><i>Most casinos have a theater and I would love to perform there. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>Do you think you will ever record a Gospel/Christian CD? <b><i>It’s not in the works as of now.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>What was your favorite cartoon or/and TV show as a kid? <b><i>The Cosby Show!</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>What is your favorite song to perform? <b><i>Depends on the audience...</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b>I would love to sing with you one day, what song could we sing together? <b><i>The only duets I know are “If I Ain’t Got You” and “You’re All I Need to Get By”</i></b><br />
<ol></ol><div>That's it for now...let me know what you think!</div><div><br />
</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div></div>Melinda Doolittlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11732298478672392031noreply@blogger.com3