Gospel-influenced R&B vocalist Melinda Doolittle got her professional start in the late 1990s and early 2000s singing backup for a number of artists, including Aaron Neville, Kirk Franklin, Michael McDonald, and Alabama. The singer came to national attention when she appeared on season six of AMERICAN IDOL. Though she performed well, earning praise from the judges, she finished third behind Blake Lewis and champion Jordin Sparks. Doolittle has devoted time to philanthropic efforts, including the Malaria No More Organization, and a visit to Zambia with Laura Bush. The singer’s debut full-length, COMING BACK TO YOU, a collection of old school R&B tunes, was released in 2009.