American Idol Star Melinda Doolittle Reveals Timeless Truth and Overcoming Personal Hardship in New Book to Release May 4, 2010

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Melinda Doolittle, acclaimed recording artist and American Idol favorite, releases her new book project, Beyond Me, which reveals how her own success and personal accomplishments poignantly impact her often challenging investment in surprisingly, encouraging and nurturing others. The book reveals how she he learned “the hard way” on Idol and how she has overcome very tough times through her own life experiences, with the support and insight of a single mother, making it work. Beyond Me will be released in bookstores nationwide on May 4, 2010 and features a foreword by American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks.

Doolittle, who became a star and a judge and fan favorite on season six of American Idol, shares personal secrets and background insights of her time on Idol, through deeply personal, often tough but humorous stories of her life. Through the book, Doolittle exposes the foundation of her success, while giving real and compelling guidance to overcome personal obstacles and to “rise above,” in any area of life.

Tone deaf as a child, Doolittle’s choir teacher would plead with her not to sing, but just silently move her mouth. Undaunted, her love of singing and the influence of her own family drove her to enter a talent show in the 7th grade and, miraculously, she stunned the audience with her spot-on vocals and beautiful voice. Doolittle began to realize that success in life was something bigger than her—or, as she puts it, “It’s beyond me!”

To achieve her dream of becoming a recording artist, Doolittle began by setting and quickly reaching her goals, soon singing background vocals for some of the industry’s top artists. Then following an amazing turn of events, she wowed the judges and took the hearts of America with her flawless vocal performances on American Idol – becoming the clear favorite of the show’s most difficult judge, Simon Cowell.

Doolittle adds, “I haven’t been able to just sit back and let life throw at me whatever it will, even in my Idol experiences. Instead, I’ve always had to work hard through tough times and challenging experiences, to find my way to life’s next level and have learned many life-changing lessons through it.”

In the book’s foreword, Jordin Sparks writes: “Melinda titled her book Beyond Me, and I know that is where her amazing strength comes from. I loved reading about the adventures we shared on Idol and seeing the same events from her unique perspective. But even more, I loved reading about the stories that were new to me—insights and memories from her childhood and growing-up years. It really made me see where she got all that wisdom!”

Beyond Me provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of America’s biggest pop culture phenomenon, American Idol and how Doolittle turned that stress-filled environment into a springboard from which she could soar.

Doolittle has won over many in the industry including Sheila E., GRAMMY Award-winning artist and legendary percussionist, who stated: “Beyond Me was so cool to read! It reminded me just how much you can impact someone’s life. I loved it! I am truly humbled and honored to be Melinda’s friend.”