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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Melinda Doolittle, acclaimed recording artist and star of American Idol, believes that her own success and personal joy are directly proportional to her investment in encouraging and nurturing others. This theme is at the heart of her new autobiography, Beyond Me, coming to bookstores nationwide in May 4, 2010 and featuring a foreword by American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks.

Doolittle, who became a star in season six of American Idol, says her faith in Jesus fuels her. Through poignant, often humorous stories, Doolittle reveals the secrets of her success and finding practical guidance to overcome personal obstacles to achieve the next level in any area of life.

Doolittle adds, "By God's grace, I've been able to realize my dreams, to know this is what He wants me to be doing, and I find peace in that. It is beyond anything I could think of."

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 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 systematically reaching her goals, such as singing background vocals for many of her favorite music artists. Then, following an amazing turn of events, she burst onto the music scene with her flawless vocal performances on American Idol -- becoming the clear favorite of the show's most difficult judge, Simon Cowell.

In the book's foreword, Jordin Sparks writes: "Melinda's called her book Beyond Me, and I know that is where her amazing strength comes from. I loved reading about the adventures we shared on AI 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 one 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 Michael W. Smith who stated: "I've had the opportunity to work with a lot of great people and I've observed how people react to a 'star'. It's different with Melinda. Sure people are 'wowed' by her celebrity. But it runs far deeper than that. When people meet Melinda for the first time -- they immediately feel connected. It's what made her so popular on American Idol. She is genuine and approachable. And she has a down-to-earth, common sense about her that is beyond her years. I'm privileged to have Melinda as a friend. Her talent is tremendous and her heart is enormous."

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