I was obsessed with this beautiful woman when I was 8 years old and here I am at almost 25 coming back to watch her performances. Still obsessed. Wild.
Never watched the show again...if this talent couldn't win you know the thing has to be rigged. That or American's just don't know awesome when they hear it...period.
She was actually the best female vocalist ever on American Idol. If she had been around 60-70 years ago she would have been one of the most famous jazz vocalists in history like an Ella Fitzgerald and if she had been around 50 years ago she would have been one of the greatest soul singers ever. Her talented was suited to some of the great old school music of the past. What a great performer.
@Carmen Mac she's sung a few songs for Postmodern Jukebox which are excellent and on youtube. Her take on Toxic (yep, the Britney Spears song) is a standout
... It's 2023 and I'm here for another rewatch of this incredible artist. Timeless rendition. Her vocal choices, phrasing, storytelling... Exquisite. Short but sweet performance. I'll be returning again and again....
I'm still here listening to Melinda's stunning performance that made me so emotional. Nobody even came close to her --- not back then, not even now. You want to know what talent is? That's it!!
I still remember that fantastic performance. I heard shades of Ella Fitzgetrald and Sarah Vaughan; but best of all, I heard Melinda Doolittle. Would love to see her in person.
Agreed 100%. Someone posted it elsewhere: Melinda seemed to be the weekly guest star. She is on a whole different than the other contestants were. That woman is up there with the greatest. Her voice is just unbelievable. I'm sure the live musicians smiled each time she came on stage.
Melinda went straight to Carnegie Hall, (been there at least twice), is a featured soloist with the Boston Pops (they love) her. Had a holiday program on PBS her first year and is singing ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
The way she phrased the line "And yet, your my favorite work of art." Wow, I knew right then... This is gonna be one of moments on TV that people talk about at work the next day.
After Melinda lost, I never watched again. Clearly, she was the most talented voice in the competition, she's just a natural. Jordan should have placed second.
I feel the same. When I want to hear some good "amateur" vocals, using the term lightly, I search this video, Danny Gokey, Elliot Yamin and a handful of other non A I winners. These are people who really have passion and sing with all that is within them.
I watched this show decades ago and there are literally only two performances that I can still remember, one is David Cook's "Hello" and the other is THIS one. Melinda Doolittle's rendition of "My Funny Valentine" gives me chills.
MichaelsPortraits nailed it in his comment. Best performance in the history of American Idol, or any reality performance oriented show in my estimation. First off - great song selection. Beautiful. Then, best voice, best arrangement. Best instrumentation in the background. Best setting. Even Simon was wowed. Good as it gets. No more. No less.
i know everyone usually gets impressed by the high notes. but can we for a minute focus on how glorious those notes at 1:56 are? truly stunning work, i am in love with her voice.
Technically the BEST vocal on AI like ever,if u close your eyes and listen,it sounds like it's already recorded,absolutely astounding This imo was the last good season vocally,the seasons afterwards felt like the top 12 was mixed with maybe 6 out of twelve really good singers
swurvegirl29 I agree Melinda was far and above the best vocalist this season but I thought the season was a little weak vocally. Jordin was OK for a winner. Blake didn't do much for me. Season 8 with Kris, Adam, Alison, Danny, and a few others had a lot more talent in general.
Shawn McLaughlin I kinda stopped watching it faithfully after this season but I would check in to see who made the top 12 For me the last good season they had with alot of good talent was whichever season Chris Daughtry was on
Swurvegirl39 SHE WAS GREAT BUT CANDICE GLOVER, KELLY, JOSHUA LEDET AND ESPECIALLY FANTASIA ARE PROBABLY IN THE RUNNING OVER MELINDA. I'LL GIVE YOU THIS MELINDA WAS ONE THE MOST SEASONED POLISHED SINGERS EVER ON THIS SHOW. IT DIDN'T SERVE HER WELL UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE THE AUDIENCE COULDN'T WITNESS A "GROWTH" MOMENT.👌🏿
My all-time favorite female performer in American Idol history. She is breathtaking to listen to. She should be winning Grammys and light up a stage in LV.
The arrangement is perfection. The pianist is elegant and places each note with such a delicate touch as a perfect complement to Melinda. Does anyone know who the pianist is? Even the background vocals are in synch and at the right levels. This arrangement should be recreated exactly but in an extended version. It ends too soon! I would buy an album with this song as it is.
@@mmaybrownwow you’re right, it was a remake of the Chaka Khan version. Chaka is one of my all time favorite singers but Melinda took this version and ran with it 🔥🔥🔥
I love this woman, I go back to look at her performances often can't get enough of her, and she is beautiful. i know her life style and it is respected, and still does not take away from the fact that she is beautiful and talented.
She's not only an amazing singer but an amazing person. It's impossible not to fall in love with her. That performance was one of the best AI ever had, and I feel REALLY sorry for the person that had to follow it. Outstanding in every way.
THIS was my all-time favorite performance on American Idol. How she didn't win is so beyond my musical comprehension. I was a professional guitarist for many years, played with and heard many great singers, and MD is one of the finest vocalists I've ever heard. I never watched Idol after her season. The best talent was not chosen as the winner and that's what the show is supposed to be. If you want to watch a great film that will remind you of her, check out Twenty Feet From Stardom: www.imdb.com/title/tt2396566/
STILL TO THIS DAY, I watch this performance and she gives me goosebumps. I also stopped watching Idol when Melinda lost. Forever the greatest vocalist to appear on the show!
The second she sang I knew she was the best they ever had....by a long shot. A complete polished gorgeous voice and performance . Stop watching for good after she didn't win. And Im glad I did.
Watching again in 2024. Melinda is still one of the best…of ANY era…in my book. I’ve bought her rendition of “My Funny Valentine” from iTunes and I have her in a play list right next to Aretha Franklin. No joke. She’s that good.
Low key the best performance ever on Idol. But not just the best performance, but the song musical arrangement and background singers were perfect put together. Whoever produced that really put her in position to sing her best 🔥🔥🔥💯
I must admit:I have heard this song from the GREAT Shaka Khan and Anita bakes,both ladies are amazing to me but this paticular song sounded the best from Melinda.:-))loved her.
I had forgotten just how talented Melinda really is, I wish she was out there more singing songs like this and anything else she'd like to sing. Beautiful style.
This is almost an unparalleled performance. This girl took a perfect song and unbelievably, made it more perfect that it was! How do you do that! The fact she is not selling out stadiums speaks volumes to what people accept in the music business (don't ask because I will trash some very famous names).
I am glad to see in time so many views on this classic performance , I hope you'll have zillion more views for you are on the level of singing legends Melinda...Mind blowing performance & talent
Right there: the absolute proof that today's music industry sucks a big hairy one and shoves bullshit down our throats. There is a singer who belts it out to perfection - like there is no tomorrow - and puts her heart and soul into it, blows the competition out of the water - and she doesn't win. What happened to: "you need to be good at what you do and enjoy it - then you will make it"? Oh yep, those were the days of my parents....
Very pure and controlled, absolutely one of the best current voices out there today. You PROVE that a classic style is still the most appealing to the ear. I love your voice, can't get enough
Im in the same boat with craig...man melinda can blow...no one can them notes like that...i haven't heard such a voice since yolanda adams did the tribute to whitney houston...i think they she didnt have the look only to say no one was listening to the music melinda could sing...but she got signed...that tells u how much talent she had...NATURAL talent
She was too good for this show and competition. This is a polished, true, real ass singer right here.
Melinda is my all-time favorite Idol contestant. She should have won.
Facts.
The REAL season six Idol winner!
Muzafar Md Yusof PREACH 💯
she was my favorite every week
I mean Jordin is a good winner but how did Melinda not even make top 2.
Amazing performance. Super talented singer.
NOT UP FOR DEBATE!!!!! 💯👊🏾✊🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🧸
I was obsessed with this beautiful woman when I was 8 years old and here I am at almost 25 coming back to watch her performances. Still obsessed. Wild.
The best interpretation I’ve ever heard of this song!
To this day, this performance has never been touched. It never will be. This was one of Idol's most IMMORTALIZED performances.
Kyle Roberts Amber Holcomb killed this performance though!!
I totally agree! Only Fantasia's "what are you doing the rest of your life " rivals it.
I only regret that I can only offer you one thumbs up and a big fat amen!
MKS Land ikr lol
Agree, I keep coming back to listen to this profound rendition;magical
For the life of me, I still cannot understand how she wasn’t crowned the winner! Best of all times!
Still after all these years one of the best performances of this show
You got that right!!!
When Melinda did not win, I stopped watching the show. point . blank. period.
..yeah, she is the best I have ever seen..maybe ever...wow..
Agree 100%! In fact, my wife and I mark this as the moment that Idol was no longer relevant and we stopped watching.
Frank Urena me too
Never watched the show again...if this talent couldn't win you know the thing has to be rigged. That or American's just don't know awesome when they hear it...period.
me too
Where is this lady, why isn't she a multiple Grammy winner? Melinda, you are sorely missed from the center stage.
This is a Phenomenal performance and rendition of My Funny Valentine.... Tops in my book. 😎👏👏👏👏👍
Unbelievable range, control, and presence!!! Simply Amazing!!!
Best performance EVER on American Idol.
I agree 100%. I have found and purchased some of her stuff on iTunes.
Melinda Doolittle is the new Queen of Soul in my book.
She was actually the best female vocalist ever on American Idol. If she had been around 60-70 years ago she would have been one of the most famous jazz vocalists in history like an Ella Fitzgerald and if she had been around 50 years ago she would have been one of the greatest soul singers ever. Her talented was suited to some of the great old school music of the past. What a great performer.
I cant think of any male vocalists on Idol who were better either
@Carmen Mac she's sung a few songs for Postmodern Jukebox which are excellent and on youtube. Her take on Toxic (yep, the Britney Spears song) is a standout
She was so robbed! As Paula said, the way she phrased this song was absolutely incredible. She should’ve won this competition.
This woman is a solid professional. This was an incredible performance.
... It's 2023 and I'm here for another rewatch of this incredible artist. Timeless rendition. Her vocal choices, phrasing, storytelling... Exquisite. Short but sweet performance. I'll be returning again and again....
I do the same, she has that quality factor. A joy to listen to.
I'm still here listening to Melinda's stunning performance that made me so emotional. Nobody even came close to her --- not back then, not even now. You want to know what talent is? That's it!!
👌🏾💯💖
Without a doubt you are completely correct in your assessment
I still remember that fantastic performance. I heard shades of Ella Fitzgetrald and Sarah Vaughan; but best of all, I heard Melinda Doolittle. Would love to see her in person.
💯
This video has aged better than fine wine!! It's the power, the authority, the authenticity, the technicality and the soul for me.
Agreed 100%. Someone posted it elsewhere: Melinda seemed to be the weekly guest star. She is on a whole different than the other contestants were. That woman is up there with the greatest. Her voice is just unbelievable. I'm sure the live musicians smiled each time she came on stage.
Best performance EVER on Idol. Just phenomenal.
Alchete where's the lie? 🤔 😂💖💯
Still gives me chills!
Favorite song all-time on Idol. Melinda & the arrangement were superb.
Melinda went straight to Carnegie Hall, (been there at least twice), is a featured soloist with the Boston Pops (they love) her. Had a holiday program on PBS her first year and is singing ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
Thanks for the GREAT NEWS
The way she phrased the line "And yet, your my favorite work of art." Wow, I knew right then... This is gonna be one of moments on TV that people talk about at work the next day.
and talk about ten years later....
After Melinda lost, I never watched again. Clearly, she was the most talented voice in the competition, she's just a natural. Jordan should have placed second.
I feel the same. When I want to hear some good "amateur" vocals, using the term lightly, I search this video, Danny Gokey, Elliot Yamin and a handful of other non A I winners. These are people who really have passion and sing with all that is within them.
musiclover2222100 CLEARLY 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I feel like Jordin should have placed third and LaKisha should've placed second
Melinda should have won. This performance was just amazing.
Correction, Jordin should not have placed AT ALL.
in certain parts she sound soooo wonderful!! perfect
Yes - in the beginning, middle and end.
This is what a singer is supposed to sound like. She isn't focused on pitch and notes, it just comes natural. She's focused on telling you the story
One of the best performances on Idol.
Way beyond this contest. A true jazz singer.
Melinda is still my favorite Idol. She was always amazing.
I watched this show decades ago and there are literally only two performances that I can still remember, one is David Cook's "Hello" and the other is THIS one. Melinda Doolittle's rendition of "My Funny Valentine" gives me chills.
Never got over this one. Love her. Real winner in my mind.
Just saw her live at an event tonight, in Memphis! She was amazing! Great with the crowd and great band and singers. Loved the show!
MichaelsPortraits nailed it in his comment. Best performance in the history of American Idol, or any reality performance oriented show in my estimation.
First off - great song selection. Beautiful. Then, best voice, best arrangement. Best instrumentation in the background. Best setting. Even Simon was wowed.
Good as it gets. No more. No less.
This gave me chills. I love her voice so much!
Simply the best. She deserves to win the competition.
Every once in a while I'll come across a performance that moves me to tears, and this is one of them. Absolutely incredible.
i know everyone usually gets impressed by the high notes. but can we for a minute focus on how glorious those notes at 1:56 are? truly stunning work, i am in love with her voice.
Best cover of this song hands down
This is legend level interpretation
Technically the BEST vocal on AI like ever,if u close your eyes and listen,it sounds like it's already recorded,absolutely astounding
This imo was the last good season vocally,the seasons afterwards felt like the top 12 was mixed with maybe 6 out of twelve really good singers
swurvegirl29 I agree Melinda was far and above the best vocalist this season but I thought the season was a little weak vocally. Jordin was OK for a winner. Blake didn't do much for me. Season 8 with Kris, Adam, Alison, Danny, and a few others had a lot more talent in general.
Shawn McLaughlin I kinda stopped watching it faithfully after this season but I would check in to see who made the top 12
For me the last good season they had with alot of good talent was whichever season Chris Daughtry was on
Swurvegirl39 SHE WAS GREAT BUT CANDICE GLOVER, KELLY, JOSHUA LEDET AND ESPECIALLY FANTASIA ARE PROBABLY IN THE RUNNING OVER MELINDA. I'LL GIVE YOU THIS MELINDA WAS ONE THE MOST SEASONED POLISHED SINGERS EVER ON THIS SHOW. IT DIDN'T SERVE HER WELL UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE THE AUDIENCE COULDN'T WITNESS A "GROWTH" MOMENT.👌🏿
My all-time favorite female performer in American Idol history. She is breathtaking to listen to. She should be winning Grammys and light up a stage in LV.
The arrangement is perfection. The pianist is elegant and places each note with such a delicate touch as a perfect complement to Melinda. Does anyone know who the pianist is? Even the background vocals are in synch and at the right levels. This arrangement should be recreated exactly but in an extended version. It ends too soon! I would buy an album with this song as it is.
Glenn Barth I agree. This version is taken directly from Chaka Khan's version, which of course is much longer.
I agree 100%. Whoever produced that needs an award. Best rendition and arrangement Ive heard of this song.
@@mmaybrownwow you’re right, it was a remake of the Chaka Khan version. Chaka is one of my all time favorite singers but Melinda took this version and ran with it 🔥🔥🔥
This remains the best performance of AI through the years! Simply perfect !
FACTS
Such a pleasure when a singer means each word. Wonderful.
Oh, time flies. I remember that performance. #MemorableMelinda. Such an exceptional vocalist. I could listen to her o'er and o'er.
I love this woman, I go back to look at her performances often can't get enough of her, and she is beautiful. i know her life style and it is respected, and still does not take away from the fact that she is beautiful and talented.
She's not only an amazing singer but an amazing person. It's impossible not to fall in love with her.
That performance was one of the best AI ever had, and I feel REALLY sorry for the person that had to follow it.
Outstanding in every way.
Melinda Doolittle's performance of that song was Masterful...👏👏👏😎
Best of the best performances ever!
Wow. Love this jazzy singer. Her tone is so soothing.
The way she controls her vocal is incredible. I wish I had been there to hear her sing
Your voice is one of a kind, and it's absolutely incredible. It brings tears to my eyes practically every time.
This was the LAST Best Season of American Idol!
I agree afterwards it was mediocre talent
Not really
7 and 8 were amazing!
Season 11 was amazing! Elise, Jessica, Joshua, even artist like Phillip make it interesting, my favorite season
Season 11 was good overall except the winner Philip Phillips. Season 12 was also great with a well deserved winner - Candice Glover.
THIS was my all-time favorite performance on American Idol. How she didn't win is so beyond my musical comprehension. I was a professional guitarist for many years, played with and heard many great singers, and MD is one of the finest vocalists I've ever heard. I never watched Idol after her season. The best talent was not chosen as the winner and that's what the show is supposed to be. If you want to watch a great film that will remind you of her, check out Twenty Feet From Stardom: www.imdb.com/title/tt2396566/
I still consider this the best performance ever on AI!!!!
That's because you're an honest person 😊😂💖.
4-1/2 years later and I am STILL coming back to hear her sing...
What a voice!!!!
2:30 to 2:36 was one of the most memorable AI vocals of all time, to me.
The woman was just ready for a job😅 This is absolute perfection. Her vocal inflection and line delivery are flawless. She is a genius with this voice!
Really hate she didn't win....she was so good!
So good
STILL TO THIS DAY, I watch this performance and she gives me goosebumps. I also stopped watching Idol when Melinda lost. Forever the greatest vocalist to appear on the show!
She beat all worlds greatest singers with her version of Funny Valentine. #1 ever... No one can touch her.
I'm sure I've listened to this song at least 10 times over the past two days. She is a phenomenal talent...such beauty and emotion in her voice.
I've been watching AI for about 6 years now, and this very performance is STILL my #1 favorite! What a sweetheart of a girl with an amazing voice!
Insanely good...no words. Just Wow!!!
The second she sang I knew she was the best they ever had....by a long shot. A complete polished gorgeous voice and performance . Stop watching for good after she didn't win. And Im glad I did.
Watching again in 2024.
Melinda is still one of the best…of ANY era…in my book.
I’ve bought her rendition of “My Funny Valentine” from iTunes and I have her in a play list right next to Aretha Franklin. No joke. She’s that good.
Melinda should have won. Her voice is so amazing, such an upset. American (teen) Idol lost me after this.
Low key the best performance ever on Idol. But not just the best performance, but the song musical arrangement and background singers were perfect put together. Whoever produced that really put her in position to sing her best 🔥🔥🔥💯
I can’t stop coming back to this…
I must admit:I have heard this song from the GREAT Shaka Khan and Anita bakes,both ladies are amazing to me but this paticular song sounded the best from Melinda.:-))loved her.
Phenomenal singer. Absolutely fantastic.
I had forgotten just how talented Melinda really is, I wish she was out there more singing songs like this and anything else she'd like to sing. Beautiful style.
I still think Melinda was the best voice to come through this show.
This is almost an unparalleled performance. This girl took a perfect song and unbelievably, made it more perfect that it was!
How do you do that! The fact she is not selling out stadiums speaks volumes to what people accept in the music business (don't ask because I will trash some very famous names).
Melinda is also my all time favourite American Idol contestant. Her version of My Funny Valentine is unbelievable!!
Melinda Doolittle was on fire🔥..... Hands down this is the best version of "My Funny Valentine" I've ever heard.
I am glad to see in time so many views on this classic performance , I hope you'll have zillion more views for you are on the level of singing legends Melinda...Mind blowing performance & talent
Season 6 and 5 were amazing. Lits of people with great talent and performances. Melinda was one of my favs
Right there: the absolute proof that today's music industry sucks a big hairy one and shoves bullshit down our throats. There is a singer who belts it out to perfection - like there is no tomorrow - and puts her heart and soul into it, blows the competition out of the water - and she doesn't win. What happened to: "you need to be good at what you do and enjoy it - then you will make it"? Oh yep, those were the days of my parents....
I totally agree. And in my world it takes a lot! Beautiful voice and phrasing. She tells a story! I take a bow too!
I listen regularly to this singer. She has it. Soul to spare...
Very pure and controlled, absolutely one of the best current voices out there today. You PROVE that a classic style is still the most appealing to the ear. I love your voice, can't get enough
I LOVE the way she sung this song!!! Simply amazing!!!
Best performance of Melinda and of American idol in my opinion. She gave me goosebumps everywhere! That was so classy, chic and powerful!!!!!
Absolutely loved it! I remember her but not her doing this song!! One of my favorite songs and she made me love it more!!!!!!! Thanx Melinda!
Best performance
FACTS 👌🏾💖💯
Wow! I forgot that there was a time when AI had contestants who could actually sing!
loool ikr tom!
No one ever talks about this performance! Owned Constantine's. Completely owned his.
I talk about it being the best Idol performance, her being the best contestant, & her having the best audition. Yeah, I talk about it lol.
i always have a goosebump everytime i watch this performance...... love her so much
One of the best performance in idol! She should have won that season!
This was the last season I watched, she is amazing
This was one of my most favorite American idol performances
Seriously one of the best female singers on this show. LOVED her that season
One of the Best Idol contestants ever
Im in the same boat with craig...man melinda can blow...no one can them notes like that...i haven't heard such a voice since yolanda adams did the tribute to whitney houston...i think they she didnt have the look only to say no one was listening to the music melinda could sing...but she got signed...that tells u how much talent she had...NATURAL talent
Incredible voice. Timeless performance.
Obviously I remember that performance Melinda Doolittle did, it definitely blew me away!
Still listening in 2020 wonderful 🙏💙💕