American Idol Star, Melinda Doolittle, Shares Timeless Truth in New Book

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 book, Beyond Me, coming to bookstores nationwide May 4, 2010 and featuring a foreword by American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks.

Doolittle, who became a star on season six of American Idol, shares poignant, often humorous stories, revealing the secrets of her success and giving practical guidance to overcome personal obstacles to achieve the next level in any area of life.

Doolittle adds, "I haven't just sat back and let life throw at me whatever it will. Instead – and this has been key – I've always worked to find my way to life's next level."

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 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." 

About Zondervan

Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling Bibles, books, audio, video, curriculum, software, and digital products through its Zondervan, eZondervan, Zonderkidz, Youth Specialties, Editorial Vida, and National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at www.zondervan.com (mobile site: zvan.mobi).

SOURCE Zondervan