"She's the One" - World Party, 1997

OK...I admit it...I love singing competition programs on TV. And I especially enjoy "American Idol". We see it here on ITV in the UK, only a few days after the shows air in the States.

After last week's performances, I'm already making my call for this year's American Idol. Without question, it'll be Melinda Doolittle.

Her performance of "My Funny Valentine" literally sent chills up and down my spine. It was one of the most stunning renditions of a song I have ever heard! So not only does the woman have a fabulous voice, she has an incredible way with song interpretation as well.

I know very little about her, apart from the fact that's she's from Tennessee. Checking a few resources on the web, it appears she's been a background/session singer for some time now. It's time for you to step up into the spotlight, girl!

I'm on the lookout for an MP3 of her performance of "My Funny Valentine". It will instantly join the ranks of other all-time favorites on my iPod!

By the way, last year John and I picked out Taylor Hicks as our favorite from the moment he auditioned. This year, I didn't have any strong feelings during the audition stages...except perhaps a curiosity about Sundance Head . (Thanks to my friend Claudia, I've learned that Sundance is the son of singer Roy Head, who had a big US hit with his song "Treat Her Nice" back in 1965. Claudia tells me that Roy is still out there performing, too.) But last week's performance by Melinda has completely won me over, and I'm willing to call the 2007 winner right now.

Janet