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Us Exclusive: Idol’s Melinda Doolittle Gives Back in Zambia
Thursday June 28, 2007
Melinda performs "Amazing Grace" for children in Africa during a recent trip to promote malaria awareness.
Mark Maire/Malaria No More
Thursday June 28, 2007
Mark Maire/Malaria No More
Roughly one month after American Idol’s sixth season wrapped, third place finisher Melinda Doolittle is still winning fans – this time all the way in Zambia.
The 29-year-old Tennessean, who finished behind Blake Lewis and winner Jordin Sparks landed in the African country Thursday for a four-day charitable excursion to help distribute bed nets provided through donations raised during the April 24-25 Idol Gives Back telethon. Partnering with Malaria No More, Doolittle, who calls her overseas travel “a lifelong dream,” will work with First Lady Laura Bush to deliver the 500,000 nets.
In addition to her charitable efforts during the trip, Doolittle will also entertain locals with her version of “Amazing Grace.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel internationally, but this is my first time to Africa,” the performer tells Usmagazine.com exclusively. “It was a lifelong dream for me to come to Africa and to sing with a children’s choir - a dream I got to live out.”
Through the Idol Gives Back initiative, $70 million was raised to benefit various national and international charities and, as Doolittle explains, a little bit goes a long way.
“Just $10 buys a bed net, which can protect a family for up to five years,” she says of one of the ways donations are used. “For the children of Africa, it can be the difference between life and death. I hope Idol fans begin to realize how easy it is to prevent malaria and how much of a difference even a small donation can make.”
Prior to her trip, which is sandwiched between tour rehearsals for the July 6 kick-off of the Idols Live! concert tour and the tour itself, Doolittle says the toughest part of travel preparations involved the vaccinations necessary for her trip.
“The thing that scared me the most was getting the shots I needed to come to Africa. My arms were sore for a couple of days, but otherwise I can’t complain,” she confirms.
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Posted by Allison Corneau at 6:11 pm ET
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9 Comments
12:37 PM
Louise Says:
1:16 PM
Anonymous Says:
she bought that shirt from new york and company haha
1:16 PM
Anonymous Says:
she bought that shirt from new york and company haha
6:35 PM
Marian Says:
Melinda is NOT doing this for publicity, she is just a very good person!!
P.S. Melinda , you are the best!
6:32 PM
brontese Says:
She's simply amazing and a great person!!!
P.S. She deserved to win AI6
11:10 AM
Windy Says:
Oh poo publicity is about 75% of why any celebs does these things... but oh well. I guess in the end it is all for a good cause.
9:38 AM
Anonymous321 Says:
I wouldn't really refer to her as a celebrity just yet, so for anyone to think that she is doing this for publicity, it just crazy. And why is it so hard for people to understand that there are some kind hearted people out there who have the time and money to donate to charities.
12:22 AM
Tahlia Says:
Just goes to show you. There are a lot more good people in the world than bad. Hard to believe, I know, but think about it. We just hear about the schmucks and the wing-nuts.
This talented singer is such a delight. Melinda was without-a-doubt the best singer of AI season #6 and a bright beacon of hope as a good-will ambassador.
10:05 PM
Jennifer Says:
I know, she is such a fabulous woman, that is so special, good for her. melinda, you GO girl!
