Melinda Doolittle

Biography: This former backup singer was visibly scared to step into the spotlight. But on Season 6 of American Idol, Doolittle did just that and was rewarded with a spot in the final 12. Although she was clearly the judges' favorite to win, the viewers felt differently and she only made it to the final three. However, despite losing, she clearly wasn't a loser, and the judges agreed that she had a fantastic career ahead of her. A music major in college, Doolittle launched her professional career supporting big names like CeCe Winans and Aaron Neville and the Anointed.