‘Idol’ says goodbye to EO contest favorite

Published 2:39 pm Thursday, May 17, 2007

LOS ANGELES – Most observers thought she was a lock to go on to the “American Idol” finale, but Melinda Doolittle was eliminated Wednesday night.

The result was a surprise, considering Doolittle – hands down the best singer there – had the blessing of Simon Cowell. Her departure clears the way for a final showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.

Doolittle tallied 33 of the 64 total votes in the East Oregonian’s “You Pick the Winner” contest. Last week, Lakisha Jones was sent packing. She had garnered 23 EO votes. Heading into next week’s finale, one EO reader has Blake Lewis winning it all, while three have selected Jordin Sparks.

Jane Sheldon of Pendleton was one of the 33 who chose Doolittle for the EO’s contest.

“I was disappointed that she went off, but the other two were fine so I’ll keep watching,” she said.

Sheldon said she picked Doolittle because, “as a singer, I thought she was the best.”

Linda Long of Hermiston said she also was surprised with the results.

“I’m very disappointed and I still think she’s the best,” she said. “I was definitely surprised.”

Long said she enjoyed Doolittle’s performing abilities.

“She just has a very good voice and she was always on,” she said. “She didn’t make mistakes.”

But Long didn’t think this was the end for Doolittle.

“I think she’s going to do well in a career now that she’s gotten the exposure from American Idol,” she said.

Cowell, too, seemed disappointed with Doolittle’s departure.

“Congratulations to you two. My commiserations, Melinda, ’cause you are one heck of a singer,” said a glum Cowell, who covered his face with his hands upon hearing the news.

It’s tough to predict who’ll win next week’s finale. Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., rose from the bottom ranks to gain much momentum in later weeks, and few would deny her broad appeal to viewers of all ages. The bubbly beauty has charisma for miles – a true American idol, her fans argue.