American Idol's Doolittle Sings Diana Ross

Yes, it was Paula Abdul.

But then Simon Cowell's eyes started blinking uncontrollably. He tried to make a joke of it, but was he laughing--or crying with Paula?

Either way, Melinda's powerful rendition of The Wiz hit "Home" hit home with the judges.
Here are a few quotations from my notes:

Diana Ross during Melinda's rehearsal: "When you sing, I get goosebumps."
Randy Jackson, of the performance: "I don't know if it was my favorite...but it was very strong."
Paula Abdul (weeping): I feel what you're feeling...the joy...I'm so excited for you. This is it for you."
Simon Cowell: "Why are you crying, Melinda?" (incoherent sniffles or laughs--you pick) "You remind me of a young Gladys Knight. Very good."

--->Why was this song so emotional for Melinda and Paula? Read the lyrics to "Home," from Diana Ross' The Wiz album.

Host Ryan Seacrest asked Melinda how she felt onstage.
"I don't remember it!" Melinda exclaimed.
Paula Abdul seemed to understand the phenomenon. "She's feeling like she had an out-of-body experience."

--->What did Melinda Doolittle say was the hardest part of her American Idol experience?
"The high heels and these dresses! I like my tennis shoes and sweat pants!" she laughed.

Check here for all our up-to-date coverage on Brentwood's Melinda Doolittle.