We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses we received. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their unique and inspiring American stories.
Fast and furious, this American tradition features tiny tots riding woolly wonder beasts.
Jamie Poindexter’s drumline is bringing together a tough neighborhood with a joyful beat.
A barista gives a kidney to a complete stranger, giving her the ultimate pick-me-up.
Raised by migrant farm workers, Jose Hernandez used hard work and a big heart to reach the stars.
Monica Haslip’s afterschool program is creating artists and serious entrepreneurs.
Michael Reagan and his Fallen Heroes Project provides closure for the families left behind.
This shoe shine man is changing the world through his Clean Water Foundation.
Through hard work and perseverance, Mila Apostol created the little store that could.
A refugee survivor, Derreck Kayongo is saving the world, one bar of soap at a time.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun!
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
An Iraq War veteran, James talks about surviving a suicide attack and serving our country.
She talks about coming over from Italy as a child and the chances America has given her.
She’s following in grandfather’s footsteps, paying it forward, and living up to her good name.
Her parents left Albania so she could grow up with the freedom to live out her “American Dream.”
A 1st grade teacher talks about teaching the Pledge of Allegiance to her students.
She raised nine children and talks about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.
As devoted parents, they provided a safe and loving environment for over 40 foster babies.
She shares her ancestors’ sacrifices and struggles for the freedoms we enjoy in America.
Inspired by wounded soldiers, he’s in med school training to become a doctor in the U.S. Army.
Julie Smith & Joyce Hogan have served our nation through their husbands’ military service.
They adopted two children from Russia and share how the experience changed their lives.
Vietnam Vet who talks about how service changed his life and his feeling for this country.
He compares football to unity and talks about the importance of America coming together.
She’s a 3rd generation American who talks of fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers.
A Vietnam Vet, Anthony talks about surviving a vicious attack, and the costs of freedom.
The couple talks about raising their kids and the freedoms we cherish in this country.
A teacher who credits her ancestors for giving us the freedoms we share in this country.
A Cuban American who talks about how her father risked his life to bring his family here.
Married for 52 years, they talk about growing up and raising a family in a small town.
He came from India to become an engineer and is currently applying for U.S. citizenship.
The award winning country music group talks about performing for the troops in Iraq.
Real Americans like Sarah Palin who spreads falsehood for personal self-aggrandizement at the expense of this country burning in flames. These radicals have one thing in mind and that is to push down the majority of this country into abyss of serfdom by siding with nefarious elements of business community and abolish any hopes for equal and fair treatment.
I think you’ve got a big hit with this “Real American Stories” … real Americans like Sarah Palin a lot and this is all positive horsepower for a change. Real change through real strength in real people.
Love what your doing for america im going to dvr it im sure I will watch it more then once.
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! and to God be the Glory!
For Melinda’s faith in Him, and knowing that through prayer and hard work All things are possible with God.
For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37
God bless you Melinda and may you continue on the road that He had placed you on; always giving God the glory.
Great!!!
I absolutely loved seeing & hearing Ms.Doolittle sing on American Idol. I really hated to see that season end. I am 22 years old and long to have a singing career. Ms.Doolittle is such an inspiration to me and it would be AWESOME to have a chance to meet her personally. May God blessings always be upon Ms.Doolittle and everything that she set to do!!!
Your #1 Fan,
Jerimah
Great to see this item on Melinda! I don’t watch Idol very often but occasionally I will pause to hear a good voice (my wife watches it). When I heard Melinda sing, I got up to go see and hear her sing and watched for her through the rest of the Idol series. Her voice is awesome, even the gouchy, picky Simon knew she was good. Everything she sang was far superior, it was great to watch. I am also glad to hear she’s a practicing Christian! Great story and hope to hear more of your singing. CD available?
Melinda was the one person I tuned in to hear when she competed on AI, and could not wait to see what she was going to sing next. I really thought she was going to win!!! I wish she would come out with a Christmas album singing all the standards. Good luck, Melinda.
I just had an opportunity to see Melinda Doolittle in Pigeon Forge, TN. I saw her at The Miracle Theater in a show called Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is the headliner there and has the most amazing voice I have heard in a long time. I can recommend this show for fans of Miss Doolittle. It was an awesome experience. There is also a question and answer period after the show…God Bless you Melinda you are so inspiring.
Justin Glinn
I absolutely fell in love with not only Melinda’s gift of voice on American Idol, but also the fact that she is a woman of faith. Her love for the Lord was refreshing to see unashamably shared before an audience of millions. Thank you Melinda for your testimony as you let your light shine!
We recently shared this video with our son. He will be attending Belmont University in the fall to pursue a Commercial Music degree. I thank you for your words of encouragement…he tends to be one of those you refer to that gets down on himself. I believe just being accepted into Belmont’s School of Music speaks highly of the gifts that God has given him.
May God Bless you Melinda,
Vickie in Ohio
MindyDoo!! I love her! I was just thinking about her last week, and wondering what she was up to, musically. Beautiful woman, beautiful voice, and beautiful soul.
Its nice to hear her sing again, after her performance on American Idol, we sort of lost track of her. I hope she can be around for a long time.
God Bless
Angelo Zenga
I have also loved listening to Melinda sing. She was my favorite on American Idol. I’ve bought her album and wish her much success as she stays true to her faith. She is a great encouragement to so many of us.
God Bless. Cathy in NYS
Melinda’s talent and voice gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes so many times on American Idol. It’s a gift to hear her sing! What a beautiful soul and inspiration she is. Regardless of votes counted, she deserved to win. I hope we will hear from her for many years to come!
This is a beautifully-produced segment. Thank you for including Our Ms. Doolittle among your inspirational Real American Stories!
I have loved Melinda ever since I first saw her on American Idol. She has a really terrific voice, but I love what she is as a person. What incredible generosity she showed on that show, especially when Jordan Sparks, whose voice wasn’t nearly as good, beat her out in the competition.
So, I love her as a singer, and I love her as a person. I’m so glad that she is experiencing success. I’m very excited that she is a committed Christian and lives like it. So often, you don’t see that. I hope Melinda reads this…if so, Melinda, you go, girl!
May the Lord continue to bless you as you stay faithful to Him.
With Love,
Daphne in Arkansas