In addition to having phenomenal talent and sincere humility, she says on the AI website bio that her personal goals are "to represent Christ well and to do everything 150%." What a gal! And what a special addition she makes to the new CD. She is also joined by some other wonderfully talented gospel singers, who truly took the songs ("Eye of the Storm", "Now You Come to Me", and "God Will Provide") to a whole new level. "Bravo!" to Jason Eskridge and Missi Hale.
I saw an interview with Melinda in which she says that she had no discernable talents as a child, and that she was completely tone deaf. She tried gymnastics, but that was a disaster (one thing she and I have in common). And then in the seventh grade she decided to ask God to give her the gift of singing (that was the same year that it all started for me, as well). He certainly answered her prayer!