Melissa Christine McGhee was born on September 14, 1984 in Tampa, Florida. She started singing at the tender age of 4. She has three younger siblings, one of who is also a singer like Melissa. Before she joined season 4 of American Idol, she was a participant in several beauty pageants. In 2003, she finished her studies at Sickles High School. Prior to American Idol, she had not received any formal training in music but was a member of a local entertainment group. Aside from singing, Melissa is also a talented dancer. Her grandparents are her heroes but her mother is her personal American Idol. Her favorite artists are American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson and Jason Mraz.

From her home in Tampa, Florida, Melissa traveled to the city of Denver to try her luck in season 5 of American Idol. When she made it to the semifinals, American Idol judges Randy and Paula were giving her words of praise and encouragement, but British judge Simon was always quick to criticize her performances, even remarking that she would not make it to the Finals. However, the American viewers decided to vote for Melissa, pushing her into the Top 12. During the Finals, all three judges praised her renditions of "When the Lights Go Down" and "Why I Haven't Heard From You", but on the third week, Simon expressed his dislike for the way Melissa sang "What About Love." The following week, Melissa was eliminated after she forgot some lines from the song "Lately."

After her stint on American Idol, Melissa returned to her hometown hoping to get signed by a record company. She has performed in several events like Weekie Wachee and the Pet Rock Festival and for a few days in October, joined a tour with Ruben Studdard. In addition, The More TV 32 Company got her to sing the jingle "More, More, More" for their commercial. She also appeared on the Dr. Keith Ablow Show, where she talked about her life Post-American Idol. Melissa underwent vocal surgery, but has recovered from it fully.

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