By Joaquin Zamudio and Rebecca Hayley-Zamudio, Idol Chat Contributing Columnists
We listened in awe last Wednesday to that golden voice of a goddess, over and over and over. Simon’s awestruck utterance of “incredible” when commenting on Melinda Doolittle’s rendition of “My Funny Valentine” was exactly that — a once-in-a-lifetime live performance, not to be believed. Her voice soared beyond the stratosphere in her high ranges and dove down deep into the core of our souls when in her husky, Sadé voice, she whispered, all the while, with effortless grace. So incredible … as if this miraculous moment might never occur again, like a vanishing star in the sky. A sublime moment where once upon a time a performer and an audience were lifted simultaneously to a faraway place.
Throughout the entirety of the song, we were mesmerized, seeing nothing else but that radiant voice with those radiant eyes Like glistening honey in the early morning sun, we delighted in its silken magnificence.
But, when the song was finished and the applause had died down, we saw the woman. She’s really quite fetching, but her “stylist” has done nothing towards captivating the mystique of her voice and transforming it into her person. We would love to see Melinda become the incantation of color and texture that is her voice.
Color Palette: Use lots of gold, caramel, molasses (which is why Sting’s “Fields of Gold” or Eva Cassidy’s version of “Autumn Leaves” are waiting for Melinda to select them over the upcoming weeks)
Attire: Think regal and timeless (like Lena Horne-classic). Choose V-necks or low scoop-necks to lengthen the short, bulkiness of the neck. Wear floor-length evening gowns shaped to the body and flaring from just below the hips to a train-like effect at the bottom in fabrics like chiffon, silk or lightweight satin to create a taller, more statuesque image.
Hair: Lighten the hair to a caramel/chocolate shade that nearly matches the beautiful skin tone. Remove all the volume on the sides of the face and center it towards the top of the head or put the hair all loosely at the very top of the head to again create height. (Think Dolly Parton or Joan Collins …don’t worry, “big hair’ is back en vogue)
Melinda Doolittle’s voice has already made her a star. Looking like one is just icing on the cake.
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Joaquin Zamudio has been a hair stylist for over 20 years. He works at Dillards Salon & Spa. His wife Rebecca Hayley Zamudio is co-owner of Leyenda Production Co. You can reach them at missusz@aol.com.
