In 2008, Gospel Dream, the Christian and gospel music equivalent of American Idol, crowned Melinda Watts as the winner. Now Watts is ready to share her music with the world with her debut album, People Get Ready.
Watts says she had a lot of peace while she was competing on Gospel Dream. After the first week on the show, she says, she knew the experience was God’s plan for her, even if she didn’t win. “I understood that even if I didn’t win, it was time for what He had placed inside of me [her music] to be released,” Watts explains.
When she thinks about her first album, Watts says: “Wow! I’m still pinching myself.” But more than that she thinks about people listening to what God has put in her heart and her music being a blessing.
The song that especially resonates with Watts is “Purpose-Driven Life.” “It’s helping me stay focused … on the main thing,” she says, “which is my purpose, and not having the pressures of success.” She explains that as a new artist a lot of people tell her she needs to do this or that but the song “keeps me grounded.”
Through her music ministry Watts wants to communicate God’s amazing love and grace because it empowers believers to live an effective life. “Once I got hold of the understanding of God’s grace, I am living life more effectively.”
She adds: “I’m a passionate person about others. I love people.”
Watts’ life reflects this passion. Her company, The About Face Network, is made up of organizations that help young women fulfill their potential. One of them, Project Sunday, is geared toward at-risk teen girls in urban communities. It conducts workshops and holds mentoring classes to help steer girls in the right direction. Another, Heaven’s House, is a resources center for girls. Watts is also an advocate for foster-care children.
She says she has learned a lot through her recent journey but that more clearly than ever she understands the need for evangelism. She has always wanted to reach people, she says, but adds that God has shown her the reason He has allowed her to have this platform is “to bring people to Him, not just in a great song but actually delivering the gospel of Jesus Christ through the music.”
Watts enjoys communicating with her audience and invites you to follow her on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.
Click here to purchase this debut album.
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Troy Anderson 
Michael Snyder 
Charisma Staff 
