Melinda Doolittle Gives Back in Africa

With current depressing stories such as the killing spree of Chris Benoit and well, the life of Britney Spears, we're happy to focus on this positive piece of celebrity news:

Melinda Doolittle, this year's third-place finisher on American Idol, landed in Zambia Thursday for a four-day charitable excursion to help distribute bed nets provided through donations raised during the April 24-25 Idol Gives Back telethon.

As she partners with Malaria No More, Us Magazine reports that Doolittle, who calls her overseas travel "a lifelong dream," will work with First Lady Laura Bush to deliver the 500,000 nets.

In addition to her charitable efforts during the trip, Doolittle will also entertain locals with her version of "Amazing Grace." Many Idol fans believed this incredible singer should have won the title of Jordin Sparks back in May.

"I've been fortunate enough to travel internationally, but this is my first time to Africa," Doolittle said. "It was a lifelong dream for me to come to Africa and to sing with a children's choir - a dream I got to live out."

Through the Idol Gives Back initiative, $70 million was raised to benefit various national and international charities and, as Doolittle explains, a little bit goes a long way. She wants people to stop focusing on Simon Monjack for a moment and consider this cause.

"Just $10 buys a bed net, which can protect a family for up to five years," she says of one of the ways donations are used. "For the children of Africa, it can be the difference between life and death. I hope Idol fans begin to realize how easy it is to prevent malaria and how much of a difference even a small donation can make."

Amen, Melinda. Instead of searching for Antonella Barba nude pics or trying to beat box like Blake Lewis, viewers should take a look at the bigger picture sometimes.