“Every ten years or so you have an anointed super star artist who graces us with the word of God in song, as CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams. Now we have Melinda Watts.” –GMC Senior Director of Music Development Alvin Williams. Sharing the stage with artists such as Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, Shirley Caesar, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, it’s no surprise that Melinda Watts would live out her dream on the stage of Gospel Music Channel’s popular hit reality talent search series, Gospel Dream 2008, the only music reality competition on television that celebrates aspiring artists who desire to inspire and entertain. Born in New Jersey and hailing from Sacramento, Calif., the Gospel Dream 2008 winner began singing at the age of six at her preschool graduation. “I’ve always had a love of music and I have been singing in church my whole life,” she says. “God’s grace brought me here…a lot of faith in God and remembering that it’s okay to dream even when you feel you can’t.” The powerhouse singer currently travels the nation and leads worship for Crusades and National conferences for Benny Hinn, Bishop TD Jakes, Pastor Sheryl Brady, Bishop IV Hilliard just to name a few. Melinda shares that “This genre of music is my choice not out of anything else but my love for the Father. He gave me a gift and I owe Him my life. I think using it this way glorifies Him the most.” Influenced by CeCe Winans, the new mother and loving wife immediately noticed their similarities, including the way they yield completely to God while singing. “I appreciate the blessings and the favor of the Lord that brings accomplishments and accolades, but the one thing I want people to know about me above all is that I'm just a simple girl who is love with her King and is willing to do whatever it takes to please Him”