Born in Tampa, Florida, Melissa began singing at four years old. McGhee is the oldest of four children, and one of her siblings, Crystal Johnson, is also a singer and has signed a recording contract with Divercity Records under the artist name of LIL' Crystal. McGhee graduated from Sickles High School in 2003. Prior to being a contestant on the popular singing competition American Idol, she participated in various beauty pageants.