Bio
Melinda Hyder was a contestant on the 12th instalment of the Survivor reality TV series, entitled Survivor: Panama - Exile Island.
She was the second person voted out of the game, as she did not align herself with anyone when the tribes were switched and was seen as the weakest, and thus was voted out by everyone except Cirie, who was on her original tribe.
She was a member of the Casaya tribe (the "older" women).
Hyder was born and raised in Elizabethton, Tennessee.
She has one sister, Regina, and is proud to point out that her parents, Richard and Carol, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 44 years.
Hyder began singing in church at the age of four. She trained in ballet, tap, jazz and gymnastics for 12 years. She attended classes and taught at the Watt Dance Studio in Elizabethton.
Hyder graduated with honours in music and maths from Elizabethton High School.
She then attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City on a full vocal scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music.
While in college, she performed with the music groups 10BucsWorth, Chorale and Women's Ensemble.
After college, Hyder entertained at Six Flags over Georgia for two years. She then toured Europe while performing on a cruise ship.
She also spent six years performing at Dollywood (often times with Dolly Parton). In addition, she has worked as a real estate agent, private vocal coach, dance instructor, pageant coach and model.
Hyder describes herself as vivacious, competitive and compassionate. Her hobbies include creative home decorating, collecting Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, watching CBS soap operas and jogging.
Currently single, Hyder resides in Sevierville, Tennessee, with her Pomeranian, Lexi.