Interview With Melissa S. of The Pussycat Dolls: The Search for the Next Doll
Age: 24
Hometown: Auburn Hills, Michigan
Occupation: Singer/Dancer/Actress
On the Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll, the judges had a tough time sending any of the remaining girls home. Melissa S. had the whole package and then some, but the judges wondered whether she could handle the pressures and high demands of being a Doll. We had a chance to talk to her recently and got her “411” on things.
Hi Melissa! How are you? Thanks for speaking with us this afternoon.
Hi Syrone! I’m good, thanks. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
You obviously have a lot of talent. Have you always had a passion for dancing and singing?
You know I’ve always loved music. When I was little I used to watch Michael Jackson all the time. I loved Mariah Carey, Madonna… all the greats. I remember at a young age - I think I was three - it’s just something I’ve always loved and loved to do. I knew it was something I wanted to pursue; no ifs, ands, or buts. There was no plan B. Everyone kind of looked at me weird and said, “Oh gosh, she’s serious.” So it’s been a great journey for me. It’s still something I’m very passionate about and I’m going to continue on this road.
Before the audition, were you a huge Pussycat Dolls fan?
You know, I absolutely adored the Dolls. When they first came out with their album I was like, “Oh my gosh. This is like the best girl band I’ve ever seen and heard.” I was totally into them.
Whose idea was it for you to audition?
My cousin told me about it. I was like, “Oh I don’t know if I want to do another reality TV show.” You know, after Making the Band I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go there again. I didn’t go to an open casting call or anything. I actually sent in a tape and they saw it and gave me a call. So, don’t give up on sending in your audition tape. It turned out great for me.
Throughout the competition some of the girls struggled with a variety of challenges, such as lack of confidence, dance or vocal experience. What were you nervous about?
For me, it was at the beginning. They were trying to push the whole “sexy envelope” on me. I couldn’t see what they were talking about. I thought I was doing fine but they told me I needed to step things up a bit.
A huge gamut of different music styles were covered in this competition. Was it hard to make the songs work for you?
You know one of the best performances that I had was the night I sang with Anastacia. We sang “Don’t Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton. It’s not that it was hard, but there’s certain parts where the song goes really high. Not everyone can pull that off. I thought we did pretty good and actually sounded great together.
After landing in the bottom two several times, how did you to step up your game?
You know, it was a roller coaster for me. I didn’t really do anything different or do anything to change. Going from the bottom two, then to the top, then the bottom two, then the top; it was hard. I feel like every time I went out there, I gave the best performance that I could and that’s what really mattered to me. Sometimes I was just not what they were looking for, and that’s fine with me. I feel good about what I did and I feel really good about everything I did on the show. I don’t have any regrets at all. I don’t have anything bad to say about it. The show was pretty amazing.
Things were “tense” between you and Chelsea right from the beginning. How did you really feel about her? Were things over-exaggerated?
You know it’s so funny. I can barely watch the last episode because it really was unfortunate that I came across like that. I actually like Chelsea. We’re really good friends, but unfortunately I don’t have anything to do with what they choose in the editing room. I can’t tell you what went on there.
At the end of the day it’s a reality TV show. It really has nothing to do about the competition. It’s really sad though because we all put everything, our hearts and souls and everything we had in it but it’s strictly about selling the show. Everyone knows that reality TV without drama is not a show. They really made me look mean towards the end. People who know me know that that’s not how I am. Everyone was like laughing and saying, “Are they serious?” It is unfortunate. I feel like it made the show “tacky.” They didn’t have to do that.
What do you think about those people who said you were fake and phony?
You know, I get that a lot. I’m really a sweet, bubbly girl. I mean if you call my voice mail, you could definitely see. I’ve always been this way. When people first meet me they’re very unsure but I am warm and friendly. Once they really get to know me and spend time with me, they go, “You’re just as nice as when I met you. You’re actually who you are.” One of my teachers used to call me “Cupcake”, like frosting on a cupcake. He used to make fun of me because I was so bubbly and warm.
What’s it going to take for someone to be chosen as the “Next Doll”?
You know, it’s definitely going to take someone who can prove herself. It’s going to be a hard transition. I feel the Dolls already have their system down. I mean they’ve been together for so many years and all the talent that they have and that they’ve shown has been with each other. For someone new to come into the picture… it’s going to be a little bit hard. It’s going to take someone that’s fearless and really able to go out there and prove themselves.
With only a few girls remaining, who are you cheering for?
I think it’s going to come down to Melissa R. or Asia. Both of the girls would be excellent.
Did you gain anything from this experience?
This experience, even though it’s been a whirlwind and you’re under so much pressure. You’re very vulnerable, very open and people are seeing the good and the bad. It’s still a great experience though. We were eating, drinking and sleeping all of it. That’s the lifestyle I dream of. That’s what I enjoy. I tried to put blood, sweat and tears in all of my performances. It may sound weird, but it’s more satisfying at the end to perform all that you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
There’re probably quite a few fans who would like to contact you, especially the Reality Shack readers. How can they reach you?
Absolutely. They can reach me at MelissaSmith.com, that’s my official website. I absolutely adore all of my fans. They’re just so supportive. I get fan mail from them and email from them. At times it’s so needed. Some of their messages I read every day have literally had me crying. I appreciate all the people that have responded to me. I would just tell them to continue to watch. I’m not going anywhere. I’m definitely going to stay on my journey towards success. I just thank them all for being there for me. It really means a lot to me.
What lies ahead for your future?
Right now I’m currently in the studio working on my solo album and just waiting to see where all this takes me.
We really enjoyed talking you Melissa. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more from you in the future. Thanks!
Oh thank you. It was great talking to you. Bye!
|
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
|
|
|
