Photos courtesy of Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith is one damn talented girl that’s on the move. Now I know I proclaimed by bias towards the girls from season one on Making the Band 3 but I most definitely have to give much respect and admiration to the lovely Melissa. We obviously know that she can sing and dance but the skills don’t stop just there. In addition to being a talent actress, I really wanna get in on some of her good ol’ home cooked chicken parmesan. Watch out for more of Melissa and find out the latest at MelissaSmithOnline.com….and of course, she’s got a Myspace page too!!!

When did you first realize, “Damn, I CAN SING…and DANCE…and I’M HOT TOO!�?

Haha you’re crazy!!! But thanks for the compliment. I don’t really consider myself HOT cause I can be such a goofball at times. But I have been singing and dancing since I was a little girl and it has always been a passion of mine.

I imagine you get your inspiration from somewhere. Do you have a certain vocalist/performer you use as a role model?

Of course! Who doesn’t idolize someone in their industry? For me personally it would have to be Jennifer Lopez’s style, Beyonce’s voice, Madonna’s creativity and Janet Jackson’s performance ability.

How would you best describe the style of your music? Who are some producers and artists that you’d love to work with in the future?

I would describe my style as more of a Pop and RnB mix. I like to consider myself a little more of an urban artist with a hint of pop flavor. Some of the producers I would love to start working with in the New Year are Rich Harrison who has done J-Lo’s “Get Right�? and Amerie’s “One Thing�?. I would also love to work with Pharrell Williams and do a duet with Robin Thicke.

What were your expectations going into Making the Band 3? Did you watch the first season and say to yourself, “Damn, I’m SO better than some of these chicks!�???? Didn’t you see Making the Band 2 with “Da Band�???! We know how that story ended!

After watching the first season I thought it was definitely something I could do and I was probably someone who Diddy was looking for since he didn’t find it in the first round. Obviously first off I wanted to make the band, which we know didn’t happen, but that’s not stopping me as it’s only made me more of a fighter.

MTV didn’t air any type of last words interviews after the group was announced like how they had last words interviews w/ the girls after Diddy had announced the 3 that would move forward from season 1. Okay, let’s be real here, you’re not in front of the camera now so you can vent out whatever you want…how’d you feel or what was your reaction after all was said and done??? If you couldn’t be apart of the group, do you agree with the choices he made?

I actually did give my last words but hey never made it to air…so I’ll give you the exclusive right here haha…

First of all I wanted to thank Diddy for allowing me to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. I thanked all the judges for everything; their knowledge, their time, and sharing their experiences, even though at times it could be a tough. As for the members of the band…well…I wish them all the best of luck and no I don’t feel that this was the Superstar Band that it could have been. But I’ll just leave it at that.

From your experience, what did you learn from being around Diddy and his team that you have taken into your current projects and your everyday life?

I think that being able to work with some of the Top Professionals in the industry (yes, by that I mean everyone but Laurie Anne) gave me a huge advantage as well as insight in order for me to further my career as an artist.

Aubrey, Aundrea, Melissa

Melissa & Kelli