QQ. What made you want to try out for the show?
A. First of all, it's the Pussycat Dolls, who wouldn't want to be in the Pussycat Dolls? Second, it was a singing and dancing competition and I felt that my talents could be a part of the competition because I feel that I'm good enough. I also felt that I can make it all the way.
Q. Was this the first time that you were showcasing your talents on such a big platform?
A. Oh yeah, very first time, I would do little concerts here and there for this performing arts center that I would perform with, dance teams here and there in Southern California and just little shows. I did not expect to be here, on this show, showcasing my talent.
Q. Being that it was your first time, was it a bit intimidating and overwhelming for you at all?
A. At times it was overwhelming, I had to pinch myself at times to tell myself that I'm here on TV, national TV, doing my thing. When I'm on stage, when I'm performing, singing and dancing, that all goes away and I'm just here to do what I love to do.
Q. What was the most challenging part of your experience?
A. Getting a few hours of sleep everyday, working twenty-four seven, singing, dancing and constantly being driven here and there doing challenges, performances, and rehearsals. There was just so much to do and I wasn't used to it so I would say just the whole experience together was so challenging because I had never experienced anything like it.
Q. On the show you talked about you weren't sure how your parents would feel about what you were doing. Did they watch the show and how did they react?
A. They actually did watch the show and they absolutely loved it. Their reaction on me wanting to be a performer before the show was, "Are you sure? You can't be successful if you don't have it." It's so hard to be in the entertainment industry, you need to be at the right place at the right time, you need to have the right talent and look. They thought it would have been really hard for me, but after doing the show, they finally realized she did it, she's almost there, she's making her way to the top. All they could do was be proud of me.
Q. What did you learn the most from your time on the show?
A. Being focused is the hundred percent key factor in achieving what you want to do. I learned to be confident, I learned how to be sexy but classy, I learned how to do everything. I learned how to live on my own, how to do my laundry and the little things and big things. I learned so much because it was the first time outside of my house and away of my parents, that's a huge experience.
Q. The Pussycat Dolls are known for their curves, sexiness and natural beauty. Wasn't it odd that they wanted you to wear boob pads? You don't need to stuff to be sexy.
A. I know that, and I said that, I hated wearing them. I wore them when we performed and Mikey wanted me to wear them during rehearsal. I said I was more comfortable with who I was as a woman. Me wearing boob pads, they don't stick to my boobs, so when I would sweat they would kind of fall out. That's why I never wore my boob pads. I didn't have a problem with it, at first I was kind of like alright, if they want me to wear boob pads, I'll wear boob pads. But at the same time, I kind of thought, "These are my boobs and I should be proud of my boobs no matter what size they are. If they're a double A or they are C, I should be proud of what I have." It's so wrong to promote breast implants, nose jobs, everything like that, I'm against it. I can name so many girls that didn't have to enhance their body parts or change their face to be successful. Like TLC for instance, TLC stands for Tittyless Crew, they had no boobs and they are so successful as a performance group. So many artists are natural and don't need to have any enhancements to be who they are.
Q. What's the best advice that you received while on the show?
A. I got a lot of good technical advice with my voice like loosening my jaw. My biggest advice that I will take with me forever is to be honest with my performances. To feel the lyrics, the music and just feel my presence on stage and interact with the audience. That's one of the biggest pieces of advice that I have ever gotten.
Q. Since appearing on the show, what have you been up to? Do you feel like the show has opened doors for you?
A. I have no idea what I'm going to do now but all I know is I want to work in music, I want do dance more, I want to hopefully do a tour and perform in front of millions of people. Do the same thing but with a live audience. I definitely think the show opened doors for me, I got to meet Robin, Mikey, Ron Fair, Lil Kim, Mark McGrath and all the girls in the house. They are all amazing people and it's been such an honor.
Q. We saw the fight you got in with Asia late at night. Did that effect your voice or performance at all?
A. I was tired and my voice was kind of horse from staying up and talking all night. I drank tea, I rested it up and I did vocal warm-ups. It all helped me in the end, although I didn't want to stay up that late, I feel like my performance was up to par and I was happy with it.
Q. Where can fans go to read more about you and keep up with your career? Do you have a website or a Myspace page?
A. I have a personal Myspace right now but I'm starting up a fan Myspace so everyone can be added, everyone can comment on my pictures, and it's going to come out soon. It's going to be www.myspace.com/officialmelissareyes and I think I'll have an official site and it will be officialmelissareyes.com.
Q. What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
A. I get so many Myspace messages everyday and all I want to say is I wish I could comment and Myspace every single one of you. It would literally take me three days so I take my time with that. I'd also like to say thank you for all of the support and love and I will definitely keep them in my prayers. I hope they follow me through my journey, it's just begun, I can't wait to see them 'til the end.
