Born in Canada and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Melissa Smith has been singing and dancing for most of her life. She was the lead singer for an all-girl pop group called “Goddess” and has shot several independent films. Melissa has also guest-starred on The Young & the Restless and choreographed moves for the now-cancelled WB series Grounded for Life. Melissa first came to the attention of reality TV viewers during the third season of Diddy’s Making the Band 3. Most recently, she was the fourth place finisher on The Pussycat Dolls: Search for the Next Doll.

Melissa took some time out of her hectic schedule—she’s currently recording her solo debut—to chat with us at TeamRT.com.

TeamRT: Hi, Melissa. I know you’re super busy, so let’s get right down to it. What made you decide to try out for the Pussycat Dolls?

Melissa Smith: Well, dancing and singing is something I’ve been doing all along. I really wanted to find a way to break into the music industry. When I heard the Pussycat Dolls were auditioning for a new doll, I just thought this would be a good match. I’m such a fan of them from when they first came out. I knew this was a good opportunity for me and my career.

TRT: I must say that you did a really good job with that Norah Jones song. Your performance was breathy and earthy, very Norah-eque. It showed some range that we didn’t see with some of the other contestants. What sort of vocal training have you had?

MS: I’ve always been that kid who sang around the house even when I was really little. I guess I’ve always been a singer. It wasn’t until later, like when I was ten or eleven, that my parents let me take lessons. Now that I live in LA it’s hard to afford vocal training so I haven’t had any recently, but I practice all the time. I listen to tapes and do my own vocal warm-ups. I believe that you have to put in the work to see results.

TRT: As Robin (Antin) kept pointing out, you’re a pretty accomplished dancer. I’d like to know more about your dancing background.

MS: Dance and gymnastics were my life for the longest time. I got started as a figure skater when I was three. Honestly, dancing came easy for me. Eventually, I got into dance classes and became part of a competition group. I would go to competitions and practice. That became my whole life up until my senior year in high school. I really lived at the dance studio. We used to call it the “Hitler School of Dance.” We were always there, working hard and practicing every day, but it paid off because I remember the technique. I did so much so young, but I don’t regret it. It really made me who I am.

TRT: While we’re on the subject of dancing, I’ve gotta ask this. The show sort of made it look like you weren’t ‘feeling’ Chelsea, to put it mildly. From experience, I know that editing can often make things seem to be different than they are. What was the deal between you two?

MS: The people behind the scenes have the opportunity to make you look a certain way. Without the drama, it’s not TV. You know there’s always a ‘mean girl’, a ‘victim,’ and so forth. People get typecast. The other day I was talking to Anastacia. She said that it was weird how they picked the sweetheart of the house and did a 180 on me.

I really want people to know that I would never be sitting there with a great, big, jolly smile on my face while someone else was struggling. That’s just not me. Chelsea and I didn’t have any beef with each other. We all had good relationships. Unfortunately, the way things turned out wasn’t a surprise to me.

TRT: Fair enough. So, if you had to choose between singing or dancing, which would it be, and why?

I really can’t choose between ‘em. I don’t do one or the other. They’re both a part of who I am as an entertainer. I’d really like to take it back to old school Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul, stuff like that. The dancing helps with the kind of music I want to do. I really want my music to be like European pop meets hip-hop, the kind of thing that’ll get you out on the dance floor.

TRT: That’s sounds great. I know my readers are curious about what they can expect from you next. What are you up to, girl?

MS: Right now, I’m in the process of putting myself out there. I’m recording a lot and shopping a deal. Hopefully, things will fall into place. I’ve actually cut a single. It got played on 94.9 in the Bay Area and received some great viewer response. I am excited for what the future holds for me.

TRT: Fantastic. We’ll definitely be listening for you on the radio soon. Before, you said you were talking to Anastacia just the other day. Do you still talk to anyone else? Who do you consider a friend?

I hung out with Chelsea and Melissa R. on Thursday night. We’ll be doing an AIDS benefit in Canada later this month. I get along with all the girls who made it to the house. I’ve also talked with Sisely. Asia calls me a lot. We’re friends.

TRT: I know you’re really busy so I won’t keep you much longer. Before I let you go, though, I would love it if you could give my readers some advice or if you have anything you want to share with them.

MS: As far as advice goes, if this is your dream, really go after it. You have to fight for it. No one’s going to give it to you. Becoming a success in this industry takes a lot of crazy, hard work. To be an overnight success takes ten, fifteen years. If you have drive and determination though, nothing can stop you. This is my second reality show, but I’m still going. No one can tell me no. I’m gonna do it.

If they see auditions, they should go. You never know what it’ll lead to, or who’ll be watching you. Even if you don’t win the part or the competition at least you learn and grow from it.

Finally, I really want to send a big thank you to all my fans. You’ve been loyal and supported me through thick and thin. My fans mean a lot to me. I just want to send each of you a big hug and a kiss.

Of course, if anyone wants to know where I’ll be next or what I’m doing, they can check out my official site at http://www.officialmelissasmith.com/.