Entertainment Asylum Music & AOL LIVE proudly welcomes Melissa Williams, the singer, to chat about her new headlining tour and answer all of your questions!
Question: You are so sweet! I just wanted to tell you that you have inspired me to achieve my goals! I know that Mariah Carey inspired you in the same way. How did it feel to actually meet one of your idols and get to open for her tour early last year?
Melissa: I was so excited to meet Mariah. Actually, when I first met her I couldn't even stand to stand before her. I had to run in the opposite direction.
Question: Hey Melissa, how would you compare "All I Am" to your debut CD?
Melissa: Well, my first CD was more of me basically doing what the producers wanted me to do and singing what they thought benefited me and my age. But "All I Am" is more about me, and how I want to really introduce myself to the world. The record itself deals with a lot, you'd just have to hear it. This new one is a little more mature than my debut album, that's for sure.
Question: Hi, Melissa, I just wanted to tell you that I think your music is great, and I was wondering what is your favorite song on your album, "All I Am," and why?
Melissa: "All I Am" because the song itself deals with self worth and self love, it's a song everyone can relate to. There's a very positive message behind the song.
Question: So do you like being a celebrity, and are you noticed a lot in public?
Melissa: I don't call myself a celebrity because most of the times I am singing and working and I just look at it as something that I love to do. I love being around my friends and I don't look at other people as being different than me. So I don't really look at myself as a celebrity.
Question: Melissa, how did you like working with AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys?
Melissa: I liked working with AJ. I chose him to be a part of a song that I thought that was best suited for both of us. I like him and appreciate his vocal talents.
Question: What are your favorite hobbies to do when you have free time?
Melissa: I like going to movies. I like reading. I like doing hair. And riding bikes, eating and, of course, I like to shop. I don't like to eat... typist error! LOL
Question: Melissa -- any tips on how to get started in singing? (By the way, you have a unique and sweet voice.)
Melissa: Oh, thank you! First of all, I think you should exercise your voice and get your voice in good voice. Also, to get involved in community programs where you have community leaders that can recognize your talent and use you in various functions so that someone may become interested in your talent. There are many different ways to get started though, try them all!
Question: Who is your favorite author? And what is your favorite book?
Melissa: I like all of Stephen King's books.
Question: What's your favorite movie?
Melissa: I think "Scream" would be it.
Question: How do you like the dances Fatima choreographs for you?
Melissa: Well, actually, Fatima hasn't choreographed for me since my "Baby I..." video. There is a guy that has worked with Fatima who carried over the choreography for me on this album, and his name is Swoop. He's sweet. He did my latest video "Got To Go If", he also is choreographing for my tour and he'll be doing much more with me this year.
Question: Whom do you admire?
Melissa: Well, I really appreciated Mariah Carey and the things she taught me, so of course, I admire her. And, of course, I admire Madonna.
Question: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you onstage?
Melissa: My pants ripped on stage.
Question: Do you have a boyfriend?
Melissa: Yes, the love of my life, Paul.
Question: Melissa, have you ever actually met Janet Jackson? If so, was she nice?
Melissa: I have met Janet, and she was very nice. We've actually talked a few times on the phone.
Question: Who do you want to meet who is famous?
Melissa: Michael Jackson!
Question: Are you nervous when you go on stage?
Melissa: Yes, I am. My manager told me that it would be abnormal for me, as a singer, not to be nervous.
Question: Where do you get all your energy?
Melissa: I think I got, of course, being young, but I think I got a lot of my energy from my mom because she doesn't require a lot of sleep. And, of course, I take vitamins and I do Tae Bo.
Question: Also, what is the next song off your album you would like to release as a single?
Melissa: Since my first single off the album, "Got To Go If", is just surfacing, I haven't decided on that yet, but I'd like to release a ballad.. we'll see what happens.
Question: Melissa, you are such an inspiration to me. I want to know, when did you first realize that you were actually a star? What happened that made it hit you and make you come to that realization?
Melissa: Well, I don't really see myself as being a star, so it really hasn't hit me yet.
Question: Where do you shop?
Melissa: Well, actually, I have a stylist. But, hopefully, one day I'll have a Melissa Williams line of clothes.
