Rod 2.0 Exclusive: Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls Talks Gays and Total "Doll Domination"

Okay, gays, admit it. Don't cha want a girlfriend whose hot like Melody Thornton?

The stunningly attractive biracial singer is the the second most prominent vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls. Tuesday you can hear the latest sound from Melody and the girls as they release Doll Domination, the follow-up to 2005's enormously successful PCD. The sophomore album features some of the hottest producers in music such as Timbaland and Sean Garrett. The album's first single, the Rodney Jerkins-produced "When I Grow Up", is charting globally and reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 only four weeks after its debut.

The 24-year-old singer chatted with Rod 2.0 on total media and Doll Domination, producing the new album, her rumored solo effort and the gay fascination with the Pussycat Dolls.

ROD 2.0: Doll Domination is truly an appropriate title for your new CD. In the past 24 hours I've seen the Dolls in the Bally's commercial, on the covers of Maxim and Blender, and, received text messages about a video game.

MELODY THORNTON: Just wait because there's more coming. We are taking over the world! That's exactly what we hope to accomplish and that's why why the new CD is called Doll Domination. Wait—you said the Blender cover is already out? I haven't seen it.

Really? The cover photo of the Dolls in the white panties will give the boys a heart attack. It's amazing that you're sex symbols for the straight boys and icons for the gays.

I'm glad you brought that up because we love, love, love our gay fans. Totally. You have no idea how much we value the support from the gay community. Gays are probably our biggest supporters outside of young girls. The Pussycat Dolls want to make music for everyone to enjoy and we appreciate all of our fans. But there is a special pace in our heart, in my heart especially, for gay men.

Did you have many gay friends growing up?

Yes, actually I did. I'm biracial, Mexican-American and African American, and grew up in Arizona. In high school sometimes I didn't feel like I fit in. It was amazing because all the gay guys welcomed me with open arms and identified with me. We clicked because we're all outsiders or are doing what people don't expect us to do or what people don't want us to do. I have met some incredible gay men in drama classes, music classes .. there is so much talent, passion and creativity in the community. I love it.

What about the bond between the Pussycat Dolls and gay men?

Well, thankfully gay men love the music. "Don't Cha" has a serious hook to it and the club remixes were hot. Then there is the whole girl group glamor. But on another level you just get us. You just understand the Pussycat Dolls. Sometimes critics and people forget that we are in the entertainment industry and take the outfits, lyrics and our persona too seriously. Not the gay fans. They love us just the way we are and we love them the same way.

Let's talk music. On Doll Domination you work with one of my favorite producers, Timbaland. How fun was that?

Working with Timbaland was incredible. Timbaland executive produced over half the album and did a great job. We were very lucky to benefit from his talent. My favorite Timbaland track is called "Magic" and you have to check it out. But there is so much talent on Doll Domination. Of course there is Rodney Jerkins who produced "When I Grow Up." Missy Elliot is featured on "Whatcha Think About Tha" which is produced by Polow Da Don. Oh and Sean Garrett is just jamming on this album.

How would you describe Doll Domination?

Overall the new album is mature and more established. In the first album we were a baby band. Now, we know what we are doing and have graduated into a more mature sound. At the same time we want our original PCD fans to appreciate the music and know where we are coming from. There are a lot of uptempo tracks and midtempo arrangements. There is something for everyone.

What about your solo album? Are you still working on that?

I am constantly working on music and new projects, but, any plans of a solo album are on hold. My biggest priority right now is the Pussycat Dolls and Doll Domination. My talent, my voice, has improved so much since joining the group. I came in as a singer but am now much more of an accomplished vocalist. I'm doing more in the group and have been given a larger role. You can hear me sing lead in one track in concert ["Fever"] and on the deluxe CD. But right now I want to take this opportunity to build my skills and talent and tour with the Pussycat Dolls. When there is a solo album, trust me, I want it to be all that.

Last thoughts from the Baby Doll?

I just want to thank you again for talking to me. I love all of our fans and our gay fans have been so supportive. Let me thank our gay fans and especially the men reading your blog. Gay men who are Latino or African-American ... I'm so glad there is a place they can go, a blog they can read, and, are listening to em. I love you. Muah!

Doll Domination (A&M) is out Sep. 23

Comments

[ACH]

Wow. I totally love Melody. She is the hottest Doll and the one who can really sing.

[eddy]

Rod I love the Pussycat Dolls. These girls are fierce. And yes I think Melody can sing much better than Nicole.

[eddy]

Rod I love the Pussycat Dolls. These girls are fierce. And yes I think Melody can sing much better than Nicole.

[Jose S]

Melody is great. I love the fact that she is representing for blacks and Latinas.

[D]

congrats on the interview, rod. pcd are major

[QH]

I really don't like them, lol. It is good they adore the boys though.

Meh, Spice Girls, En Vogue, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, The Bangles, The Go-Go's, The Pointer Sisters, and TLC they are NOT, I suppose for the 23 & under crowd, they'll do.

The kick is, I'm 23, lol. Rock on though.-QH

[S. Flemming]

I'm not really a fan, but this was a good interview. Truth be told, I don't even really know much about them at all. But, I do know the children love them, lol, so I'm happy that she gave the gays a shout-out.

[ATL Kid]

I think PCD is just a fun group. I'm not hugely into them but I don't think the interview presented the group as the next Supremes.

Last week it was Labelle, this week it's PCD. Something for everyone I guess.

[anti-believer]

feminine gays are overwelhmed by PCH cause some of them want to be them

[Frank]

wow that is as bit much "anti believer". I like the Dolla, not necessarily a huge fan, but I like this interview. I have never heard an interview with Melody and appreciate her giving the children some love. I have already ordered album.

[BL]

QH, I think you have a point about young people but I don't think any comparison was made to other groups. It's just an interview. But I am happy she gave Rod 2.0 a shout. but if I were to even contrast girl groups I wouldn't put the Spice Girls in the same category as the Emotions or surely the Supremes.

Cute interview.

[Carlos]

I really like the first single. Melody is very cute and has potential. Nice interview.

[Dante]

Anti-Believer speaks truth to power. Femme queens idolize the Pussycat dolls. They want to be them:

[Karim Tariq]

What a warm, smart, compassionate, literate and beautiful woman she is. One is the most enjoyable interviews I have read from an entertainer in a long time. I am a fan now!

[Karim Tariq]

What a warm, smart, compassionate, literate and beautiful woman she is. One is the most enjoyable interviews I have read from an entertainer in a long time. I am a fan now!

[QH]

People dismiss the Spice Girls, the truth is they've recorded 16 records in a span of 12 years, written 99.9% of their oWn work, and made their own cultural impact, proven on their successful reunion last year and earlier this year.

Move past the image and actually listen to cuts such as "Too Much," "Oxygen," or "If U Can't Dance."

Not to mention they are the only female group to split off into successful solo careers outside of the group context, no other female group has had that happen equally for all members.

With all due respect.-QH

[Quest]

Not to take anything away from the girls but..... as a REAL music fan and part of the generation next demographic. I do remember PCD making there name on the back of "Tori Alamaze's original and so much more raw version of Dont Cha"....and not even acknowledging it ........ kinda like how Elvis and countless other white or damn near white artist have stolen music right from other black artist trying making there way. And for the record Tori Alamaze has a DEEP gay following and able to sell her actual talent besides T&A.