The bickering between Teresa Giudice and her sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga, never seems to stop for long during the current season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. But there's at least one topic that the battling moms seem to be unexpectedly agreeing on (for now): Gorga's budding music career!
Us' Jennifer Peros caught up with Gorga just after the housewife's debut single, "On Display," was recently released (listen to a radio remix above!) to get her take on how it came to be — and Giudice's initial reaction upon hearing it.
UsMagazine.com: What is the name of the song?
Melissa Gorga: The song is called "On Display," and it's dropping on August 13th. It is a feel-good, dance song. I think people will relate to it because it's about empowerment. I'm on a reality show, so my whole life is on display right now. It's about people looking at you and judging you, but no matter what, you still come out on top and you don't care if they don't like your style or the way you do things. It's a strong, powerful song. I'm super excited about it.
Us: How would you describe your musical style?
MG: It is mixture of dance and pop. I have a soulful ballad coming out, which is surprising to some people. It does have an R&B feel to it, but most of it is dance music.
Us: Were you intimidated to go into the studio for the first time?
MG: Absolutely. My producer, Soul Diggaz has worked with Britney Spears, Beyonce, and Mary J. Blige so I was definitely nervous. It's one thing when you're singing by a piano or you're singing in the shower, but when you're singing in the studio and you have the headphones on, it is a whole new world. Now that I'm on my fifth song, I've figured it out.
Us: How long have you been singing?
MG: When I was younger, I was always the lead in the school play, I always had the solo, and I was always in the choir. I've been singing my whole life. It was something that I have always wanted to do and I've always had it in the back of my mind. Music is my first love. I put it aside because I got married and had babies. I gave up my dream for my children. It's working out and I thank God everyday.
Us: Do you want to release an album in the future?
MG: It's in the works. We will eventually release an album. I wrote five songs so far. There is also a party song coming out soon.
Us: What is your ultimate career goal?
MG: I would love to go on tour. My ultimate goal would be to play at the VMAs and the Grammys. Who wouldn't want that to happen? I'm taking one step at a time. We're going to see what happens and see who responds. I want it to get bigger and bigger.
Us: How has Joe been throughout this whole process?
MG: My husband has been so supportive. He gave me the push to go for it and try. If I thought in any way that it would hurt my marriage, I wouldn't do it. My husband built a private studio in my house so I can put my kids to bed at night and go down and work, which is priceless to me. Whenever I want to record, I don't have to spend hours in the city. I can be right in my own home. That was probably the best part of it all.
Us: Who is your favorite artist?
MG: It's hard to choose one. I love Jennifer Lopez's style and music. She makes that whole R&B/dance so sexy. I love Christina Aguilera's voice. I also love Pink and Katy Perry.
Us: Is there someone that you're looking to do a duet with?
MG: I would love to get Pitbull on one of my albums. When he is on the front of an album it's pretty great. I don't know if we could make that happen. Hopefully one day.
Us: What do you think of the other Housewives singers?
MG: A lot of them do it for fun and have a good time with it. They all write songs that are geared towards the Housewives and their lives on the show. I'm separating mine from the Housewives. It's more about Melissa Gorga than Melissa Gorga, the housewife. I don't hate on any of them. I think if they can make a song, then good for them.
Us: Are you preparing yourself for any media or criticism?
MG: I saw Simon perform at the premiere party at the Brownstone this year. I don't think they take themselves seriously. They are entertaining and go along with the whole scene. Of course, I'm ready for them to say, 'Oh, here we go, another Housewife song.' As they hear more of my music they are going to realize that I’m not just making one song because I’m a housewife. It's been a dream of mine since I was young girl. There's a part of me that thinks they'll be pleasantly surprised.
Us: What does your extended family think of it?
MG: They all love it. Both of my sisters cried. Everyone cried when they first heard it. They couldn't believe that it was me. They didn't think that I was going to make a real song. People had the chills. Everybody's response was incredible including Teresa. She loved it.
Us: Was Teresa happy for you?
MG: When she heard it she told me that she liked it and it was really good.
Us: How are things with you guys now in real life?
MG: Sometimes it’s awkward. When we watch the show things are said that we had no idea were even said. The kids had a play date recently. Are we best friends or together every single day? No. But we try for the kids. At the end of the day we're family and we are going to be throwing birthday parties and we are going to be at family dinners here and there. We are both extremely busy. We recently ran into each other at a Svedka event. We said hello and took pictures together.
Us: Do you think it will ever get better between the two of you?
MG: I’d like to think it will. I think eventually it will be fine. It's much better now. Hopefully, little by little it will get better.
Us: Do you have any performances coming up?
MG: I’m getting ready for a big performance at Beatstock on August 20 in Atlantic City. Right now I am working on choreography for the performance. I just received a phone call that they'd like to book me in Vegas, but that's not definite.
Us: What do you hope that this single accomplishes?
MG: I want to hear the song on the radio every time I get in my car and I want people to sing out loud. Every time I hear a good song I roll down my windows and sing along. I have a great remix coming out, so hopefully it'll be playing in the clubs. I hope that everyone reacts the way I did when I first heard it.
By Ian Drew for Us Weekly. To read more of Ian's blog, click here.
