Not to be confused with Melanie Thornton.
Melody Thornton
Backgroundsolo_singer
Birth dateSeptember 28, 1984 (age 42)
Birth placePhoenix, Arizona, U.S.
OccupationSinger · television personality
Years active2003–present
Label
Past member ofThe Pussycat Dolls
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre
Websitemelodythornton.com

Melody Thornton (born September 28, 1984) is an American singer and television personality. After graduating high school, Thornton became one of the main vocalists of the girl group the Pussycat Dolls and released the albums PCD (2005) and Doll Domination (2008) becoming one of the world's best-selling girl groups. As part of the group, she has received a Grammy Award nomination.

Following her departure from the group in 2010, Thornton independently released a mixtape, P.O.Y.B.L (2012), and an EP, Lioness Eyes (2020). Outside her music, she has competed on reality shows, Popstar to Operastar (2011), Dancing on Ice (2019) and won the fourth season of the Australian version of The Masked Singer (2022). She has also done several stage works, including playing Rachel Marron in the musical The Bodyguard.

Early life

Melody Thornton is a native of Phoenix, Arizona and was born on September 28, 1984, to a family of Mexican and African-American descent.[1][2][3] She was educated in Camelback High School.[4] Her first performance was at her school, where she sang "This Little Light of Mine" at the age of six, and continued to perform at local talent shows in Arizona.[5] After high school, she majored in music engineering for one semester.[5][6]

Career

2003–2010: The Pussycat Dolls

Main article: The Pussycat Dolls

At the age of 19, Thornton traveled to Burbank, California to audition for the Pussycat Dolls.[5] The group's founder Robin Antin, struck a deal with Interscope Geffen A&M Records' Jimmy Iovine to develop the Pussycat Dolls into a brand and create a separate recording pop group.[7] Thornton was selected to strengthen their vocal ability and joined Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Nicole Scherzinger, Jessica Sutta, and Kimberly Wyatt,[8] and signed a contract with the Pussycat Dolls partnership, receiving a percentage of the group's revenues.[7] Thornton along with Bachar supplied vocals as secondary vocalists, while Scherzinger assumed the majority of the vocals as the lead singer.[9] Thornton was the youngest and the only member who did not have a background in dance.[10][11] The group released their first single, "Don't Cha" (featuring Busta Rhymes), which stands as the group's most successful single to date peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching the top in 15 other countries.[12][13] Thornton didn't like the song in the beginning, as she found too controversial.[14] They released their self-titled debut album in September 2005. Subsequent singles, "Stickwitu and "Buttons" also reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[15] PCD went on to sell seven million copies worldwide and established the Pussycat Dolls as viable in the music industry earning them a reputation among the century's few breakout successes.[16][17]

Thornton was featured on Jibbs' single "Go Too Far", which was released in March 2007;[18] it entered the top-twenty on the New Zealand Singles Chart.[19] Their second and final studio album Doll Domination was released in September 2008, the album attained its highest peak position on the US Billboard 200, but it is considered a commercial disappointment selling less than 400,000 copies in the US.[20] Doll Domination included the singles "When I Grow Up" and "I Hate This Part", which reached the top twenty on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[21] In January 2009, the group embarked on the Doll Domination Tour, their second headlining concert tour, which highlighted stops in Europe, Oceania and Asia,[22] and grossed over $14 million.[a] Following the release of the group's single 2009 "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)", tensions in the group rose due to Scherzinger being billed as a featured artist on the release. This would go on to lead to a public outburst by Thornton during the group's tour appearance while opening for The Circus Starring Britney Spears.[23] The group would then announce a hiatus towards the end of the year.[24]

Thornton then appeared as a panelist on E!'s Bank of Hollywood in which contestants must appeal to a celebrity panel to receive money. It lasted for one season.[25] In June 2010, Thornton confirmed she had departed the Pussycat Dolls and was working on a solo album.[26]

2011–present: Solo music, television, and stage work

Main article: P.O.Y.B.L

Since her departure from the group, Thornton has remained an independent artist.[27] In June 2011 she participated in the second series of Popstar to Operastar, a British television programme in which pop stars were trained to sing opera; she was eliminated in the third week.[28] The same month she released her debut single "Sweet Vendeta"[29] which preceded the release of her debut mixtape, P.O.Y.B.L (Piss On Your Black List), the following year. It contains ten tracks which consist of five covers and four songs solely written by Thornton.[30] In 2013 she collaborated with Bizzy Crook, LL Cool J, and Prince Kay One for their respective albums released that year.[31][32][33]

In 2017, Thornton returned to British television by appearing on the second series of Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls.[34][35] She then landed the lead role of Rachel Marron in the musical The Bodyguard, which toured in China for several months.[36] In 2019, Thornton was eliminated on the eight-week and placed fifth on the eleventh series of Dancing on Ice.[37] This was followed with stage roles on Rip It Up – The 70s, a show inspired by music of the 70s and played the part of Cinderella in the New Wimbledon Theatre production of the family pantomime, Cinderella.[38] Thornton opted out of joining the November reunion of the Pussycat Dolls in order to focus on her solo endeavors.[15] She collaborated with UK DJ producer Harrison on the dance track "Freak Like Me" and released her first solo track in seven years, "Love Will Return". A ballad that is a nod to her heritage and serves as the lead single for her debut EP, Lioness Eyes.[39] The EP, which includes seven songs was released on August 7.[40]

In 2022, Thornton competed and won the fourth season of the Australian version of The Masked Singer as "Mirrorball",[41] and the following year reprised her role as Rachel Marron in the 2023 UK and Ireland production of the musical The Bodyguard.[36] In February 2024, Thornton participated in the fifth series of The Masked Singer UK as the character "Maypole". She was eliminated and unmasked in the sixth episode.[42]

Artistry and musical style

Thornton was inspired to sing after her father's favorite artists, B. B. King, Aretha Franklin, and The Jacksons.[5] In another interview, she named Mariah Carey as a vocal inspiration.[43] Her vocals were likened to Christina Aguilera's,[9] who also influenced Thornton's career, as the singer noted: "[She] inspired me to follow my dreams, [...] she changed my life".[44]

Discography

See also: The Pussycat Dolls discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays, with track listings
TitleAlbum details
Lioness Eyes[40]
  • Released: August 7, 2020
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Streaming

Mixtapes

TitleDetails
P.O.Y.B.L
  • Released: March 15, 2012
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download

Singles

List of singles, showing album name and year released
TitleYearAlbumRef.
"Sweet Vendetta"2011P.O.Y.B.L[29]
"Love Will Return"2019Lioness Eyes[45]
"Phoenix Rise"2020[46]
"I Will Wait"
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing album name and year released
TitleYearPeaksAlbum
NZ
[19]		UK
[47]
"Go Too Far"
(Jibbs featuring Melody Thornton)		200717126Jibbs Featuring Jibbs
"Freak Like Me"
(Harrison featuring Melody Thornton)		2019––

Album appearances

List of album appearances, showing album name and year released
TitleYearOther artistsAlbum(s)Ref.
"Space"[b]2008The Pussycat DollsDoll Domination[48]
"Ease Off the Liquor"[c]2009TimbalandShock Value 2[49]
"Something About You (Love The World)"2013LL Cool J
Charlie Wilson
Earth, Wind & Fire		Authentic[32]
"Mittelfinger"Prince Kay OneRich Kidz[33]
"24/7"
"I'll Be Fine"Bizzy Crook84[31]

Music videos

TitleYearOther artist(s)Director(s)Ref.
As a lead artist
"Lipstick&Guilt"2012rowspan="3"Dano Cerny
Marielle Tepper
[50]
"Smoking Gun"
[51]
"Someone to Believe"Yaro
[52]
"Bulletproof"Bobby NewberryDon Tyler
[53]
"Goodbye"2015Noel Maitland
[54]
Guest appearances
"Slow Dance"2009Keri HilsonChris Robinson
[55]
"Don't Wanna Go Home"2010Jason DeruloRich Lee
[56]
"Ballin"2013Fat Joe
Wiz Khalifa
Teyana Taylor		Elf Rivera
[57]

Filmography

Film

TitleYearRoleNotesRef.
Be Cool
2005
HerselfUncredited cameo
[58]
Holiday Twist
2023
Brenda
[59]

Television

TitleYearRoleNotesRef.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
2007
HerselfEpisode: "Birthday Suit"
[60]
Bank of Hollywood
2009
JudgeSeason 1
[25]
Popstar to Operastar
2011
ContestantSeries 2
[28]
Celebs Go Dating
2017
ContestantSeries 2
[34]
Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls
2017
ContestantSeries 2
[35]
Dancing on Ice
2019
ContestantSeries 11
[37]
The Masked Singer Australia
2022
MirrorballSeason 4
[41]
The Masked Singer UK
2024
MaypoleSeries 5
[42]

Stage credits

TitleYearRoleNotesRef.
The Bodyguard
2017
Rachel MarronChina tour
[36]
Rip It Up – The 70s
2019
UK tour
[61]
Cinderella2019–2020CinderellaNew Wimbledon Theatre
[38]
The Bodyguard
2023
Rachel MarronUK and Ireland tour
[36]

Awards and nominations

See also: List of awards and nominations received by the Pussycat Dolls
AwardYearWorkCategoryResultRef.
Grammy Awards
2007
"Stickwitu"Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
[62]

Footnotes

  1. ^ The gross takings from the 23 shows which were reported to Billboard Boxscore totalled $14.3 million.[63]
  2. ^ Each member was credited to a solo track on the European double-disc deluxe version of the album.[64]
  3. ^ additional vocals

References

  1. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (April 27, 2009). "Pussycat Dolls' Melody Thornton Sounds Off Onstage in Phoenix". MTV. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  2. ^ "Melody Thornton: Biography". AllMusic. Archived May 5, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  3. ^ "Pussycat Dolls: More than a novelty act?". NBC News. Associated Press. November 3, 2009. Archived October 5, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  4. ^ Scot, Eugene. "Celebrities Attended Phoenix High School". The Arizona Republic. Archived September 3, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  5. ^ Davis, Todd (October 2, 2008). "Melody Thornton of The Pussycat Dolls: Taking Over The World". Rapindustry.com. Archived May 1, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  6. ^ Scougall, Murray (January 23, 2023). "'Black artists like me owe everything to Whitney': Former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton reveals debt to soul legend as she reprises iconic role". The Sunday Post. Archived January 23, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  7. ^ Smith, Ethan (August 26, 2005). "Pussycat Dolls, Music Label Share All Profits in Novel Deal". The Wall Street Journal. Archived January 21, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  8. ^ Raftery, Brian (July 2006). "Pussycat Dolls: Pussy Galore!". Blender. Archived July 8, 2006 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  9. ^ White, Adam (December 2, 2019). "How The Pussycat Dolls became pop's most embittered group". The Daily Telegraph. Archived January 10, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  10. ^ Iwasaki, Scott (May 18, 2006). "Pussycat Dolls pounce on Salt Lake". Deseret News. Archived September 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  11. ^ Awford, Jenny (February 13, 2019). "Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton reveals band's secret feud". News.com.au. Archived February 13, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  12. ^ Carr, Daphne (July 2, 2018). "The Story of Girl Groups in 45 Songs". Pitchfork. Archived March 8, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  13. ^ Hunt, Elle (November 28, 2019). "Nicole Scherzinger: 'I was living in a very dark world – either working or tormenting myself'". The Guardian. Archived November 28, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  14. ^ Behar, Deidre (September 2, 2020). "Melody Thornton on Breaking Free of PCD, That Viral AMAs Performance and Her Sacrifices for Solo Success". Entertainment Tonight. Archived September 4, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  15. ^ Jefferson, J'na (January 20, 2022). "Doll Domination: Carmit Bachar on Pussycat Dolls Reunion Tour & Solo Self-Expression". Billboard. Archived March 5, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  16. ^ Brenoff, Ann (August 2, 2008). "Hot Property: Nicole Kidman takes Beverly Hills". Los Angeles Times. Archived October 31, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  17. ^ Lee, Chris (August 1, 2006). "Attack of the Dolls". Los Angeles Times. Archived March 4, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  18. ^ "Video: Jibbs f/ Melody Thornton – "Go Too Far"". Rap-Up. March 9, 2007. Archived May 16, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  19. ^ "Melody Thornton New Zealand discography". charts.nz. Hung Medien. Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Retrieved September 24, 2010.
  20. ^ Graff, Gary (April 1, 2009). "Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger Talks Solo Album, 'Domination 2.0'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  21. ^ "The Pussycat Dolls – Chart history". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  22. ^ "Pussycat Dolls : Tour & Events". Interscope Records. Archived April 13, 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  23. ^ Ganz, Caryn (April 27, 2009). "Pussycat Dolls Fight, Danity Kane Split: Bad Week for Girl Groups". Rolling Stone. Archived April 10, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  24. ^ Kaufman, Gil (September 24, 2009). "Pussycat Dolls 'Taking A Break,' Melody Thornton Says". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  25. ^ Hibberd, James (November 3, 2009). "Seacrest, E! "Bank" on celebs for money". Reuters. Archived September 1, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  26. ^ "Video: Melody Thornton Sings at Dodger Stadium". Rap-Up. June 3, 2010. Archived January 19, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  27. ^ Gracie, Bianca (August 16, 2020). "Melody Thornton On How Her Comeback EP 'Lioness Eyes' Reshaped Her Musical Identity". The Recording Academy. Archived June 7, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  28. ^ Sperling, Daniel (June 19, 2011). "Melody Thornton axed from 'Popstar to Operastar'". Digital Spy. Archived May 7, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  29. ^ "New Music: Melody Thornton - 'Sweet Vendetta'". Rap-Up. June 17, 2011. Archived August 20, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  30. ^ "New Music: Melody Thornton - 'P.O.Y.B.L' [Mixtape]". Rap-Up. May 15, 2012. Archived October 28, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  31. ^ Bizzy Crook. 84 (CD). Independent release.
  32. ^ LL Cool J. Authentic (CD). 429 Records
  33. ^ Prince Kay One. Rich Kidz (CD). AP Allstars (Embassy of Music)
  34. ^ Sandwell, Ian (February 20, 2017). "Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton makes her Celebs Go Dating debut with a "fingering" confession". Digital Spy. Archived January 30, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  35. ^ Anderton, Joe (August 29, 2018). "Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls is back and the 'alpha males' are annoying viewers even more than the contestants". Digital Spy. Archived December 31, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  36. ^ Millward, Tom (July 19, 2022). "Melody Thornton to lead UK and Ireland tour of The Bodyguard". WhatsOnStage.com. Archived July 19, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  37. ^ Mccreesh, Louise (February 24, 2019). "Melody Thornton becomes the eighth celebrity to leave Dancing on Ice 2019". Digital Spy. Archived February 24, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  38. ^ "All-star line-up announced for Cinderella at New Wimbledon Theatre". Londontheatre1.com. September 16, 2019. Archived September 20, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  39. ^ "Melody Thornton Returns with Powerful Single 'Phoenix Rise'". Rap-Up. July 24, 2019. Archived July 25, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  40. ^ Wass, Mike (August 7, 2022). "Melody Thornton Drops Debut EP 'Lioness Eyes'". Idolator. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  41. ^ Kelly, Vivienne (August 29, 2022). "'The Masked Singer Australia' Bows Out With 955,000 Viewers". Variety. Archived August 30, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  42. ^ "The Masked Singer: Who left the show in this week's double elimination?". BBC. February 4, 2024. Archived February 4, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  43. ^ "Melody Thornton". The Source. February 20, 2010. Archived July 30, 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  44. ^ Melody Thornton (April 21, 2020). "Here is an 18 year old ME at the Stripped/Justified tour defending @Xtina to the deaths Hunty! (...)". Archived September 10, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 10, 2024. – via Twitter
  45. ^ "Melody Thornton Soars on New Single 'Love Will Return'". Rap-Up. November 15, 2019. Archived November 17, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  46. ^ Lamarre, Carl (August 19, 2020). "Melody Thornton Signs With ICM, Releases New Video 'Love Will Return'". Billboard. Archived May 19, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  47. ^ "Chart Log UK: Candy J. – JX". Zobbel.de. Archived July 8, 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  48. ^ "Doll Domination (Deluxe) von The Pussycat Dolls". Amazon.de. Archived June 16, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  49. ^ Timbaland. Shock Value 2 (CD). Blackground and Mosley Music Group
  50. ^ "Video Premiere: Melody Thornton – 'Lipstick&Guilt'". Rap-Up. March 12, 2012. Archived March 14, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  51. ^ "Video: Melody Thornton – 'Smoking Gun'". Rap-Up. April 2, 2012. Archived June 13, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  52. ^ Gentles, Gary (April 12, 2012). "Melody Thornton – Someone To Believe, Plus Revealing Outfit". Singersroom. Archived October 18, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  53. ^ "Video Premiere: Melody Thornton & Bobby Newberry – 'Bulletproof'". Rap-Up. May 14, 2012. Archived May 25, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  54. ^ "Video: Bobby Newberry & Melody Thornton – 'Goodbye'". Rap-Up. May 27, 2012. Archived June 15, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  55. ^ "Video: Keri Hilson – 'Slow Dance'". Rap-Up. September 11, 2009. Archived March 14, 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  56. ^ "Video: Jason Derulo – 'Don't Wanna Go Home'". Rap-Up. May 25, 2010. Archived September 17, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  57. ^ "Video: Fat Joe f/ Wiz Khalifa & Teyana Taylor – 'Ballin". Rap-Up. May 17, 2013. Archived October 5, 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  58. ^ Bond, Nick (August 9, 2022). "I think I've picked this season's Masked Singer contestants". News.com.au. Archived September 1, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  59. ^ Urban, Sasha (June 23, 2022). "'Holiday Twist' Adds Sean Astin, Neal McDonough to Cast (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived September 1, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  60. ^ "Melody Thornton". Apple TV. Archived September 1, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  61. ^ Wood, Alex (August 7, 2019). "Louis Smith, Rachel Stevens and Melody Thornton to star in Rip It Up tour". StageChat.co.uk. Archived October 21, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  62. ^ "Melody Thornton – Artist". The Recording Academy. Archived August 30, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  63. ^ "Billboard Boxscore: Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 29. July 25, 2009. p. 32. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  64. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (September 20, 2008). "Pussycat Dolls' solo work on hold for "Domination"". Billboard. Archived January 8, 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 4, 2023.