Melissa Gorga

Melissa Gorga is one housewife that knows how to take care of herself. Since joining the Real Housewives of New Jersey she has quickly become the most popular of the ladies while fending off

the claws of her sister-in-law Theresa. Melissa makes sure her family comes first and keeps her children out of the media spotlight. I asked Melissa how being a part of the Real Housewives has impacted her family and how she keeps her marriage in tact with all the media frenzy. We also talk about her budding music career and the Housewives' fabulous gay fan base.

Fans will want to catch Melissa live at Spin Nightclub, 800 W Belmont, on Saturday, Jan. 21st, where she will be performing her hit dance single "On Display" as well as judging a "Real Housewives" drag competition.

MJR: (Michael J. Roberts) Congratulations on your debut single "On Display". You sound amazing performing it. Who influenced musically growing up?

MG: (Melissa Gorga) I was always a big fan of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Madonna growing up. I used to make Thriller videos at home with my girlfriends.

MJR: What is your favorite type of music and who is your favorite performer?

MG: I like all kinds of music. I love anything that is dance that mixes with a little R&B together, 80's, hip hop, I really like all genres. As far as a performer, I love Jennifer Lopez. I feel like she really puts on a good show! She is great when she performs live.

MJR: What do you find is the most difficult part of breaking into the music industry?

MG: There is so much competition in the music industry and it really opens you up to so much criticism. You really have to be ready to accept the positive and the negative in order to be in this business.

MJR: Is fame and celebrity anything like you thought it would be? Do you have any regrets in signing up for the show?

MG: I have no regrets in signing up for the show. My hardest challenge is being a wife, being a mother and being on a reality show. Its not always easy to balance it all but some how I manage to do it. As of right now, I am loving every minute of it.

MJR: How do you stay grounded with all the chaos of the cameras in your home? How do you keep a balanced life with your beautiful children and your travel schedule?

MG: No matter how busy life can get, my family is always my priority. I will never allow what I am doing for a living to change who I am or how I take care of my family. I am very careful about balancing my schedule and how much I will take on in one week. Nothing will ever come before my children.

MJR: This past season had some very emotional and tumultuous moments with your sister-in-law Teresa and the entire family dynamic. Has your background in psychology helped you understand with how others on the show interact with each other?

MG: Believe it or not, it has. I am very receptive to other peoples feelings and why they are feeling that way. I think that's why I am so quick to forgive and forget. Sometimes having the pressure of millions of people watching you can make you act or say things that you wouldn't normally do or say.

MJR: How do you feel about Teresa competing on Celebrity Apprentice?

MG: I am happy for her, its a great opportunity and we wish her the best!

MJR: We all see how very close you were to your father. What traits of his did you most admire? What do you want your children to know about their grandfather?

MG: My father was a go getter and I think that's where I get it from. He was a very successful business man, he was great at real estate and I think I get a lot of my work ethic from him. I tell my kids every day how much he would love them if he was here.

MJR: Besides being fabulous, why do you think the Real Housewives have such a huge gay following?

MG: I think the gay community loves fabulous women that live over the top and most of these housewives on the franchise do and we love them right back.

MJR: I saw your photo spread in US Magazine and you look amazing. What is your favorite food to treat yourself to?

MG: Thank you! I love home made Betty Crocker vanilla cake with Dunkin Hines vanilla icing. Delish!

MJR: What have you and Joe learned about each other in going through the Real Housewives' experience?

MG: Joe and I are so thankful that we have such a strong marriage. This whole experience would be so difficult if our relationship wasn't as concrete as it is. I think this show proves to both of us how much we will back each other up until the end.

MJR: When can we expect to hear more music from you?

MG: I have 3 more songs coming out in April and I am really excited about it!

I wrote all 3 of them. Two of them are dance party songs and one is a ballot that I wrote to Joe. I think everyone is going to love it!

MJR: Can you tell us what we can look forward to next season?

MG: Next season I can't tell you too much about but you definitely see a lot of great times with family. You are going to see a lot more music from me in season 4. There is a performance that I am excited for everyone to see where I worked with Cris Judd who is amazing!

For more information on Melissa Gorga's appearance at Spin Nightclub, please visit www.spin-nightclub.com. Melissa Gorga's single 'On Display' can be downloaded on iTunes.