User Profile

But wait... just 8 months later she got a call from Rick Ferlin (Columbia Pictures Executive) who asked her if she'd like to do a song for their film "Cruel Intentions" -- of course, she accepted. Within 2 months of recording "Waiting For Love" for the Cruel Intentions soundtrack, Jive Records auditioned Melissa and then signed her to a major label recording contract.

In September 2000, things started off with a bang and Williams' first single, "Make You Mine," became a Top 5 hit single on the US pop charts. Though the song had irresistible pop/rock beats and pop hooks, she was worried that it wasn't the song she wanted to present herself to the world with as much as her self-titled debut's other tracks. But her fans loved it, and critics alike praised her for bringing a refreshing new brunette look to the pop world. Williams was out to prove that she wasn't just another bubble gum-smacking, navel-baring teenybopper, but first, she needed to do things her way. After the release of her debut, Christmas and sophmore albums, Williams had sold over 25 million albums worldwide, spawning global smash hit singles such as "When I Say I Love You (Believe Me)," "Got To Go If" and "Didn't We Almost Have It All" -- the latter becoming one of her most successful singles in the US.

In early 2001, Melissa announced that she was to star in her first film, "Angel," a romantic comedy primarily targeted to her teen audience. The film was predicted to be a big success, however, after its strong opening, the film quickly disappeared from theaters and was panned by movie critics worldwide. But that didn't keep Melissa away from movies for too long.

When the time came to release her fourth album, "Exposed," in August of 2001, this beautiful 5'7" chestnut-haired, brown-eyed superstar was ready to lay it all on the line and show off her songwriting and production skills, giving fans one of her most personal and revealing albums to date. "Exposed" was another multi-platinum success, but the album couldn't match up with the sales of her previous studio records. Perhaps, her newfound maturity turned off fans of her pre-packaged, teen queen image. Reguardless of what the case had been, Williams carried on, and embarked on her first international world tour, which was named one of the highest grossing tours of 2001.

In the spring of 2002, Williams wanted to tackle another part of her life and by doing that, she invited fans into her spotlight and showcased "Fame," her most critically acclaimed album to date. "Fame" was pushed by a 50+ city world tour, which was another huge success for Williams, and proved her to be one of pop music's most entertaining stage performers. By 2003, "Fame" had reportedly sold over 10 million copies worldwide and established the pop diva as an international force to be reckoned with.

When Williams announced a break from the music industry, journalists and fans alike were quick to believe the singer was prematurely ending her music career. However, Williams still insists that isn't the case. "I wanted to take a break to concentrate on another passion of mine, which is making films. I love acting. It's something I've always been interested in," said Williams. Not only does she love acting, but critics and moviegoers apparently love HER acting. The pop diva recently appeared in 2003's spring blockbuster sequel, "X2," and even made a memorable cameo in the corky spoof-slasher flick, "Scary Movie 3." Both films opened at #1 at the Box Office. With sizable roles in films lined up for release in 2004, it's obvious that Williams is looking to be taken seriously as an actress.

But, as pointed out, Williams has not given up on what has made her famous: music. The pop princess has set a fall 2004 release for her next studio album, which she says, "will be worth the wait."