Fresh off a flight from London where she was taping Britain’s “Popstar to Operastar,” Melody Thornton spoke with Rap-Up TV about being voted off the singing competition (“It’s difficult being American on a show in the U.K.”) and her new single “Sweet Vendetta” off her forthcoming solo debut.

“I’m hoping by next year I should have something together as far as an album goes, but we’re just doing it song by song,” said the former Pussycat Doll. “I did ‘Sweet Vendetta’ on a shoestring budget. I’m funding it myself, independent artist.”

Melody has developed a liking for classical music after her time on “Popstar” and plans to incorporate it into her future. “I really love it now,” she shared.

Melody Thornton makes her solo debut with “Sweet Vendetta,” a brand new song released via iTunes. Since splitting from the Pussycat Dolls, the 26-year-old songbird has been working on her own material, and gives fans a taste with the retro-sounding record that showcases her big voice.

“Just like a wild horse my love is strong/ I’ll be willing to fight for that love and carry on,” sings the soldier of love, who’s currently taping “Popstar to Operastar” in London.

Sample Mel’s sweet surprise below.

Now here’s something you don’t hear every day: a former Pussycat Doll singing opera. Melody Thornton showed off her powerful pipes, performing “Habanera” from the famed opera Carmen during the first week of “Popstar to Operastar,” a British TV show where eight pop stars compete against each other for the title.

“Carmen is a very flirtatious maneater basically. She sounds very similar to me,” joked Melody, whose sultry version of the tune earned her mostly positive reviews from the judges and kept her in the competition for another week.

Watch her take on the daunting task and face her critics.

Melody Thornton is letting her voice shine. The former Pussycat Doll steps out from the shadows and performs a powerful acapella mashup of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” Katy Perry’s “Firework,” and Kanye West and Rihanna’s “All of the Lights” in this Rap-Up.com exclusive. The 26-year-old singer strips down the pop hits, exposing her raw talent and natural beauty as she belts them out in one take. Watch the songbird spread her wings and soar.

Keri Hilson heated up Hollywood at Maxim‘s Hot 100 party, strutting down the carpet in a cleavage-baring olive green dress and yellow heels. The sexiest women in entertainment paraded through the event at Eden nightclub, including Kelly Rowland, Melanie Fiona, Melody Thornton, and Amber Rose, modeling a sexy-nerd look. None of the ladies made the magazine’s annual list of the world’s most beautiful women, but there’s always next year. Feast your eyes on the gorgeous gals.

Melody Thornton was looking lovely in London. The former Pussycat Doll posed for an impromptu shoot wearing orange 1960s-styled pants, a blue sweater, gold linked belt, and Giuseppe Zanotti rhinestone heels. The singer, who designs her own outfits, even converted a pair of vintage eyeglasses to shades.

“I called this entry ‘School Daze’ because my old high schools colors were blue and orange,” she wrote. “London has been amazing so far can’t wait to tell you what I am up to!!!”

What do you think of Mel’s look? Rate it below.

Melody Thornton shows fans how to be a rock star in the first episode of her “MeloDIY” (Do It Yourself) web series, where she flaunts her dress-making skills. The former Pussycat Doll reveals her secret to applying rhinestones and gems to her customized dress, using a baby syringe filled with glue to add her own flair to an American Apparel onesie. A new mid-tempo tune from the singer can be heard in the background, touting burning synthesizers and a powerful chorus. Listen up as Melody offers her fashion tips.

Melody Thornton put her patriotic pipes on display, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Clippers game at L.A.’s Staples Center on Sunday (Jan. 16). The former Pussycat Doll has been in and out of the studio recording her solo debut. Watch her slam-dunk performance below.

Former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton has her eye on the prize with the release of her sassy breakout record “Love Gun,” written and produced by Cee Lo Green. The slinky, Western-tinged tune puts her vocals front and center as gunshots pop beneath her bold vocals, wailing, “Oh you got me, baby! Baby, baby, are you ready for the show now?” Sounds like she’s ready to show the world what she’s made of.

Rap-Up.com has your first listen to Mel’s bangin’ new joint below.

Download: Melody Thornton – “Love Gun”

Melody Thornton makes a bang with a new set of photos from her “Wild West” shoot. The former Pussycat Doll, who’s recording a solo album, brandishes a sparkly gun while donning a bustier, holster, and boots in the ’60s throwback images, which she styled herself. While shooting in the California desert, Melody slipped and fell on a rock.

“My knees are photoshopped because they were and definitely still are in bad shape from the fall but thanks to the best photographers on the planet (Smallz and Raskind), we managed to pick up where we left off and as you can see the pics are GORGEOUS!” she wrote.

These photos and more can be found on her new blog, where she discusses fashion, music, and her inspirations including Whitney Houston and Cher. Check it out at OnlytheMelody.com.

Pull the trigger on Mel’s smokin’ shots below.