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Dominique. America’s Next Top Model. Does this ring a bell? If not, it’s about to be emblazoned in your memory from her new song and music video “On Top of the World.” Most people remember her best for her participation as a contestant but as it seems, she has more talents than just “striking a pose.”

The model-­now-­turned-­singer shows us that she knows how to entertain us with our ears instead of our eyes, unless you watch the video—then you get the best of both worlds. One of the best quotes from this beautiful vixen of song was “Modeling is not about being perfect, it is about creating the illusion of looking perfect in front of the camera to get that one shot.”

This is something most of do at home for our Facebook default pictures and our Instagram accounts. However, maybe she has a point. It’s not about looking perfect all the time, instead, maybe it’s more about knowing how to carry yourself at the precise moment that you are trying to

to do with being beautiful in your own way, or just being downright model-­material, most of us can relate. I know I have my own fair share of pictures with no smile that I choose to broadcast simply because I like to give a show. Whether it is one of upbeat silliness or downbeat sadness—I am guilty of foregoing the cheesy “smile and stare.”

Getting back to our new songstress, she has proven herself as someone not to be forgotten. She kept determined even though

on ANTM and kept delivering the goods. This is what gave her the opportunity to keep coming back in different spin-­offs of reality modeling television.

about this dazzling, charismatic beauty, so we did a—you guessed it—interview:

So, Dominique, what made you choose a career in music instead of a career in modeling, seeing as you are obviously

As a child growing up, I have always wanted to sing and model. I would practice my model walk one moment then pretend to be my idol, Mariah Carey the next! I have always wanted to live out my dreams as a little girl and now that I am an adult I plan on doing so! I do not want to have any regrets in life. I also believe that as an entertainer, your career has to evolve and I am doing just that.

Would you say that you prefer a musical career to that of a modeling

No. I believe they go hand in hand;; one enhances and complements the other. Photo shoots will never go away. Right now, I have chosen to direct my focus on my music career. My goal is to reach my full potential as an entertainer.

If someone were to ask you who your favorite model and favorite singer is,

My favorite model of all time besides the one and only Tyra Banks would have to be Sophia Loren. I love her classic beauty and

favorite singer of all time is Mariah Carey! I always felt like I could relate to her growing up and fell in love with her personality and the message in her music. There is not one song that she has made that I do not like.

Since you were a part of a few reality television modeling competitions, could we assume that you also watched

I absolutely love that show and, yes, I do watch it when I can! Honestly speaking, I would love to be a judge on that show!

If you were to pick your favorite hairstyle—as we see you can pull off many—how would you do your hair for

My favorite hairstyle would have to be big hair! I love big hair! The bigger the hair the better!

I have to ask for our readers: Gaga or

Gaga!

Madonna!

Madonna!

What do you think is the most controversial issue of this decade, which you feel strongly and passionately about in one way or

I will relate it to modeling and say the banning of using models under the age of 16 led by Vogue. I am an advocate and promoter of living a healthy lifestyle. It is unfortunate that we have lost young lives to eating disorders, but it is time we take a stand against it despite the fact that some people in the industry feel it will diminish jobs.

I can’t help but notice that your song sounds like a perfect Friday night, middle of the summer dance-­thumper

Yes, I love this song because it is a feel-­good song. It is meant to empower and generate a burst of energy!

Tell us how, in your mind, you picture people dancing to this song when it comes on in the clubs! This is a song I feel everyone can relate to. I feel people getting a burst of energy and going off with their own swag dance moves…

everywhere! It gets you pumped and inspires you “Not to apologize for who you are and to live your life on top of the world!”

We don’t know if you have a personal trainer or not, but what’s one easy workout that you can recommend for our readers to do in your own home to

I am an outdoor kind of girl and I love to get out for a jog and enjoy nature. I am a cardio queen!

Did the making of your video remind you a lot of being on the set of modeling

It sure did! I think in order to be a singer or model, you must know how to act and feel comfortable in becoming different characters!

Would you say that modeling is an

I think acting is! Always thinking outside the box and constantly developing new ways to be creative and entertain!

What’s your favorite song to dance to in a club—the one that really gets you

Right now “On Top of the World” gets me in my zone! Hector Fonseca just did a sick remix for “On Top of the World” and it has me dancing non-­stop!!!

Is there any parting quote you would like to leave the readers with for

Yes, DREAM BIG!

How have you been recovering now that

the surgery is complete?

Before, I felt tired and burnt out. Now

I feel recharged and rejuvenated!

I’m seeing things more clearly and

positively, and I’m more laid back.

What role did your family and friends

play in your condition and the recovery

following surgery?

Actually, my father passed away in 2004 from

the same heart condition, but I was surprised

to see how many people really cared. I had

family who had shunned me before, but in

my time of need, they were by my side.

After this recent surgery, what’s the

hardest part of bouncing back?

There are metal wires in my chest and, at

moving separately. Your skin is glued. You can’t

exercise and I couldn’t shower for a month.

However, the body has an amazing way of trying

to heal itself back to the way it was before.

If you could describe yourself from

diagnosis until now, what 3 words would

you use?

Charismatic. Evolved. Complex.

What would you want FLAME readers to

know about you?

with honors. I graduated from the University of

Michigan in Ann Arbor. Rodney “Rod Squad”

is an entertainer. I sing and act! I have done

some independent movies for U of M, as well

as getting to be in the movie “Hardball.” I

have choreographed for three local recording

artists’ music videos and I also have a YouTube

channel (youtube.com/rodneyrodsquad),

doubted me because of my heart condition.

If you could reach out and take a platform

for the LGBT community what would be

your message?

My message would be that life can give

you second chances! Before my surgery,

I was hyperventilating thinking about

death;; all you really have is your health,

but perseverance helped me get through

it... Since the surgery, I have grown closer

in faith and know believing in something

or someone helps to get you through it.

All gays know that Madonna is the pop

diva queen, who do you think is next in

line?

Beyoncé is the ultimate entertainer! Jessie

J is my Madonna. She is a true artist and

I love her voice and personal style. Kelly

Clarkson’s songs have awesome messages.

Sara Bareilles is complex and her lyricism

speaks to me. Lastly, I’d say Kerli;; she is up-­

and-­ coming and fun. At Motor City Pride

2012, she gave me a shout out stating that life

can give you second chances so embrace it!

Do you have any last words to our

readers?

Never judge a book by its cover! Things

can happen to you to change your life!