Inspired Performer: Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona is a double Grammy Award-winning US R&B who is no stranger to stardom, having worked alongside Jay-Z, co-written songs with Rihanna and toured with Kanye West. Now she’s added Sebastian Vettel to her list of collaborators with the release of her latest single, ‘Watch me Work’.

Here she talks to the Infiniti Inspired Performance Blog about what it was like to star alongside Sebastian, inspirations to her singing and song-writing and screaming donuts.

Sebastian was so cool, nice, humble and a genuinely funny person. It was awesome and definitely one of the most memorable video experiences of my career! We had a lot of fun joking around in the car at how awkward it was to act to the music. He did great though! A funny story was when we were lighting the flares in the warehouse scene. His flares kept sticking so every time the director yelled "ACTION" and he was supposed to strike the flares, and they wouldn't light. It’s like they were playing a prank on him. It took a few tries, but we got it.

Sebastian’s driving is on a whole other level!  Having him driving me on-track after filming was definitely a cool experience. I like driving fast. It was really interesting to hear him talk about the G force that weighs on the drivers when they're going that fast. You physically have to be in great shape to handle it. The coolest part was when he finished our drive with whipping donuts! Tire marks, smoke and of course, me screaming WOOHOOOO!!!

I'm taking more of an interest in Formula1 since this experience. I missed this year's race in Canada, but I really would like to attend one of the international European dates.  I hear Singapore is pretty cool!

Music and singing has always been a part of my life. From a baby, my parents were big advocates of music- my father, a guitar player in a band, and my mother, a singer to all music while she took care of the house. They tell me stories of having to blast Whitney Houston by my crib, just to get me to fall asleep. By the time I was 2 & 1/2, I was singing "The Greatest Love of All", accompanied by my dad on the guitar.

I think music has always been my destiny. By the time I was a senior in high school, I acknowledged it was my calling. From there, opportunities presented themselves to me, and I wasn't afraid to explore them. I left home at 21 to work with Title9 Productions in LA, and we have turned that meeting into what my career is today.

The late Whitney Houston was my music hero growing up.  There was no sweeter voice to me. She is the voice that made me fall in love with singing. I was later inspired by the talents and artistry of Lauryn Hill & Alicia Keys.

My parents were my biggest inspiration on my career and life. I feel so blessed to be able to live my dreams every day. I was fortunate enough to have parents who loved and supported me through this journey.  They immigrated to Canada from Guyana to make sure my brother and I had a better life.  They taught me the value of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. It’s the reason I'm able to remain healthy and focused in the industry. They've given me the inspiration to dream and reach higher and higher.

My inspiration for my songs comes from love, life and my fans. There is a truth in emotions that cannot be denied. We all 'feel' the same. No matter what makes us different on the outside, we are all the same inside. Some people don't have a voice or a platform to express how they really feel. I have been blessed with this opportunity and I feel like it's my responsibility to help others while doing what I love. It’s like creating the soundtrack to our emotions.

Making music history and garnering respect are two very important things to me. Getting my two Grammy's was a very proud moment! When Cee-Lo and I first did the song, I had no idea it would become as huge as it did. But there is a magic in that song that is undeniable. Being recognized and awarded as a singer and songwriter is so humbling.

I’m going to tour the rest of this year promoting my album "The MF Life" and my latest single "Wrong Side of a Love Song". Then I’ll get back into the studio and start working on album 3. It’s really fun to be able to grow and learn as an artist. Ultimately, I would like to be remembered as one of the greatest voices and true singers, of our time and have a positive impact on the world.

Outside of music I have a passion for food! I love to eat! I also enjoy sports, playing and watching them, and photography. I'm also into astrology.

People wanting to break into the industry have to know who they are and what they want from the industry. It is NOT for everyone. There are so many moving parts and sometimes conflicts arise when art and business meet. Develop a team that can support your vision, and help you get to where you want to be. Be good and true to yourself."

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