Melody Thornton (born September 28, 1984) is an American R&B singer, dancer, songwriter, model, and television personality who rose to stardom as a member of the successful pop group the Pussycat Dolls. The youngest member of the group, Thornton assumes the second most prominent vocal role, after lead vocalist Nicole Scherzinger, and is distinguished for her melismatic vocal runs. According to Slant Magazine, she is often recognized as the group's best vocalist. Thornton was the last original member to leave the group, aside from Scherzinger, in 2010.