Thalia's New Interview To CHRISTINA HOAG!

Thalía is one of those stars who want to do it all -- she's an actress, composer, singer, businesswoman. Now add radio talk-show host to the list.

Today the 35-year-old Mexican celebrity debuts Conexión Thalía Radio Show on ABC Radio Networks en español in South Florida (8 a.m., WRMA-FM Romance 106.7) and other key Hispanic markets. The weekly two-hour program features chats and counsel for Hispanic listeners.


The deal, reportedly worth $5 million, is the latest of several business forays that are cementing Thalía's name as a brand. She has an eyewear line with Kenmark Group and a candy line, Dulcería Thalía, with Hershey's. She is gearing up to launch a home accessories collection and beauty book with accompanying cosmetics line later this year. And in the past she's had her own magazine with American Media and a fashion line with Kmart.

Radio, though, may be riskier. Some singers do well as hosts, such as rockers Alice Cooper and Ted Nugent. Others bomb, like David Lee Roth.

''Radio is harder than it looks or sounds,'' says Tom Taylor, editor of Inside Radio/M Street, an industry newsletter.

''But I think the chances for Thalía are pretty good,'' he added. ``It's a weekend show, it's light, people will be eager to hear what she has to say. It depends a lot on who's coaching and directing her.''

The Miami Herald caught up with Thalía after she taped her launch show at ABC Radio's studios in Miami.

Q: Why Miami?

A: I was already here. New York is freezing. I said, `Why don't you come here and do the first show?'

Q: Why did you decide to do a radio show?

A: ABC was already looking at doing something for the Latino community, and when they went out onto the streets asking people, the name that popped out was Thalía. They brought me the idea, and I fell in love with it.

It's a new platform for my career. The interaction of radio is so unique. Everybody has a radio, in their cars, in their homes. It's such a cool tool for me to get into the hearts and minds of people.

The show is like lifestyle, entertainment, what's hip, but my spinal cord is the audience.

I want to give back to the community and use my voice in a good way. We'll be talking about how to get your papers in order, how can you talk to your kids about sex, health issues. I invite people who are specialists -- psychologists, sexologists, lawyers. I talk to the audience, too. I hear their problems and stories.

Q: Why radio over television?

A: TV has always been there for me. It's been the main window for my career. Radio is more intimate. It's me being more me. There's something about using your voice but not your face that allows you to speak your mind.

I'm saving myself for coming back to TV. I have offers all the time. I want to do something that is practical but with a great story, with incredible writers and producers.

Q: Your last media venture -- an eponymous magazine -- folded. What went wrong with that?

 

Q: With your media ventures and Thalía lines of clothing, eyeglasses, candy, it seems that your strategy is to build a branded empire.

A: I love that! I think I have the blessing and love of my community. I have a name that is already a brand. I want to make quality products. So I put all that in the blender.

One of my biggest heroines is Oprah. I always see her helping the community. I'm not at her level yet, giving away cars. But with time, that will be my target.

Q: What's next with the Thalía brand?

A: I have a new album. It's a little bit of both English and Spanish. At the same time, I'm launching a beauty book. I've been working with the best makeup and hair stylists and I stole a little bit from all of them.

We want to tie that in with a cosmetic line. And we're on the verge of signing a deal for a home collection. We're going to start with bedding and accessories.

We're super happy with the eyewear collection. We've reached $100 million in sales.

The Kmart deal is over precisely because they were focusing on apparel. In my mind I want it all. At the end of the year, we'll announce a deal with a new partner.

I've also learned how to cross-promote everything. We'll have a book signing and an album signing at the same time.

We launched the candies in Kmart.

We had a huge Kiss mobile outside the store, then people came in and saw the clothing. People like that.

Q: How do you pick your projects?

A: For instance, Hershey. It's family oriented, and they take care of their products. There's something for the little baby to the grandmother. I like that. When I enter into a project, I look for companies that are solid and have commitment.

Q: Do you feel there's any danger in overexposing yourself as a brand?

A: It's something that's a main concern. We do things only after a lot of thought. I'm a Virgo, so I'm an analyst, obsessed with detail, and I look at everything. It's not what you do, it's what you don't do.

credit : http://nuestrathalia.blogspot.com/