She joined the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2016, but before that Erika Giradi had already made a name for herself as dance-pop queen Erika Jayne. With nine number one songs on the dance charts and a second album in the works, we sat down with the straight shooter to learn a little more about her.
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Where do you feel more relaxed:
Performing on stage for thousands of people, or at a RHOBH dinner party?
It depends on who’s hosting! But probably on stage I feel more relaxed.
Who is a good dinner party hostess out of all the Housewives?
You know, Kyle hosts a pretty good barbecue. Everyone loves Kyle!
Was last season more testing than your first, especially with the drama with Dorit and PK?
Bravo
I think that every season is different, you know? Each year, you add a different layer of responsibility to the show. When you sign up for something like Housewives, you do have to expect a certain amount of conflict and that’s part of the job.
How easy is it to forget stuff you say on camera?
It’s very possible. It’s hard because the show is actually months of filming, hours a day. The thing I always say is you must be very careful, because the slightest thing can be taken, turned, and twisted into something else and that’s where you get in trouble.
Who’s the most fun to go out with out of the Housewives?
Oh Kyle! Oh yeah! Kyle’s a good time, we had a great time in Mykonos. Great dancer too, she likes to have a good time. The reason everybody likes Kyle is she’s just cool – she’s just easy. And she enjoys herself. She’s down to earth.
Erika and Kyle Richards in Season 7 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
What's a funny memory from filming that didn’t make it onto the show this season?
Well I mean, something I laugh at that did make it was when I fell off the jet-ski. It was hilarious, at my own expense. I looked like a complete fool!
How do you prepare for a reunion? Do you treat yourself after just for getting through it?
No, no, honestly it’s not as emotional as it looks... I mean it can be. I had rehearsal to go to afterwards, and that was the best thing possible. The reunion starts at 7am and goes through to 7pm. It’s like a 12-14 hour day.
Do you need lots of coffee to get you through?
Bravo
You don’t really need it. You’re definitely not going to fall asleep in that environment! Your senses are heightened, so no one’s sleeping on that job. Oh my god, but one crew guy did fall asleep!
Do you get recognised a lot more now after Housewives?
For sure. Just before I was at the mall (in Sydney), and I've never been here and everywhere you go, people watch Housewives!
What's your favourite thing to do to relax?
Sleep! It sounds crazy, but I do love to sleep.
What's your one go-to meal to cook?
To COOK?! Me, cook? Oh shit. What can I make? Um… I can make a grilled cheese!
What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never quit, that things will always turn in your favour, and never stop dreaming.
What's the best makeup tip you’ve ever received?
You have to moisturise and take care of your skin.
Do you have a secret talent we don’t know about?
No… wait, well yes I do, but it will remain a secret!
What's the craziest interaction you've ever had with a fan?
Pretty Mess Records
You know what, everybody’s really nice. But I did get a letter from prison the other day, from a convicted murderer with no possibility of parole, and he told me that he was reaalllly gonna satisfy me, in all the ways that were… not possible. He was committed. He was into it, you know, so I was too. (laughs)
Are you going to write a thank you letter back?
No, I’m all good! That’s enough!
What's your biggest pet peeve?
I hate being late. When I’m late I get anxiety. If I get a late start to the day, everything feels thrown out.
What's your biggest fear?
I’m afraid of the dark. Oh, well my biggest fear is obviously my son not coming home. Of course. (For context, Erika's son is a police officer).
Who's the person you most enjoy watching on the show when it airs?
Myself! Of course, I’m entertained by myself (laughs). However egotistical that sounds!
Describe your perfect day.
Erika and her husband Tom Girardi.
Bravo
Well, let’s see. I usually wake up at 6am with my husband, I take my dog to Starbucks, we have a nice long walk, I get my husband out of the house and off to work, and then I go work my little tail off being Erika Jayne! Then go out and have dinner with my husband and come home and go to sleep!
What does the rest of 2017 hold for you?
Let me tell you something, I’m so busy that Christmas Eve will probably be my first day off. But that’s the way I want it, and I’m very thankful!
And will we see you on next season of Real Housewives?
Well… I mean… we’ll see!
Bravo
All seven seasons of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are available to stream on Hayu.com now!
