The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group, and dance ensemble founded by choreographer Robin Antin. The group originated in 1995 as a burlesque troupe based in Los Angeles. After attracting the attention of many high profile celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and Johnny Depp, Antin eventually negotiated a record deal with Interscope Records in 2003, and the troupe was re-cast as a music group, comprising lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt, and Carmit Bachar. Subsequently the group also diversified into Reality TV programs, a Las Vegas act and venue, merchandising and other ventures overseen by Antin, Interscope and their partners.
The Pussycat Dolls achieved worldwide success in 2005 with their album PCD, which debuted at number five on the U.S Billboard 200 Chart, and produced the hits "Don't Cha", "Buttons", and "Stickwitu", the latter of which earned the group a Grammy Award nomination. Following the departure of Carmit Bachar in March 2008, the group continued as a quintet, and in 2008, released their second studio album Doll Domination, which included the hits "When I Grow Up" and "I Hate This Part". Throughout their rise to fame, the group has been criticized for its overtly sexual image and explicit dance routines, and for the over-emphasis on the lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, who sings nearly all of the group's lead and background vocals.
History
Burlesque troupe: 1995-2003
Robin Antin began exploring the idea of a modern burlesque troupe in 1993 with her friend Christina Applegate. The dance troupe's first performance was in 1995. During this period, they performed with numerous guest vocalists, with a repertoire of 1950s and 1960s pop standards while dressed in lingerie or old-fashioned pin-up costumes. They secured a Thursday night residency at Los Angeles nightclub The Viper Room, where they stayed from 1995 - 2001. The troupe received wider press coverage in June 1999, when Playboy ran a Pussycat Dolls pictorial, featuring at least seven contemporary members. Three years later, the Dolls moved to The Roxy. The group became internationally popular and was featured in magazines, television specials for MTV and VH1, ad campaigns, and movies. Some of the Pussycat Dolls appeared in the 2003 film Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, dancing to "The Pink Panther Theme". They were also featured in Pink's "Trouble" music video. Along with Christina Applegate, Christina Aguilera, and Carmen Electra (who was the group's lead performer for many of their shows) the troupe was featured in a Maxim shoot in 2002, which increased public interest in them. Following this wider popularity, and with the involvement of music producers Jimmy Iovine and Ron Fair, the Pussycat Dolls were re-cast, transformed into a pop recording group, and became employees of Iovine's label Interscope Records. The only troupe members who remained after the re-casting process was, Carmit Bachar no longer in PCD, Cyia Batten, Kasey Campbell, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt. The main vocalists of the current recording group, lead singer Nicole Scherzinger and soprano Melody Thornton, were cast later in 2003 to complete the transition into a pop group. Electra, when asked about her lack of involvement with the group's evolution into a pop group, said: "I was part of the Dolls for over two years and did every show with them... but financially, I couldn't become part of their new music project... It was a sacrifice I couldn't make." She later made a cameo appearance in the music video for "Don't Cha". In late 2003, Electra formed another burlesque troupe called The Bombshell Babies, which included ex-Dolls Staci Flood and Nadine Ellis, and later adding ex-Doll Kasey Campbell.
Lounge act: 2005–present
In parallel to Pussycat Dolls as a recording act, in April 2005 a resident live show commenced at the "Pussycat Dolls Lounge" adjacent to Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip. This show contains "cast members" who continue the burlesque-style show which began in Los Angeles in 1995. At least one early member of the L.A. dance troupe, Rachel Sterling, made the move to the Las Vegas show. The cast includes vocalist Jamie Preston, Cindy, Hayley, Amanda Nowak, Ashley Gates, Colby, Bridgy, and Jamie Ruiz from Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious also joined the group. Former dolls include Mallory, Jen, Loreli, Victoria, Rosa, Marcea, Rita, Jessica Lea, Rachel Sterling, Laura Diane, Laurel, and Alicia between others. The venue is operated by Pure Management Group, Robin Antin has some involvement, but it is unclear whether Interscope also has a financial interest. The Pussycat Dolls recording group have made occasional appearances. In February 2007, Caesars Palace opened the Pussycat Dolls Casino located across from the Pussycat Dolls Lounge. It features "Dolls-style" decor and attire for the gaming staff, waitresses and dancers.
Recording group
2005-2007: PCD
In 2003, Nicole Scherzinger, a former member of Popstars winners Eden's Crush, became the group's lead singer. In the same year, sopranao vocalist Melody Thornton was also recruited in order to add vocal strength to the group. The Pussycat Dolls' musical line-up consisted of Scherzinger, Thornton, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kaya Jones (Kaya later left the group after recording and appearing in both "Sway", and "Don't Cha" music videos). By the time the recording group was launched, their stage costumes were developed to bear various branding and "PCD" logos, which preceded the sales of a branded clothing range and other merchandise (via websites and at performances). Their repertoire was expanded to include new Pop/R&B songs, with hit producers and guest rappers, while still retaining some of the pop standards from their earlier incarnation. They appeared in two soundtracks in 2004 for the films, Shark Tale and Shall We Dance? The newly formed recording group's first single was "Sway" from Shall We Dance?, with a music video inspired by the movie.
On September 13, 2005, they released their debut album, PCD, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200. Their first single, "Don't Cha" was a hit, reaching number one in multiple countries including UK, Australia and Canada and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was originally a cover of the Tori Alamaze single featuring rapper Busta Rhymes. The group won a Billboard Music Award for "Don't Cha" (Ralphi Rosario mix) as Hot Dance Music/Club Play Single of the Year.
The album spawned six more singles. The ballad "Stickwitu" was another top five in the U.S, selling over three million digital downloads and CDs worldwide. The song was the group's second UK number 1 hit. It was later nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group. Their third single, "Beep", which featured rapper will.i.am, did not perform as successfully as the previous two singles but still went to number one internationally. A subsequent single, "Buttons" (with rapper Snoop Dogg) reached number three on the UK singles chart; the next single, "I Don't Need a Man" was not as successful, although it reached the top 10 in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and UK. The group's sixth single from the album was "Wait a Minute" featuring Timbaland released in the U.S. in August 2006, becoming a top 40 hit worldwide.
In 2006, San Francisco-based company Doppelganger (along with Interscope Records) launched the PCD Music Lounge, an interactive website. In late 2006, the Pussycat Dolls were also featured in a commercial for Cingular Wireless along with Ludacris and KoRn. The group was selected to perform for the introduction for ABC's coverage of the NBA. In 2007, a version of "Right Now" was used as a theme song for the NBA, though the lyrics had been altered.
An official megamix of all the singles from PCD has been released.
On March 8, 2008, Carmit Bachar left the group, confirming the news by posting a blog on the group's official website. The Pussycat Dolls are said to be continuing as a five-piece. They performed for US troops in Kuwait for Operation Myspace. They sang all of their singles. In the absence of Bachar, her vocal parts are now performed mostly by Jessica Sutta.
2008-present: Doll Domination
Pussycat Dolls performing during Los Angeles Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA on 03/13/2008Main article: Doll Domination
After a brief break, the dolls returned in May 2008 with the new single "When I Grow Up" - the first release from their second album, with Timbaland serving as executive producer of the album.
The song was performed live for the first time on May 20, on Jimmy Kimmel Live and again at the MTV Movie Awards on June 1. They also performed the song at the first results show of the 2008 season of So You Think You Can Dance. The song was released on May 27 2008. The song charted in the top 40 in most countries. The song charted at number nine on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. The song charted at number six on the European Singles Chart. Other promotions include hosting the 2008 Maxim Hot 100 on VH1 on the position number seventeen.
The second studio album from the Pussycat Dolls was scheduled for release worldwide on September 20 2008, and in the U.S. on September 23, with tracks produced by Dr. Dre, Timbaland, The Clutch, Sean Garrett, Quiz & Larossi, New Kids On The Block, Scott Storch, Darkchild, Fernando Garibay, Ryan Tedder, Mark Taylor, Taio Cruz, and others.
They performed their hit singles "Buttons" and "When I Grow Up" at the MTV Asia Awards 2008 in Genting Highlands, Malaysia and performed in Singapore for Singfest 2008, as part of a line-up of international music acts. They performed the singles "Buttons", "Don't Cha", and "When I Grow Up", including a special solo dance segment "Show Me What You Got".
The second single to be released from Doll Domination was I Hate This Part. The single was originally going to be Whatcha Think About That but was soon scrapped for a worldwide release due to "I Hate This Part" gaining more attention, instead "Whatcha Think About That" was only released on radio in the U.S but has since charted at number 70 on the Billboard Pop 100 and number 66 on the Canadian Hot 100. "I Hate This Part" was released in October and November. The song has yet to be released physically in most countries but has charted in the Top 40. The song first charted in Australia when it debuted at number 45 but has since peaked at number 10. In the U.S. the song peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 16 on the Billboard Pop 100. The song also peaked at number 21 on the European Hot 100 Singles Chart.
The Pussycat Dolls appeared on the Royal Variety Performance 2008, at the London Palladium on December 11. The Royal Variety Performance is a gala event held annually at a major British theatre, to raise money for the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund. The show is performed in the presence of senior members of the Royal family and it is considered a great honour to be invited to take part.
The fourth single to be released in North America and the third single elsewhere will be Bottle Pop featuring rapper Snoop Dogg. The single's release has been confirmed by group members Melody Thornton and Kimberly Wyatt at the 2008 Kiss 108 Jingle Ball.
The Pussycat Dolls recorded a new song called "Top Of The World" that is featured on MTV's new reality series, starring Whitney Port (From the hills). Many questions are around that this is the first song to their new album.
Some pics:
Well I love them. Anyone else?
The Pussycat Dolls achieved worldwide success in 2005 with their album PCD, which debuted at number five on the U.S Billboard 200 Chart, and produced the hits "Don't Cha", "Buttons", and "Stickwitu", the latter of which earned the group a Grammy Award nomination. Following the departure of Carmit Bachar in March 2008, the group continued as a quintet, and in 2008, released their second studio album Doll Domination, which included the hits "When I Grow Up" and "I Hate This Part". Throughout their rise to fame, the group has been criticized for its overtly sexual image and explicit dance routines, and for the over-emphasis on the lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, who sings nearly all of the group's lead and background vocals.
History
Burlesque troupe: 1995-2003
Robin Antin began exploring the idea of a modern burlesque troupe in 1993 with her friend Christina Applegate. The dance troupe's first performance was in 1995. During this period, they performed with numerous guest vocalists, with a repertoire of 1950s and 1960s pop standards while dressed in lingerie or old-fashioned pin-up costumes. They secured a Thursday night residency at Los Angeles nightclub The Viper Room, where they stayed from 1995 - 2001. The troupe received wider press coverage in June 1999, when Playboy ran a Pussycat Dolls pictorial, featuring at least seven contemporary members. Three years later, the Dolls moved to The Roxy. The group became internationally popular and was featured in magazines, television specials for MTV and VH1, ad campaigns, and movies. Some of the Pussycat Dolls appeared in the 2003 film Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, dancing to "The Pink Panther Theme". They were also featured in Pink's "Trouble" music video. Along with Christina Applegate, Christina Aguilera, and Carmen Electra (who was the group's lead performer for many of their shows) the troupe was featured in a Maxim shoot in 2002, which increased public interest in them. Following this wider popularity, and with the involvement of music producers Jimmy Iovine and Ron Fair, the Pussycat Dolls were re-cast, transformed into a pop recording group, and became employees of Iovine's label Interscope Records. The only troupe members who remained after the re-casting process was, Carmit Bachar no longer in PCD, Cyia Batten, Kasey Campbell, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt. The main vocalists of the current recording group, lead singer Nicole Scherzinger and soprano Melody Thornton, were cast later in 2003 to complete the transition into a pop group. Electra, when asked about her lack of involvement with the group's evolution into a pop group, said: "I was part of the Dolls for over two years and did every show with them... but financially, I couldn't become part of their new music project... It was a sacrifice I couldn't make." She later made a cameo appearance in the music video for "Don't Cha". In late 2003, Electra formed another burlesque troupe called The Bombshell Babies, which included ex-Dolls Staci Flood and Nadine Ellis, and later adding ex-Doll Kasey Campbell.
Lounge act: 2005–present
In parallel to Pussycat Dolls as a recording act, in April 2005 a resident live show commenced at the "Pussycat Dolls Lounge" adjacent to Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip. This show contains "cast members" who continue the burlesque-style show which began in Los Angeles in 1995. At least one early member of the L.A. dance troupe, Rachel Sterling, made the move to the Las Vegas show. The cast includes vocalist Jamie Preston, Cindy, Hayley, Amanda Nowak, Ashley Gates, Colby, Bridgy, and Jamie Ruiz from Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious also joined the group. Former dolls include Mallory, Jen, Loreli, Victoria, Rosa, Marcea, Rita, Jessica Lea, Rachel Sterling, Laura Diane, Laurel, and Alicia between others. The venue is operated by Pure Management Group, Robin Antin has some involvement, but it is unclear whether Interscope also has a financial interest. The Pussycat Dolls recording group have made occasional appearances. In February 2007, Caesars Palace opened the Pussycat Dolls Casino located across from the Pussycat Dolls Lounge. It features "Dolls-style" decor and attire for the gaming staff, waitresses and dancers.
Recording group
2005-2007: PCD
In 2003, Nicole Scherzinger, a former member of Popstars winners Eden's Crush, became the group's lead singer. In the same year, sopranao vocalist Melody Thornton was also recruited in order to add vocal strength to the group. The Pussycat Dolls' musical line-up consisted of Scherzinger, Thornton, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kaya Jones (Kaya later left the group after recording and appearing in both "Sway", and "Don't Cha" music videos). By the time the recording group was launched, their stage costumes were developed to bear various branding and "PCD" logos, which preceded the sales of a branded clothing range and other merchandise (via websites and at performances). Their repertoire was expanded to include new Pop/R&B songs, with hit producers and guest rappers, while still retaining some of the pop standards from their earlier incarnation. They appeared in two soundtracks in 2004 for the films, Shark Tale and Shall We Dance? The newly formed recording group's first single was "Sway" from Shall We Dance?, with a music video inspired by the movie.
On September 13, 2005, they released their debut album, PCD, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200. Their first single, "Don't Cha" was a hit, reaching number one in multiple countries including UK, Australia and Canada and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was originally a cover of the Tori Alamaze single featuring rapper Busta Rhymes. The group won a Billboard Music Award for "Don't Cha" (Ralphi Rosario mix) as Hot Dance Music/Club Play Single of the Year.
The album spawned six more singles. The ballad "Stickwitu" was another top five in the U.S, selling over three million digital downloads and CDs worldwide. The song was the group's second UK number 1 hit. It was later nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group. Their third single, "Beep", which featured rapper will.i.am, did not perform as successfully as the previous two singles but still went to number one internationally. A subsequent single, "Buttons" (with rapper Snoop Dogg) reached number three on the UK singles chart; the next single, "I Don't Need a Man" was not as successful, although it reached the top 10 in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and UK. The group's sixth single from the album was "Wait a Minute" featuring Timbaland released in the U.S. in August 2006, becoming a top 40 hit worldwide.
In 2006, San Francisco-based company Doppelganger (along with Interscope Records) launched the PCD Music Lounge, an interactive website. In late 2006, the Pussycat Dolls were also featured in a commercial for Cingular Wireless along with Ludacris and KoRn. The group was selected to perform for the introduction for ABC's coverage of the NBA. In 2007, a version of "Right Now" was used as a theme song for the NBA, though the lyrics had been altered.
An official megamix of all the singles from PCD has been released.
On March 8, 2008, Carmit Bachar left the group, confirming the news by posting a blog on the group's official website. The Pussycat Dolls are said to be continuing as a five-piece. They performed for US troops in Kuwait for Operation Myspace. They sang all of their singles. In the absence of Bachar, her vocal parts are now performed mostly by Jessica Sutta.
2008-present: Doll Domination
Pussycat Dolls performing during Los Angeles Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA on 03/13/2008Main article: Doll Domination
After a brief break, the dolls returned in May 2008 with the new single "When I Grow Up" - the first release from their second album, with Timbaland serving as executive producer of the album.
The song was performed live for the first time on May 20, on Jimmy Kimmel Live and again at the MTV Movie Awards on June 1. They also performed the song at the first results show of the 2008 season of So You Think You Can Dance. The song was released on May 27 2008. The song charted in the top 40 in most countries. The song charted at number nine on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. The song charted at number six on the European Singles Chart. Other promotions include hosting the 2008 Maxim Hot 100 on VH1 on the position number seventeen.
The second studio album from the Pussycat Dolls was scheduled for release worldwide on September 20 2008, and in the U.S. on September 23, with tracks produced by Dr. Dre, Timbaland, The Clutch, Sean Garrett, Quiz & Larossi, New Kids On The Block, Scott Storch, Darkchild, Fernando Garibay, Ryan Tedder, Mark Taylor, Taio Cruz, and others.
They performed their hit singles "Buttons" and "When I Grow Up" at the MTV Asia Awards 2008 in Genting Highlands, Malaysia and performed in Singapore for Singfest 2008, as part of a line-up of international music acts. They performed the singles "Buttons", "Don't Cha", and "When I Grow Up", including a special solo dance segment "Show Me What You Got".
The second single to be released from Doll Domination was I Hate This Part. The single was originally going to be Whatcha Think About That but was soon scrapped for a worldwide release due to "I Hate This Part" gaining more attention, instead "Whatcha Think About That" was only released on radio in the U.S but has since charted at number 70 on the Billboard Pop 100 and number 66 on the Canadian Hot 100. "I Hate This Part" was released in October and November. The song has yet to be released physically in most countries but has charted in the Top 40. The song first charted in Australia when it debuted at number 45 but has since peaked at number 10. In the U.S. the song peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 16 on the Billboard Pop 100. The song also peaked at number 21 on the European Hot 100 Singles Chart.
The Pussycat Dolls appeared on the Royal Variety Performance 2008, at the London Palladium on December 11. The Royal Variety Performance is a gala event held annually at a major British theatre, to raise money for the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund. The show is performed in the presence of senior members of the Royal family and it is considered a great honour to be invited to take part.
The fourth single to be released in North America and the third single elsewhere will be Bottle Pop featuring rapper Snoop Dogg. The single's release has been confirmed by group members Melody Thornton and Kimberly Wyatt at the 2008 Kiss 108 Jingle Ball.
The Pussycat Dolls recorded a new song called "Top Of The World" that is featured on MTV's new reality series, starring Whitney Port (From the hills). Many questions are around that this is the first song to their new album.
Some pics:
Well I love them. Anyone else?
Nicole and Ashley I love them. <3
