The Pussycat Dolls If you think The Pussycat Dolls were an overnight singing sensation, think again. Founded in 1995, the Dolls began as a burlesque show in Los Angeles, and eventually expanded their show to Las Vegas before becoming a recording act. In 2003, The Dolls gained recognition after their sexy, sassy show in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, followed by more attention from various television appearances. Before long, stars such as Christina Aguilera, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Osbourne, Pink, Britney Spears, Carmen Electra, and Gwen Stefani wanted to get in on the act by becoming an honorary Pussycat; allowing them to don skimpy outfits, heavy makeup, and teased hair. Also in 2003, Nicole Scherzinger from the band Eden's Crush became the group's lead singer, joining present members, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, and Melody Thornton.
In 2004, the Dolls opened the MTV movie awards, and also contributed to the soundtracks for the films Shark Tale in 2004 and Shall We Dance? in 2004, starring Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. However, it was their song “Don’t Cha” featuring Busta Rhymes that climbed all the way to the top on the pop and dance charts. The song received a Billboard Music Award for Top Hot/Dance Club Play Single of the Year, and was also nominated for Top-Selling Single of the Year and Top-Selling Dance Single of the Year. The group’s next release, “Buttons,” features Snoop Dogg, and the debut album as a whole has received a little help from will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, and the industry’s top go-to producer, Timbaland. In June 2006, it was announced that lead singer, Nicole Scherzinger had written twelve new songs for the Doll’s second album, to be released in late 2007. Scherzinger is currently working on a solo album, but is reportedly not planning to leave The Pussycat Dolls. In addition to music, there are also plans underway for The Dolls to take over television, with a little help from the producers of Tyra Banks’ hit reality TV show, America's Next Top Model. The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll will also be a reality TV show, and a vehicle to cast the next member of the group.
They might be branching out into television, but The Dolls won’t be gracing the shelves of toy stores as previously planned. Hasbro nixed a line of dolls modeled after the group, in response to the organizations Dads and Daughters and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood who felt that the dolls, aimed at six- to nine-year-olds, were inappropriate. YUDDY |
