What’s new Pussycat?
WHEN US girl band Pussycat Dolls launched their reformation with a performance on the UK’S X Factor in December, there was rapturous reaction from fans who’d waited a decade for their comeback.
Then there were the 419 British TV viewers who contacted UK media watchdog Ofcom to complain about the Dolls’ greatest hits medley which aired in a family-friendly timeslot.
Some said the Dolls’ outfits were more suited to a “strip show” than national TV and they performed “S&M style dance moves that wouldn’t have been out of place on an adult channel”.
Head Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who also doubled as a judge on the UK X Factor, said she wasn’t bothered by any negative reaction.
“I don’t read any of that stuff,” she said. “I’m really proud of the work we were able to do. There are always ways to learn and grow. We’re not trying to upset anybody. Our true fans know our intention. Our real fans know we’re empowering and we come from a place of strength as singers and dancers. There’s a big difference.”
The Dolls were created in the early ’90s by choreographer Robin Antin as a burlesque troupe who roped stars such as Christina Applegate and Carmen Electra as guest performers.
After Gwen Stefani sang with the group, Interscope Records realised the brand could become a girl group. Scherzinger, who had been signed to the label as part of rock group Days Of the New, was chosen as leader, with the group built around her.
Their 2005 breakthrough hit Don’t Cha launched a career which took the Dolls global and sold more than 50 million records on the back of singles Buttons, When I Grow Up, I Hate This Part, Stickwitu and Jai Ho.
However, tensions in the band grew fast. Carmit Bachar left after their first album. By the time of their second album, Melody Thornton had grown tired of Scherzinger being handed the bulk of vocal duties. On what would be their final tour in 2009, Thornton started doing over-the-top vocal trills and made onstage remarks suggesting she’d been undervalued in the band. They split in 2010.
During a 2012 Behind The Music special, their record company boss Ron Fair admitted vocals on both Dolls album were all “Nicole, with the exception of an occasional ad lib. Melody sang a bit, here and there”. He noted the other members should have been
“grateful” for their spot in a successful band. Scherzinger revealed the first time the other Dolls heard their debut album was when it was finished, as she had sung “95 per cent” of the vocals.
While Bachar has returned to the group for the reformation, Thornton is noticeably absent, and is now a solo artist.
“Melody has other projects going on in her life,” Scherzinger says. “She chose that this didn’t align with the timing in her life right now and we understand and accept that, we wish her all the best and support her in her endeavours.”
Could she ever see herself sharing a stage with Thornton again? “Sure. Yeah. So much time has gone by, we’ve really grown as women. But that’s not where my focus is. My focus right now is I’m so excited to take the group that has chosen to be together back on tour, this has aligned at a good time in our lives. I missed the girls. I felt stronger (performing) with them.”
Since the band split Scherzinger, 41, has found another career on TV – judging on X Factor in the UK, The Masked Singer in the US and last year on Australia’s Got Talent.
The Dolls reunion means she isn’t sure if she can return to AGT in 2020.
“I loved my time on that show, I have a special place in my heart for Aussies, I’m hoping to work it out, it just depends on my touring schedule,” she said.
They showcased part of a new song, React, during their X Factor medley.
Fans have hoped the vocals will be shared more evenly in the rebooted Dolls.
“There’s no specific plan, every girl has a role and an importance in the group,” Scherzinger says.