Nicole Scherzinger defends Pussycat Dolls controversial ‘S&M’ comeback performance
The Pussycat Dolls are back — and already making headlines for their risque return performance that was labelled a “strip show” with dance moves from “an adult channel”. But Nicole Scherzinger insists it’s all about empowerment.
Entertainment
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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 angry 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’ barely-there 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, claims 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’s 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 real ones know.”
The concept of Pussycat Dolls was created in the early 90s by choreographer Robin Antin as a burlesque troupe who roped stars like 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 (where she discovered Australian cult goth rockers Dead Can Dance, still one of her favourite bands), was chosen as leader, with the group built around her.
Their 2005 breakthrough hit Don’t Cha (written by Cee-Lo Green) launched a career which took the Dolls global and sold over 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 in the band. 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.
After the 2010 split Antin tried to reboot the Dolls, first building a new group around Scherzinger, which never got as far as the choreographer tweeting a photo of the new line-up. Scherzinger then left the line-up, with Antin trying to keep the name and find all new members for a potential reality TV show. It didn’t work.
Antin has been actively pushing for a reunion for years.
“There’s only one Pussycat Dolls,” Scherzinger says now.
“That’s my group, with Robin, and there’ll only ever be one Pussycat Dolls.”
While Bachar has returned to the group for the reformation, along with Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt, Thornton is noticeably absent, and is now a solo artist.
“Melody has other projects going on in her life,” Scherzinger says, flatly.
“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.
“We don’t take that for granted, we’re truly grateful for it and we intend on really enjoying it this time around. I missed the girls. I felt stronger (performing) with them, without a doubt.”
Since the band split Scherzinger, 41, has enjoyed some solo success, and worked in theatre, but has found a whole new career on TV — judging on the 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, it’s going to be a busy year.”
The Dolls showcased part of a new song, React, during their X Factor medley. Scherzinger is tight-lipped about any new musical plans beyond saying they have “surprises” in store.
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.
“Everyone wants to be here, everyone has chosen to be here for a reason. We’ll work it out, we want each of us to shine, we’ll lift each other up and we’ll be able to do that on tour.”
During the band’s heyday Scherzinger was struggling with bulimia. When she revealed the battle she’d hidden for seven years in a 2014 interview, the singer said her rock bottom was blacking out backstage.
“It took a lot of courage for me to come out with that (admission). For a long time I was ashamed, I realised I didn’t need to be and that I’m not the only one and there are a lot of people I could be a voice for to let them know there is a way out. You don’t have to have those conditions hold you back in life and rob you of happiness, your true happiness and purpose and potential.”
READ MORE:
WHY LIZZO IS THE TONIC AUSTRALIA NEEDS RIGHT NOW
Always positive, Scherzinger says the timing of the Dolls reunion is perfect considering the success of Lizzo — another artist who celebrates positivity. She says a collaboration isn’t out of the question.
“I love Lizzo. We used to say inside every woman is a Pussycat Doll and I told Lizzo when I met that her inside everyone woman is a Lizzo. She’s the modern-day version, she’s up there wearing leotards and thongs, she’s coming from a place of strength and empowerment, inspiring girls to love and accept themselves. It doesn’t matter who you are and what you look like. And that’s what we’re doing too.”
SO POP CONCERT: PUSSYCAT DOLLS PLUS STEPS, SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR, JESSE MCCARTNEY, SMASH MOUTH AND MORE
Brisbane Entertainment Centre April 24
Qudos Bank Arena Sydney April 25