I FEEL like I’m a superwoman when I’m on stage performing for an audience,” said lead singer Nicole Scherzinger of popular girl band, the Pussycat Dolls, in a phone interview recently. The leader of the popular and sexy all-girl band was in her home in Los Angeles, California, watching the sunset but it has been a busy day for her and it will be busier still for the Pussycat Dolls as they are about to embark on a promotional world tour for their latest single When I Grow Up. The song stems from their new upcoming album, Doll Domination, which is due out on Sept 16.
Among the many countries the Dolls will be visiting is Malaysia and, as usual, will heat up the dance floor for the MTV Asia Awards, which will be held tomorrow at Genting Highlands. This will be the second time the Pussycat Dolls will perform live in Malaysia and Scherzinger’s excited about the prospect.
“I cannot wait to come back to Malaysia. We’re going to put on a rocking show,” she promised.
Cat power: The Pussycat Dolls (from left) Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt, Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton and Ashley Roberts will open the MTV Asia Awards show in Genting Highlands tomorrow.
There has been a change in the line-up of the Pussycat Dolls though as one of its longest serving members – Carmit Bachar – left the group last March to pursue her own solo career. The Pussycat Dolls are now a five-piece but they will continue without finding a replacement for Bachar.
“We miss Carmit but we’re excited for her and we wish her all the best on her own project,” said Scherzinger. The rest of Dolls now consist of Melody Thornton, Jessica Sutta, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt.
“There’s a great synergy in the group and the five of us are stronger than ever before,” said Scherzinger about the current line-up status of the Dolls. The Pussycat Dolls were originally a burlesque ensemble which was founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995. During this period, the troupe featured a slew of guest vocalists and celebrities such as Christina Applegate, Carmen Electra, Christina Aguilera and many others. This dance troupe had a repertoire of 1950s and 1960s pop standards while dressed in lingerie or old fashioned pin-up costumes. As the Pussycat Dolls gained in popularity and public interest by 2003, they were transformed into a pop/R&B group. They released their debut album, PCD, in 2005 which spawned such hits as Don’t Cha, Stickwitu, Beep and Buttons among others.
Scherzinger, 30, who was born in Hawaii and is of Filipino and Hawaiian/Russian parentage, also ventured into her own solo project and released singles last year such as Whatever You Like and Baby Love. She admitted that she enjoys being on stage just as much as she likes recording in the studio.
“I’m a studio rat. It’s such a creative process, I love vocal production and I love being in the studio just as much as I enjoy performing live or shooting a music video. I get to make music for people you know. I spent two years straight in the studio recording and I’ve spent many nights sleeping in the studio.”
When it comes to putting on a show, the Pussycat Dolls go all out with their provocative costumes and strenuous dance moves. The girls don’t hang everything just on their sexy attire and songs but take it to the limit with their dance performances as Scherzinger noted.
“Our dance routines are tremendously rigorous. It’s very extremely athletic as well because there is nothing we wouldn’t try. It’s the hardest thing to do sometimes because of the moves but we’re determined to put on a high energy set. We’re some pretty tough chicks,” she said.
When the girls performed in Malaysia in 2006, the concert promoter was slapped with a fine as the Pussycat Dolls’ performance was deemed indecent by former Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. When asked for a comment, Scherzinger said: “We meant no disrespect. We only plan on making people happy.”
The Dolls arrived on our shores on Wednesday.
How The Pussycat Dolls stay sexy
MEOW! The Pussycat Dolls are back with a sizzling single (the Top 10 hit When I Grow Up) and a second CD.
The pop quintet’s lead singer, Nicole Scherzinger, speaks about their new sound and keeping in shape.
You’re going in a different direction on the upcoming album.
We have tracks that will keep our girls feeling hot and sexy, but also slower jams that people wouldn’t expect from us.
Any new men in your life?
Just me, myself and I.
(Goss: The Pussycat Doll hottie is said to be dating British Formula One racing driver, Lewis Hamilton. Despite constant denials about their relationship, the UK Mirror reported that Scherzinger had flown to Monte Carlo to attend the Monaco Grand Prix in May after she was invited by Hamilton.)
The group now promotes Bally Total Fitness. What’s your workout?We’re being trained by Bally. I am used to a lot of cardio and dancing, but it is more about weight training. It’s great stress relief.
What about diet?You have to eat six meals a day. A lot of protein. We’re all about fitness. – US Magazine
