Pussycat Dolls
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The Pussycat Dolls (abbreviated to PCD) are an American pop/R&B girl group and dance ensemble founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995 as a burlesque troupe based in Los Angeles. After attracting national attention, Antin eventually negotiated a record deal with Interscope Records in 2003 turning the group into a music franchise, comprising Nicole Scherzinger alongside Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt and Carmit Bachar. Since then the group has developed a global image and commercial brand overseen by Antin, Interscope and various partners. They have diversified into reality television programs, a Las Vegas and product endorsements amongst other things.
Success as a music group came in 2005 with their first album PCD which debuted at number five in the US producing three successful singles "Don't Cha",
"Buttons", and "Stickwitu"; the latter earned the group a Grammy Award nomination. Following the departure of Carmit Bachar in March 2008, the group continued as a quintet and in September of that year they released their second album, Doll Domination, spawning singles "When I Grow Up", "I Hate This Part" and "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)".
Throughout their rise to fame, the group has been criticized for its overtly sexual image and explicit dance routines. The group has also been scrutinized for the over-emphasis on lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, who sings all lead vocals in the group. In late 2009 / early 2010 the group went on hiatus to record their third album and prepare their next world tour. It has since been confirmed that Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts and Melody Thornton have all left the group to pursue solo careers. In May 2010 it was announced that Scherzinger will remain lead singer of the group along with the new recruits: Vanessa Curry, Kherington Payne, Rino Nakasone-Razalan and Jamie Lee Ruiz whom together will produce a new studio album for 2010 and accompanying world tour.
Career as dance troupe
Burlesque dancing: 1995–2003
Antin began exploring the idea of a modern burlesque troupe during 1990 with
The Pussycat Dolls opening at The Circus Starring Britney Spears