The Pussycat Dolls, founded in the mid-90's, originated as a Vegas burlesque group. Fast forward a decade and PCD was suddenly a chart-topping girl group known for their dance anthems, energetic choreography, and technically good physiques. They quickly became the best-selling girl group of the decade. But what everyone (criminally) overlooks is their strength as female empowerment role models.
When The Pussycat Dolls first broke onto the music scene in 2005 (by releasing "Don't Cha" which debuted at #1 in 15 countries), mothers across the world turned off MTV and shielded their children's eyes from frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger's midriff and crotch-splitting booty shorts. Times were different ten years ago. We didn't empower women to dress however they felt and be as provocative as they wished – but The Pussycat Dolls did, we just didn't listen.
Okay, yes, "Don't Cha" certainly pits women against each other, but three other singles to come off their debut album were about women standing up for themselves, demanding respect, and telling men to fuck right off. 2006's "Beep" describes a woman feeling herself, owning her sexiness, and a fundamental understanding that disgusting men are not going to stop women from being confident and dancing in the club. That same year, PCD released "I Don't Need A Man." I mean... does that title need any further explanation? The music video featured all six Dolls owning their feminine routines, dancing their asses off, and proving they can carry a job without the help of any testosterone beasts. The final single from the album, "Wait A Minute," is perhaps the most realistic expression of what women deal with in the dating world. Timbaland appears as a male sleaze ball who insists that because he spends money on a girl, she MUST sleep with him. WRONG-O.
The album also featured a bonus track, "Flirt," which described a woman's time at the club being misconstrued by men as sexual advances. "You found me on my knees / Next thing you're saying 'tease' / I'm trying to find my phone and my keys, not your sleaze." In other words: "Leave me alone, perv."
The Pussycat Dolls didn't lose this sprit when releasing their sophomore album, Doll Domination, in 2008. They teamed up with the undisputed queen of hip hop, feminism, and originality Missy Elliot to release "Whatcha Think About That." The track breaks down a relationship where a man treats his woman like a hermit – expecting her to stay home and be submissive while he goes out and does God knows what (or who). Missy & Nicole shut the situation down and declare themselves free, single ladies who can do whatever the hell their disrespectful (ex) boyfriends do.
Years after the group has split, former front woman Nicole Scherzinger is still one of the most talented and empowering women in the industry. She is a regular host of X Factor UK and spokeswoman for more brands than you can count on both hands. Her solo music career is just as inspiring as her work with PCD. Her latest album, "Big Fat Lie," is filled with tales of taking charge in her relationships and career.
