Pop Pantheon THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS (with Troy McEady)
Nov 13, 2025
Troy McEady, co-host of Beyond The Blinds, dives deep into the fascinating history of The Pussycat Dolls, who started as a burlesque troupe. He discusses their breakthrough hit 'Don’t Cha,' how Nicole Scherzinger recorded the debut album mostly solo, and the internal tensions that plagued the group. Troy elaborates on their chart-topping success, the impact of burlesque on their aesthetic, and the messy attempt at a reunion in 2019. The conversation highlights their cultural legacy and lasting influence on pop and girl groups.
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Burlesque Roots And Prefab Reinvention
- The Pussycat Dolls began as a neo-burlesque troupe and were explicitly prefab when converted to a pop act.
- Nicole Scherzinger emerged as the group's de facto star despite the group's manufactured origins.
Viper Room Residency Sparked The Pop Pivot
- Robin Antin and Christina Applegate created the Viper Room burlesque residency that attracted celebrities.
- That visibility led Jimmy Iovine to cast the troupe into a manufactured girl group.
Industry Power Turned Troupe Into Hit Machine
- Jimmy Iovine retooled the burlesque troupe into a pop group and secured "Don't Cha" for them.
- Nicole sang most of the record's vocals, cementing her as the focal performer.