Beyond "Don't Cha": The 3 Surprising Music Groups Nicole Scherzinger Was In (And Her Shocking 2025 Career Pivot)

Nicole Scherzinger’s name is synonymous with the global pop phenomenon The Pussycat Dolls, a group that defined the sound and style of the mid-2000s with chart-topping hits and provocative performances. However, to truly understand her journey to becoming a multi-talented artist, actress, and television personality, one must look deeper into her musical origins, which span not just one, but three distinct groups.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, Scherzinger’s career is undergoing a massive transformation, moving from the pop stage and TV judging panel to the hallowed halls of Broadway and the West End. This article provides a deep dive into the groups that shaped her, from a short-lived reality TV band to a controversial alternative rock group, and brings you up to speed on her latest, award-winning projects that are redefining her legacy.

Full Biography Profile: Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger has built a career defined by versatility, moving seamlessly between music, acting, and television. Her professional journey is a testament to her enduring talent, starting from her humble roots in Hawaii to becoming a global superstar.

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• Full Name: Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger
• Date of Birth: June 29, 1978
• Age (as of 2024): 46
• Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Heritage: Filipino, Hawaiian, and Russian descent
• Occupations: Singer, songwriter, actress, television personality, philanthropist
• Genre: R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, Dance
• Known For: Lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, Judge on *The X Factor* and *The Masked Singer*, Tony Award-winning performance in *Sunset Boulevard*.
• Early Life: Moved to Louisville, Kentucky, as a child; studied musical theatre at Wright State University before leaving to pursue a music career.

The Three Groups That Defined Nicole Scherzinger’s Music Career

While most fans know her solely as the face of The Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger’s path to fame involved two other groups, one of which is a surprising departure from her pop image. These early experiences were crucial, honing her skills as a vocalist and performer before she achieved worldwide stardom.

1. Days of the New (1999–2000): The Unexpected Rock Detour

The earliest and perhaps most surprising entry on Scherzinger’s résumé is the alternative rock band Days of the New. Before the glamour of pop music, Scherzinger lent her powerful vocals to the group's self-titled second album, released in 1999.

Her role was primarily as a backing vocalist, contributing to the band's folk-infused post-grunge sound. This gig was a significant pivot from her musical theatre background and offered her initial experience in the professional music world. She toured with the band, including a performance on *The Late Show with David Letterman*, showcasing a raw, rock-oriented side that few of her later pop fans would recognize. This period cemented her versatility, proving she could hold her own outside of the R&B and pop genres.

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2. Eden’s Crush (2001–2002): The Reality TV Pop Experiment

In 2001, Scherzinger achieved her first taste of mainstream success as a member of the all-girl pop group Eden's Crush. This group was formed on the U.S. version of the reality television competition *Popstars*.

The show documented the formation of the group, which also included members Ivette Sosa, Maile Misajon, Ana Maria Lombo, and Rosanna Tavarez. Eden’s Crush quickly found success with their debut single, "Get Over Yourself," which climbed high on the charts and secured a spot on the *Billboard* Hot 100. The group even opened for acts like *NSYNC* and *Jessica Simpson*.

Despite the initial buzz and a successful debut album, the group’s run was short-lived, disbanding in 2002 due to internal struggles and the collapse of their record label. This experience, however, was pivotal, giving Scherzinger the necessary exposure to the pop music machine and setting the stage for her next, much bigger role.

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3. The Pussycat Dolls (2003–2010; 2019–2022): The Global Phenomenon

The group that would launch Nicole Scherzinger into global superstardom was The Pussycat Dolls (PCD). Originally a burlesque troupe created by choreographer Robin Antin, the group was re-imagined as a pop/R&B girl group in 2003. Scherzinger was brought in as the lead vocalist, a role that would become both her greatest triumph and a source of controversy.

The Pussycat Dolls became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, selling over 55 million records worldwide. Their biggest hits, including "Don't Cha," "Stickwitu," and "Buttons," became anthems of the era. Scherzinger was the only member to contribute lead vocals on nearly all their songs, leading to the group being criticized for its focus on a single member.

The group initially disbanded in 2010. A highly anticipated Pussycat Dolls reunion was announced in 2019, resulting in the single "React" and a planned tour. However, the reunion was plagued by legal issues between Scherzinger and Antin over the tour's financial terms and creative control. In a significant update, the three-year legal battle was officially settled in 2024, closing a contentious chapter in the group's history.

While Scherzinger has stated "never say never" regarding a future reunion, the legal complexities and public comments from other members, like Kimberly Wyatt, suggest the group's future remains uncertain. The settlement, however, clears the path for Scherzinger to fully focus on her current projects.

Nicole Scherzinger’s 2025 Career Pivot: From Pop Star to Broadway Icon

In a powerful demonstration of her evolution as an artist, Nicole Scherzinger has successfully transitioned from pop music to become a major force in musical theatre. This career pivot is the most relevant and "fresh" news for fans in 2024 and 2025.

The Triumph of Sunset Boulevard

Scherzinger’s portrayal of the reclusive silent movie star Norma Desmond in the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Sunset Boulevard* has been met with universal critical acclaim. Her performance earned her a prestigious Tony Award nomination, solidifying her status as a serious dramatic actress and vocalist.

The show’s immense success led to a transfer to Broadway. Fans eager to catch this award-winning performance have a limited window, as the final performance is scheduled for July 2025 at the St. James Theatre. This role showcases a level of dramatic depth and vocal prowess that is a world away from her Pussycat Dolls days, earning her praise from *The New York Times* for being "fearless musically and dramatically."

Future Projects and Television Work

Beyond the stage, Scherzinger continues to be a prominent television personality, notably as a popular judge on the U.S. version of *The Masked Singer*. Her charismatic presence and sharp musical instincts have made her a fixture of prime-time television. She has also served as a judge on *The X Factor* in both the U.S. and UK.

Looking ahead to late 2025, Scherzinger is scheduled for a special performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City in October 2025, further cementing her move into high-profile, respected musical venues. Furthermore, there are reports of her being eyed for a potential Netflix series adaptation, suggesting her acting career is set to expand into streaming media.

Ultimately, while Nicole Scherzinger will forever be associated with The Pussycat Dolls, her journey through the rock band Days of the New and the pop group Eden's Crush, combined with her current success as a Tony-nominated Broadway star, paints the picture of a true artistic chameleon. Her ability to continuously reinvent herself ensures that her career remains one of the most dynamic and fascinating in the entertainment industry.