Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger (/niˈkoʊl ˈʃɜrzɪŋər/; born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente; June 29, 1978) is an American recording artist, actress and television personality. After reaching one-hit wonder success with girl group Eden's Crush, she signed with Interscope Records in 2003 as a member of the Pussycat Dolls, a burlesque troupe turned-recording act. During her time as lead singer, Scherzinger generated controversy concerning the emphasis of her role in the group. The group established themselves as a prominent girl group with the release of their debut album, PCD (2005) which spawned the number one hits "Don't Cha" and "Stickwitu". A hiatus saw the cancellation of a solo album. The group's second and final studio album, Doll Domination (2008) spawned the worldwide hits "When I Grow Up" and "I Hate This Part" and a collaboration with A. R. Rahman on a pop version of "Jai Ho" entitled "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" from Slumdog Millionaire (2008), established Scherzinger as a solo artist. Following her departure, Scherzinger won season ten of Dancing with the Stars (2010), released her long-delayed debut solo album, Killer Love (2011) and returned to acting with a role in Men in Black 3 (2012). Scherzinger left Interscope Records in late 2013, signed a multi-million dollar contract with Sony Music Entertainment and released her second studio album, Big Fat Lie (2014). From 2012 to 2013, Scherzinger served as a judge on the UK version of The X Factor and won with James Arthur in her first year; Scherzinger was also a judge for one season on the American X Factor in 2011. Known for her strong soprano vocals, she has received critical acclaim by performing songs in onstage performances from musicals such as Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), Evita (1978), Phantom of the Opera (1986), Rent (1996), and Cats (1981). Throughout a career spanning 13 years, she has sold 16 million records as a solo artist, and a further 54 million with Pussycat Dolls, making the group one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Since her first chart entry in 2005, Scherzinger has also scored 20 top 20 hits on the UK Singles Chart. Outside of her work in the entertainment industry, Scherzinger is involved in charitable activities including her work as an ambassador for the Special Olympics.