Nicole
Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger (also known as Nicole
Kea) (born June 29, 1978) is an American singer-songwriter,
dancer, and occasional actress best known for her work as the lead
vocalist for the Pussycat Dolls. In May 2003, Scherzinger joined
The Pussycat Dolls burlesque troupe, who were being re-cast as
recording artists. Scherzinger is the only group member with
songwriting credits on PCD; she co-wrote "I Don't Need a
Man" with Kara DioGuardi and producer Rich Harrison, and
co-wrote "Buttons" with producer Sean Garrett. Another
collaboration with DioGuardi, "Flirt", became a B-side
to "Stickwitu" and a bonus track on PCD. In 2006,
Scherzinger toured with the Pussycat Dolls for their album
promotion. It was revealed in 2006 that the Dolls are salaried
employees of Interscope Records, giving the label a high level of
control over the group's finances and business decisions. She was
ranked at number twenty-two on Maxim's Hot 100 in 2006. Following
the popularity of "Don't Cha" and the continuing rise of
the Pussycat Dolls, Scherzinger recorded a series of duets or
"guest appearances", predominantly with male vocalists.
In 2005, she appeared on recordings by Shaggy, Vittorio Grigolo,
and Will Smith. Scherzinger worked on her debut album from
2006-2008 with record producers including will.i.am, Timbaland,
Kara DioGuardi, and Bryan-Michael Cox. Scherzinger announced in a
March 2007 interview in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that the album would
be called Her Name is Nicole; It was originally slated for a 2008
release ... more
