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Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll

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Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll
Clockwise from center: Anastacia McPherson, Melissa Smith, Brittany Diiorio, Melissa Reyes, Jaime Benjamin, Asia Nitollano, Sisely Treasure, Chelsea Korka, & Mariela Arteaga.
Created byRobin Antin
StarringPussycat Dolls
Robin Antin
Lil' Kim
Ron Fair
Mark McGrath
Opening themeDon't Cha
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producerKen Mok
Running time60 min.
Original release
NetworkThe CW
ReleaseMarch 6, 2007 –
April 24 2007

Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll is the first season of Pussycat Dolls Present: that premiered on March 6, 2007 on The CW, and took place over the course of eight weeks. It was a joint venture between Ken Mok's 10x10 Entertainment, Pussycat LLC, Interscope A&M Records, Wonderland Sound and Vision, and Warner Horizon Television.

The series followed a group of young women as they went through an audition process to join the girl group, the Pussycat Dolls. The contestants, who also lived together during the course of the series, were groomed by the group's founder and the series' creator and co-producer, Robin Antin, and were judged on their vocal and dancing ability. The winner went on to join the Pussycat Dolls as the act's seventh member, and appeared in the series but performed with the group only once since after opting to go solo[1]

In the UK, the show started airing on T4 (the Channel 4 weekend teenage block programming slot) on April 1 2007. In Australia, the show debuted on Ten Network on April 1, 2007.

Contestants

Kelli, Ewa, Sandra, Shauntae, Catherine, Anjelia, Jasmin, Natascha and Robyn were the nine semi-finalists who didn't make it to the final. Most of them got sick before performing, leading to the infamous vomiting sequence.

Brittany Diiorio entered the competition at the age of 20. It has been suggested that a vague similarity to Jessica also prevented Brittany's advancement in the show. Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Brittany now lives in Virginia Beach, managing a night club and pursuing a dancing, singing, and modeling career.[2] Brittany now goes by the name Danielle Diiorio (Dani D) to avoid comparisons to Britney Spears and has undergone a major look change[3] and has released three songs on her Myspace called Let me Breathe, Girlfriend and Higher.[3] She later replaced them with another one called Non-Exclusive[4]. She has also been on the cover of Way too social Magazine[4].

At the age of 21, Jaime Benjamin originally from Philadelphia, now lives in NYC and works as a production assistant.. Some say Jaime was eliminated too suddenly, possibly prompted by her resemblance to both Kimberly and Ashley. Following her elimination, she stated her favorite experience on the show was getting ready to perform on stage in front of a live audience.[5] Jaime is currently negotiating a record deal with major labels for her CD.[6] She has recently created a Music Myspace where she released a sneak preview of it containing 4 songs: Fame, Lifetime and Lovin' me (normal and Hell's Kitchen mix version),.[6]. She has also posted several videos on Youtube including song performances and sneak peeks, thank you to fans and silly videos (sometime with Melissa R.)[7]. She has proven to be quite popular, being ranked 3rd on the CW Lounge,[8] while being 8th on the show. She also performed solo at Sony in NYC on August's 17th[7]

The oldest of the group was Sisely Treasure (24). Former member of Cooler Kids, she lives in Los Angeles, working as a dance instructor.[9] Sisely, has released 3 songs on her Myspace: Smoke and Ashes, The Other side and Do the Robot, although the former two have since been removed[10]. She and her group (Sisely Treasure and the Safety Pin-ups) are also selling a limited edition of Do the Robot on Teen Acide records[10]. She is now a dancing performer in the group Gunn Metal Grey under the name Luci Glitoris[11] Since early 2008, Sisley has been tapped as the new lead singer of electronic rock band Shiny Toy Guns. She co-wrote and recorded with them for their second album, Season of Poison, and is touring with them throughout the fall.

Mariela Arteaga resides in Miami, Florida and was 21 when she entered the competition.[12]

Prior to the series, Anastacia Rose McPherson from West Hollywood, was a backup dancer for The Pussycat Dolls’ music video “Don't Cha.“ Ironically, in a post-show interview, the 23-year-old named her final performance, a burlesque themed act, as her favorite performance.[13]. She worked as a make-up artist and song lyricist. Anastacia has released 4 songs on her new Myspace Music page called: Share, Checkin you out, Get Away and I want in[14] Anastacia has also worked as a backstage interviewer at SmackDown!, making her debut at on the 12th October show[11], until her release from the company shortly after on the 8 January 2008. She also appears in Famouz's video for Wriggle. Anastacia has also had an appearance on a new game show called "Duel" as a "chip girl" where she hands out and takes away the chips of the contestants.

Melissa Smith (24) is an aspiring singer, dancer, and actress in Los Angeles. She was also a contestant in Making The Band 3 but didn't make the girl group Danity Kane. She has starred in TV shows, theatre shows and independent films. She also has appeared in music videos for Celine Dion and JC Chasez whilst appearing in many commercials. She has done promotional modeling for Miss Fitness, Detroit Automotive Show, Microsoft, Xbox, Sketcher and Dickies Girls. She hosted the Detroit auditions of Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious Season 2. She has recorded two songs 'So Hot' and 'Maybe' and released her first single called 'I Believed' on 10th June 2008 to iTunes, she also released a music video which includes another song 'Lost in Love' at the beginning. She is signed to 4847 Records.

Miss West Broward USA 2007, Chelsea Korka (20) is rumoured to have a 4 octave vocal range just as Christina Aguilera. Rumours speculate that Chelsea's resemblance to Jessica was why she was eliminated, despite her vocals or state that her vocals might be undesirable because they could upstage Nicole, the PCD lead singer. Chelsea has released two songs on her myspace site: "Give Me A Sign" and "Better Than"[15]. She is also expected to perform at the Las Vegas PCD Lounge with both Melody Thornton and Robin Antin, making her the first contestant to officially perform with the PCD outside the show[16].

Runner-up Melissa Reyes (18) appeared in Paris Hilton's Promo Tour 2006[17], as Pilot/Series Regular in Nickelodeon’s Giggle Club[18], Paris Hilton’s video Nothing in this World (as a cheerleader cameo[19]), Mariah Carey’s video Get Your Number (cameo[19]), B5's video You Got Me (as a featured girl), Lil’ Romeo's video My Girlfriend (cameo[19]) and Keak da Sneak's video 3 Freaks (cameo[19]) Melissa was also in Corbin Bleu's video, "Deal With It" and NLT's video, "That Girl" dancing with V. Online rumours accuse Robin Antin of a tendency to choose Asia over Melissa R. because of Melissa R.'s uncanny resemblance to Nicole (both are of Filipino descent). She was Audrey Magazine's cover girl for the June/July issue, which included a five-page article titled A Real Doll where she states that she hopes to become a recognized artist.[20] She went on to appear on musical videos such as Corbin Bleu's "Deal With It" (filmed before the show's airing), Marques Houston's "Wonderful", in all of which she plays the singer's love interest and in NLT (band)'s "That Girl" where she was one of the four love interest. She has also appeared in some Keshia Chanté videos, such as Let the Music Take You while she was in Toronto Canada. She has been a special guest at the Northern California dance contest in Hayward, CA where she gave a pre-show performance[4]. She has an album underway and has released two songs on iTunes. She is scheduled to play the lead part in a television show called 'Unity' , as a character names Melissa, coincidentally. The pilot will air near the end of 2008.

Winner Asia Nitollano (18) is a young mother to a baby daughter; she and the father are still together, despite her being promoted on the show as a single mom. Some fans of Melissa R. and Chelsea have made the popular assumption that Asia was chosen on purely an image point of view, as Nicole is the only Pussycat Doll who sings consistently. After being declared the winner of The Search for the Next Doll several online rumours surfaced that claimed Asia was kicked out of the group due to lack of musical ability, others claimed the other dolls couldn't deal with her diva attitude. As a final verdict to discredit the rumours, CW's head of programming, Dawn Orstroff explained that, though Asia was not booted out of the group, she will not be the next doll, because in an overtly bold move, she skipped all the way to pursuing a solo career. However, lack of confirmation by either Robin Antin or the Pussycat Dolls themselves have caused many fans to wonder if Asia's split with the group was completely her own decision. Some fans also point out the inconsistency of Asia's claims throughout the show of how much she wanted to be the next doll against the decision to go solo before even one tour or album with the Dolls. Critics point out that fans of Asia will definitely be disappointed as they will not be seeing her on stage nor purchasing one of her albums for a while because she has not been signed.

After the show Melissa Smith, Melissa Reyes and Chelsea Korka performed the Pink Panther/Fever Medley with the English burlesque group Girlesque at the Fashion cares event,[21]this has led fans to believe that they had started a group which turned out to be false[21].

Brittany Diiorio, Sisely Treasure, Mariela Arteaga, Melissa Smith and Melissa Reyes have all been temporary members of the Paradiso Girls at some point[22] but all have left since. In July 2007 Antin offered Korka to be part of the final line-up, consisting of her and 4 original members (Aria Crescendo, Lauren Bennett, Kelly and Shar)[23]. They will be releasing their first album next year under Interscope Records and will be a pop/dance-pop/RnB girl group. Each girl represents a country and the group has no lead singer unlike the Pussycat Dolls[24].

Episodes

Episode 1: The Auditions

The 18 semi-finalist are given songs as follow:

Rehearsal do not go smoothly as Anjelia gets sick and Sisely gets in a fight with her group because she didn't want to rehearse too late to preserve her energy. Sandra as well as the Hot Stuff group struggle with their vocals while Chelsea and Shauntae struggle with their dancing. The girls are then taken to a Pussycat Dolls concert and meet the Dolls. On the way back home and overnight Jaime, Ewa, Chelsea, Sandra, Melissa S., Mariela, Natascha and Jasmin all get sick, while a now cured Anjelia rehearses with Anastacia. On their performance, despite being sick, the girls wow the judges and Nicole Scherzinger except for the group who performed I Don't Need a Man. After deliberation, the 9 finalists are called.

Eliminated: Kelli, Ewa, Jasmin, Natascha, Robyn, Anjelia, Sandra, Shauntae, Catherine

Episode 2: Welcome to the Dollhouse

The girls move in and after a video message by the Dolls (like each week), are given their song assignment as follow

They are then taken to a restaurant where they discover their first challenge to be exotic dancing in a class cage in the restaurant. Despite Jaime overcoming her lack of confidence, Asia wins and gets immunity. During rehearsal, Brittany is criticized for "dancing like a stripperella" while Jaime struggles with her vocals. At the performance, Ron and Kim are introduced as judges and Melissa S forgets her words but it is eventually Brittany who is sent home for her too sexual moves.

Eliminated: Brittany

Episode 3: The Transformation

The girls get a makeover by Jonathan Antin, Robin's brother and taken to a dinner with the judges. In the challenge, the girls are recorded singing Don't Cha's chorus and despite Mariela's vocal improvement, it is Melissa S who wins immunity. The girls perform as follow:

The judges decide that the first group did the best and while saying that it is Melissa R.'s worst night, it is Sisely, who has struggled throughout rehearsal despite being given a rock song, who lands in the bottom with the still not confident Jaime, who is eliminated for not standing out.

Eliminated: Jaime

Episode 4: She Dances Like a Drag Queen

At this week's challenge the girls are assigned to perform a self-choregraphed routine with a male dancer and Mariela wows the judges, gaining immunity. Robin picks Chelsea and Asia to be leaders and Sisely winds up getting chosen last. While Chelsea does a good job as a leader, Asia doesn't manage to, being distracted by Sisely's earlier comments about her dancing like a drag queen. The girls perform as follow:

Despite Mariela's vocals Chelsea's group s deemed the best, landing the ever-struggling Sisely and Melissa S, who has trouble showing her "inner doll" in the bottom two. Sisely is then eliminated as it becomes evident that her uniqueness is a weakness.

Eliminated: Sisely

Episode 5: Vegas, Baby

The girls are taken to Vegas where they perform Tainted Love after learning the rotine on their tour bus. After the public votes, Melissa S is crowned winner for that certain part. Asia rubs some girls the wrong way after deeming the vegetables they are given disguting and asking for a hamburger instead of cuisine while Anastacia begins to struggle with her figure. The girls are then given the following song assignments, making both Anastacia and Mariela afraid, the former because her teammate has immunity and the latter because she is paired up with the best vocalist.

At the final performance, Melissa R. is criticized for crying on stage but is safe due to being in the best duo. Mariela and Chelsea land in the bottom two due to their shortcomings in singing and dancing respectively and a teary eyed Robin eliminates Mariela.

Eliminated: Mariela

Episode 6: Dancin' With The Dolls

The girls are given a Wait a Minute routine to learn where Chelsea and Anastacia struggle. Robin then tells them that only 4 girl will perform it on stage with the Dolls to get immunity, however she makes the last minute decision to cut both Anastacia and Chelsea out of the performance and they stay on the bus. At the performance, Melissa R. gains immunity despite almost getting too soon on stage. As they come back, the ongoing tension between Melissa S. and Chelsea reach their highest point as Melissa uses Chelsea's name as a synonym for bad dancer. Back at home Melissa R. breaks down because she struggles with her identity and sheltered past but is comforted by Melissa S. This week the girls perform a medley as one group and Chelsea is put in a swing, which Melissa S. believes is giving her an excuse to not dance.

Group 1
Song "The Pink Panther Theme"/"Fever"/"Big Spender Medley"
Artist Henry Mancini/Peggy Lee/Shirley Bassey
Performers Anastacia, Chelsea, Melissa S., Melissa R. and Asia

After losing her microphone in the tub she danced in and singing badly, Melissa S. lands in the bottom two once again, but it is Anastacia who is eliminated due to her inability to use her figure to her advantage.

Eliminated: Anastacia

Episode 7: The Fantastic Four

The girls are taken on a fake promo tour, including a photoshoot, an interview and a commercial for a deodorant. All the girls struggle with their commercial and Chelsea ends up singing it to show off her best asset, while Asia ad libs a bit, talking about The Dolls's confidence. At the interview, Melissa S deems Chelsea the girl with the least potential, reigniting tension but is Asia who wins, though she does not get immunity but to have her commercial run nationally. This week the girls have to perform Beep's dance routine and Chelsea struggles, making Melissa S. happy as she can't evade dancing this week. However she gets the routine down with the help of Asia. The girls are also given solo assignments as follow:

Asia is criticized for struggling on a hard song while Chelsea and Melissa S. land in the bottom two, the former dues to her dancing problem, despite pulling off a strong performance this night and the latter for her lack of consistency. Melissa S is called but eliminated and Chelsea breaks down in tears of joy.

Eliminated: Melissa S.

Episode 8: The Girl Who Becomes A Doll

As the girls come home Melissa R. voices her relief at Melissa S.'s elimination leading Asia to call her phony at their last dinner with the judges. Tension continues throughout the night and Chelsea is woken up by the other girls' fight. The girls learn their song assignment as followed:

All of them struggle due to the tension, leading Robin to tell them that none of them are ready. Melissa R. and Asia continue their fight during the group rehearsal, while a bemused Mikey and Chelsea look on. They then pretend to sort out their differences and hug each other. At the performance the judges are wowed by all of the girls and Chelsea is called first and told that she is eliminated. Robin then names Asia the winner and she is joined on stage by the Dolls and performs with them for the first time. She only performed with the Dolls again once at the CW Upfronts Event in New York City, and shortly after, she announced her departure from the group to pursue a solo career.

Eliminated: Chelsea and Melissa R.

Winner: Asia

Elimination's call-out order

Robin Antin’s Callout Order
Order Ep 1 Ep 2 Ep 3 Ep 4 Ep 5 Ep 6 Ep 7 Ep 8
01 Anastacia Asia Melissa S. Mariela Asia Melissa R. Melissa R. ............ Asia
02 Mariela Jaime Anastacia Anastacia Melissa R. Chelsea Asia ............ Melissa R.
03 Sisely Anastacia Mariela Chelsea Melissa S. Asia Melissa S. Chelsea
04 Brittany Mariela Asia Melissa R. Anastacia Melissa S. Chelsea
05 Melissa S. Melissa R. Melissa R. Asia Chelsea Anastacia
06 Jaime Chelsea Chelsea Melissa S. Mariela
07 Melissa R. Sisely Sisely Sisely
08 Asia Melissa S. Jaime
09 Chelsea Brittany
  The contestant won the reward challenge and as such is safe from elimination.
  The contestant won the reward challenge but did not win immunity from the upcoming elimination.
  The contestants were in the best group but were not called by their names.
  The contestants in this group were in the lowest group and as such up for elimination.
  The contestant was eliminated.
  The contestant was the second runner up.
  The contestant was the runner up.
  The contestant won the competition, but it was soon officially stated she quit

Contestant: the contestant wasn't called out by Robin.

Notes:

  • On Week 2, Asia was called out by Mark McGrath, but not by Robin Antin.
  • On Week 4, group 1 was called out as "group 1", no specific name order was given
  • On Week 7 Melissa S. was called before Chelsea but eliminated anyway
  • On Week 8 Chelsea was called first and eliminated. Robin then called Asia as the winner.

Makeovers

  • Jaime: Dyed blonder
  • Sisely: Extensions Sewn In
  • Mariela: Straightened
  • Anastacia: Thinned & straightened
  • Melissa S.: Darker, later bangs added
  • Chelsea Korka: Bangs added
  • Melissa R.: Trimmed here and there
  • Asia: Blonde streak extensions

Spoof

The show has also been spoofed on SNL, with a fake trailer saying that the girls needed to sort of sing, sort of dance, not write songs, be passably attractive from a distance but not distract attention from the lead singer. It also attacked the judges, listing Robin Antin as a "tanning bed owner" and the other ones as "nobody", and their judging with one saying "this was totally passable, you're moving on to the next round" and "Bitch you worse than me, nice work". It also made fun of the fact that very few people know the Pussycat Dolls members' names.[25]

References

  1. ^ CW Defends "Pussycat Dolls Presents..."
  2. ^ Brittany's bio on the CW website
  3. ^ a b Brittany update
  4. ^ a b c New Update from Buddy TV
  5. ^ CW's official interview with Jaime's 7th question: What was the most fun
  6. ^ a b Jaime update
  7. ^ a b Jaime's Youtube Videos
  8. ^ CW Lounge ranking
  9. ^ Sisely's bio on the CW website
  10. ^ a b Sisely update
  11. ^ a b Recent appearances 2
  12. ^ Mariela's bio on the CW website
  13. ^ CW's official interview with Anastacia's 7th question: What was your favorite performance
  14. ^ Anastacia update
  15. ^ Chelsea's Myspace
  16. ^ http://pcdweb.net/content/?p=170 Chelsea to perform with Melody and Robin
  17. ^ MySpace
  18. ^ YouTube - Star Camp Intro
  19. ^ a b c d A glimpse of Melissa R - Melissa Reyes Fansite
  20. ^ Melissa Reyes as Audrey's cover girl
  21. ^ a b List of public appearances after the show
  22. ^ YouTube - Paradiso Girls
  23. ^ chelsea-korka.com – Chelsea to be part of Paradiso Girls
  24. ^ Paradiso Girls update
  25. ^ SNL Spoof
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