Vernon Kay
Born	Vernon Charles Kay (1974-04-28) 28 April 1974 (age 38) Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK
Residence	Fulmer, Buckinghamshire, UK
Nationality	British
Occupation	Radio DJ television presenter
Years active	2000–present
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Television	Boys and Girls HeadJam Hit Me, Baby, One More Time The Whole 19 Yards Family Fortunes
Spouse	Tess Daly (2003–present)
Children	Phoebe Elizabeth Kay Amber Isabella Kay[citation needed]
Parents	Norman and Gladys Kay
Website
officialvernonkay.com

Vernon Charles Kay (born 28 April 1974) is a British television presenter, radio DJ and former model.^[1] He began his television career presenting the BBC children's programme FBi, a spin-off of Fully Booked. Since then he has presented various programmes, most notably T4, Beat the Star and All Star Family Fortunes alongside his weekend show on BBC Radio 1. In 2010 he was named the host of Skating with the Stars, which was broadcast in the United States. He is married to English television presenter Tess Daly

Early life[link]

Kay was born and raised in Bolton, Greater Manchester, the elder son of Norman and Gladys; he has a younger brother, Stephen.^[2] He attended St Joseph's R.C. High School in Horwich, near Bolton,^[3] and then St John Rigby College in Orrell, near Wigan. He graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an HND in Environmental Science. He supports his hometown's football club Bolton Wanderers.^[4] He used to be a regular visitor to Manchester nightclub The Haçienda.^[2]

Career[link]

This biographical section of an article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (August 2011)

Television[link]

2000[link]

Kay presented the Saturday morning children's programme FBi alongside Boyzone's Keith Duffy and BBC Children's presenter Kate Heavenor. The series was shown on the BBC from 22 April until 23 September 2000 and was filmed in Glasgow.

2005[link]

Kay is a former host of T4. He also presented Boys and Girls, HeadJam, Celebrities Under Pressure and California Dreaming. He presented Hit Me, Baby, One More Time which was broadcast on British television in 2005. The series was then picked up by NBC for broadcast in the USA, which Kay also hosted.

In 2005, Kay hosted the annual The Record of the Year competition. Also in 2005, Kay competed with other celebrities in a series titled Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon, in which television personalities battled each other in a series of well-known game formats that had been featured on ITV over the past 50 years. The series was screened as part of ITV's 50th anniversary celebrations. Kay managed to reach the final of the competition, but ended up losing to Carol Vorderman and her family, in a special edition of Family Fortunes. Ironically, Kay would be the eventual choice to present Family Fortunes (which he's done since 2006), and presented the 2007 edition of Gameshow Marathon (which did not have Family Fortunes involved).

2006[link]

A revival of Family Fortunes began in 2006 with Kay as the host; the first episode was broadcast on 28 October 2006. The series is now titled All Star Family Fortunes as it features celebrities and their families as well as the contestants. Kay was also selected to host the second series of Gameshow Marathon in 2007.

In 2006, he presented alongside his wife Tess on the BBC One celebrity singing contest Just the Two of Us. In 2006, he hosted a segment on ITV's coverage of The Prince's Trust 30th Birthday Live and a special entitled Duet Impossible, featuring contemporary music stars performing with their deceased pop heroes via technical wizardry.

He presented The Paul O'Grady Show as a substitute host on two occasions (23 October 2006 and 9 May 2007).

2008[link]

In 2008 Kay hosted the English language adaption of the German television programme Schlag den Raab. The game — Beat the Star — broadcast on ITV1 in an eight part series, which ran from 20 April 2008 to 22 June 2008. In the final episode, Phillip Schofield surprised Kay by revealing that Kay himself was to be that night's star rather than the presenter. Kay then went on to beat the marine contestant through a series of the seven challenges.

2010[link]

In April 2010, Kay and Caroline Flack presented ITV1's Saturday night game show The Whole 19 Yards. Kay was also the host of the ABC reality competition show Skating with the Stars.^[5]

2011[link]

In 2011, Kay was appointed moderator of the Million Dollar Mind Game, an American version of the Russian intellectual show What? Where? When?, which premiered October 23, 2011 on ABC. Kay also presented a seven part Christmas show 'Home For The Holidays' for Channel 4 live.

2012[link]

In Summer 2012, Kay presented three episodes of the new ITV sports entertainment show Let's Get Gold

Radio[link]

In January 2004, Kay joined BBC Radio 1 and presented an entertainment show every Sunday. In April 2004, he was given the 10 am – 1 pm weekend slot, which was previously hosted by Colin Murray and Edith Bowman and previously broadcast on both Saturdays and Sundays on the popular radio network. From October 2007 Dick and Dom took over Sunday mornings; Kay's show then ran between 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday. In 2008 he was one of a team of DJs who filled in for Edith Bowman while she was on maternity leave along with Fearne Cotton and Nihal.

On 11 February 2009 it was announced that Kay would fill in for Chris Moyles while he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, an act he repeated on 13 July 2009 when Moyles took a day off. He also filled-in for Pete Tong's Essential Selection on Radio 1 on 10 April 2008. That same year, Kay filled again in for Chris Moyles from 10 August until 15 August when he had two weeks holiday. The first week was covered by the regular cover presenter Scott Mills. From 30 November 2009 Kay, again, covered for Chris Moyles on breakfast for a whole week as Moyles, Aled Haydn Jones and Fearne Cotton were away in Uganda handing out malaria nets and seeing how the money raised from the Mount Kilimanjaro climb for Comic Relief was being spent.

On 12 February 2012 it was announced he would leave the station when his contract expires in September of that year.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life[link]

Kay married Tess Daly on 12 September 2003, at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Horwich, in Bolton.^[6] They have two daughters together: Phoebe Elizabeth Kay,^[7] who was born on 17 October 2004^[8] in Westminster, London,^[9] and Amber Isabella Kay, born on 30 May 2009^[10] in London.^[11] They live in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire.^[12] In February 2010, Kay admitted to exchanging racy text messages with Rhian Sugden, a glamour and Page 3 model, after they had met in a Bolton nightclub.^[13]

Kay received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton on 9 July 2009, for services to entertainment.^[14]

Kay is a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers F.C.. He is also a fan of American football, joining the Manchester Allstars at the age of 13 and reuniting the team in 2011 for a one-off match against the Birmingham Lions.^[15] In 2011, he signed for the London Warriors, for whom he plays in the BAFA Community Leagues Premiership as a defensive back.^[16][17]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Vernon Kay at BBC Programmes
• Vernon Kay on Twitter
• Vernon Kay at the Internet Movie Database
• Sporting Achievements

The Holidays
The Holidays
Background information
Origin	Sydney, Australia
Genres	Indie rock, Pop rock, Soul
Years active	2006 - present
Labels	Liberation (Australia), Rallye Label (Japan)
Website	Official Website Myspace
Members
Simon Jones Will Magnus Alex Kortt Andrew Kerridge

The Holidays are an Australian indie pop/soul band. Formed in Sydney in 2006, the band consists of Simon Jones, Will Magnus, Alex Kortt and Andrew Kerridge. The band is most notably known for their Australian Music Prize nominated debut album Post Paradise.

Biography[link]

The Holidays formed in late 2006 and quickly established themselves in the Sydney music scene as an upbeat, energetic addition. Simon Jones & Will Magnus had attended high school together, previously playing in cover bands in their schools' band competition. They were often up against the band Roger Explosion in these competitions, who went on to become the Australian electro-pop band Art vs. Science.

Within their first year as a band together, The Holidays toured with Jamie T,^[1] with The View,^[2] with Ben Kweller,^[3] and recorded an EP of demos which quickly sold out at gigs and received regular airplay on radio stations both in Australia^[4] and in the USA. In November 2007 The Holidays were featured on the Next Crop segment of national youth radio station Triple J,^[5] soon followed by their signing with independent Australian record label Liberation Music, in early 2008.

The Holidays released their debut EP on 19 April 2008 to positive reviews^[6] which was followed by a substantial national tour to promote the release. They released their second EP "When The Ship Goes Down" in October 2008, which showed the band's natural progression with song-writing. Recorded with Wayne Connolly of The Vines and Josh Pyke fame, this EP was followed by a 20 date national tour, co-headlining with Brisbane band Yves Klein Blue.

The Holidays' debut album Post Paradise soon followed, after several months of writing and experimenting. Drawn away from the simplicity of their earlier indie guitar manifestation, Post Paradise showed the bands development with both the groove and layers of a song, combined with their recognizable pop hooks. This album differed from previous recordings by The Holidays' in that it was self-produced and recorded in various locations around Sydney and New South Wales.

"Moonlight Hours", the first single from their debut album was taken to radio in November 2009, and added to high rotation on national youth radio station Triple J. "Golden Sky" was the second single from The Holidays debut album, released in May 2010, which was followed by an east coast tour of Australia to promote the release. There is a music video for both these singles, made by Melbourne company Moop Jaw.

"Post Paradise" was released in Australia on 24 September 2010, in conjunction with third single, Broken Bones, which was added to radio nationally. The album has received very positive reviews since its release, which included amongst other reviews, being shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize and winning the Red Bull Award for Best Debut Album. Post Paradise also received "Album of the Week" in Drum Media, Beat Magazine, BMA Mag & The Brag,^[7] 4.5 stars in The Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph & The Courier Mail, as well as positive reviews in The Age & The Sydney Morning Herald. Post Paradise won The Age Readers Choice Best Album of 2010,^[8] and was the Triple J Feature Album for the week commencing 26 December 2010.

The Holidays toured Post Paradise substantially in 2010 and 2011, including shows at SXSW in Austin, Texas, The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, UK, and Australian festivals including Groovin' the Moo, Laneway Festival and Splendour in the Grass. The Holidays' current live show incorporates a fifth touring member, David Zucker as percussionist, as well occasional backing vocalists.

Members[link]

• Simon Jones - Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Production
• Will Magnus - Lead Guitar, Keys
• Alex Kortt - Bass Guitar
• Andrew Kerridge - Drums, Percussion, Supreme Aficionado

Touring[link]

• Toured with Jamie T in May 2007
• Toured with The View in June 2007
• Toured with Ben Kweller in October 2007
• Played nationally at the 2008 St Jerome's Laneway Festival
• Toured with The Wombats in March 2008
• Toured with Lightspeed Champion in July 2008
• Played at Homebake 2008
• Played at Falls Festival 2008
• Toured with Bluejuice in April 2010
• Played at St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2011 across Australia
• Played at SXSW in Austin, Texas in March 2011
• Played at the Groovin' the Moo Festival across Australia in May 2011
• Toured with Cut Copy in Australia in May 2011
• Played at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, and Dot to Dot Festival across the UK in May 2011
• Played at Splendour In The Grass in August 2011.
• Played at the inaugural Harvest Festival in Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane in November 2011 along with The Flaming Lips, Portishead and Tv on the Radio.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• Post Paradise (Australia - 24 September 2010, Japan - January 2011)

EPs[link]

• The Holidays (19 April 2008)
• When The Ship Goes Down (11 October 2008)
• Golden Sky (Australia - May 2010, UK - August 2010 )

Singles[link]

• Moonlight Hours (December 2009)
• Golden Sky (May 2010)
• Broken Bones (September 2010)
• 2 Days (February 2011)

Awards & Nominations[link]

• 2010 The Age EG Award - Readers Choice Best Album of 2010 - Won
• 2010 Australian Music Prize - Nominated
• 2010 Australian Music Prize - Red Bull Award for Best Debut Album - Won
• 2011 Jägermeister Independent Music Awards - Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year - Nominated

Further information[link]

• The Holidays song 'Telephone' was featured on an Australian television advertising campaign for Clearasil in late 2007.
• The Holidays song 'Golden Sky' was used in the Channel 7 summer 2010/2011 advertising campaign.
• Simon Jones collaborated & sung vocals with Australian dance duo Bag Raiders on the track 'Not Over' from their eponymous debut album.

References[link]

Nicole Scherzinger
Scherzinger at the The X Factor USA Backstage, December 2011
Background information
Birth name	Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente
Born	(1978-06-29) June 29, 1978 (age 33) Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Genres	Pop/rock, R&B, dance-pop
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, actress, dancer, model, record producer
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Interscope, A&M, Polydor UK
Associated acts	Eden's Crush, Pussycat Dolls, Days of the New
Website	nicolescherzingermusic.com

Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger (born June 29, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, model and actress. Scherzinger is well known as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. Previously, Scherzinger was a backing vocalist for the late-1990s rock group Days of the New and was a part of reality TV girl group Eden's Crush. After the disbandment of the group, she joined the Pussycat Dolls and became the group's lead vocalist during their transition into a career in music.

The Pussycat Dolls rose to prominence when they enlisted Scherzinger as their lead front woman of the group. When Scherzinger joined the now multi-platinum group, they became a worldwide phenomenon, releasing two albums, PCD (2008) and Doll Domination (2008) and embarked on several concert tours.^[1] With her strong vocal range, Scherzinger scored the group a string of massive hit singles, including the number ones "Don’t Cha" (2005) and "Buttons" (2006), "Stickwitu" (2005), "I Hate This Part" (2008), and "When I Grow Up" (2008), which hit the Top 10 in 16 countries. In 2009, Scherzinger wrote and recorded an adaptation of A.R. Rahman’s "Jai Ho" (from the film "Slumdog Millionaire") which went to number one in 17 countries. Their debut album, PCD, has sold nine million copies worldwide, and their sophomore album, Doll Domination, has sold 5 million copies worldwide to date. The group won three Billboard Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and toured with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and The Black Eyed Peas.^[2][3] The Dolls have sold 15 million albums, and 37 million singles worldwide, making them one of the best selling girl groups of all time.

After leaving the group in December 2010, Scherzinger began a solo career with the release of her debut studio album Killer Love. The album's second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking her first number one hit as a solo artist.^[4] Scherzinger became the winner of the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars in early 2010. She was a judge on the first season of the US version of The X Factor, which premiered in September 2011.

Early life[link]

Scherzinger was born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente in Honolulu, Hawaii, into a staunchly Roman Catholic family.^[5][6] Her father, Alfonso Valiente, is of Filipino descent, and her mother, Rosemary, is mixed Hawaiian and Russian descent, as Nicole's grandmother was Russian while her grandfather is Hawaiian.^{[7][8][9][10][11]} Her mother was eighteen at the time of Scherzinger's birth and lived in an inner city neighborhood.^[12] Scherzinger's parents separated when she was still a baby. When she was six years old, her maternal family moved to Louisville, Kentucky,^[13] with her sister, Keala, and her German American stepfather, Gary Scherzinger. She took her stepfather's surname after he adopted her.^[13]

She first attended Bowen Elementary, and later attended Meyzeek Middle School as an adolescent. Scherzinger states that, growing up, her family did not have a lot of money, and she thanks her mother for all the support she gave her to become what she is today. Scherzinger began performing in Louisville, attending the Youth Performing Arts School at duPont Manual High School, and performing with Actors Theatre of Louisville.^[13] As a teenager, Scherzinger was the first runner-up at the 1996 Kentucky State Fair's Coca-Cola Talent Classic contest.^[13]

Music career[link]

2001–02: Career beginnings[link]

In 2001 Scherzinger competed in the premiere season of The WB's television show, Popstars, on which she earned a spot in the all-girl pop group Eden's Crush alongside the other four chosen members Ivette Sosa, Maile Misajon, Ana Maria Lombo and Rosanna Tavarez . Eventually, she became one of the main vocalists for the group. The group's 2001 US single, "Get Over Yourself (Goodbye)", peaked at number one in sales and hit the top ten on Billboard Hot 100. At the time Eden's Crush was touring in support of both *NSync and Jessica Simpson.^[14] Scherzinger was approached to be the fourth member of The Black Eyed Peas, but was forced to decline because she was a member of Eden's Crush and was under contract. The position was given, instead, to Fergie. Later, however, Eden's Crush' record company, London-Sire Records, folded and the group eventually disbanded.^[15] In November 2007 Scherzinger spoke of her time in Eden's Crush:

It was hell... I was in a band with five other girls and every day was torture for me. We were on TV all the time and the atmosphere was awful... Every day I was in that band I cried my eyes out. The band was meant to be fun and frivolous but the reality was that it was miserable... I was too sensitive back then, but I got toughened up. I couldn't have gone into the Dolls without my experience in Crush.^[12]

After the disbanding of Eden's Crush, Scherzinger made a few promotional solo appearances under the stage name of Nicole Kea, including covering "Breakfast in Bed" for the soundtrack to 50 First Dates in 2003.^[16] Scherzinger later worked with Yoshiki of Japanese rock band X Japan on his Violet UK project. She sang the English version of "I'll Be Your Love" live with the Tokyo Symphonic Orchestra. The track also appeared on the 2003 Various Artists album Exposition of Global Harmony.

2003–10: The Pussycat Dolls[link]

The Pussycat Dolls in 2006.

In May 2003, Scherzinger joined the Pussycat Dolls burlesque troupe, who were being re-cast as recording artists. She had first seen them performing on The Late Show with David Letterman in November 2002, where Carmen Electra sang "Big Spender" from the Bob Fosse musical Sweet Charity. In 2006, Scherzinger said "It caught my eye because I’d played Velma Kelly in [Fosse's] Chicago in college."^[17] In one interview she spoke of her role with the Pussycat dolls stating that it was a "challenge fronting the group" but that "every girl has something different to bring and add to the success".^[18] The success of PCD brought Scherzinger into the media spotlight and she went on to record a series of duets/guest vocals with a wide array of male vocalists. In 2005, she appeared on recordings by Shaggy, Vittorio Grigolo and Will Smith. In 2006 she sang co-lead vocals with Avant on his single "Lie About Us", and Diddy's hit "Come to Me" (which she also co-wrote). Other appearances are listed in discography. In the biography section of her official website she says that everyone recognises her from the Pussycat Dolls's debut single "Dont Cha" which although amazing does not fulfill her musical desires. When asked what she intended to achieve with her solo career she commented "Some people only have their glasses half full, but there was never a limit to mine."^[19] The purpose of the album was to appeal to younger audiences, show them "the heart of Nicole" and show that she is "not always strong and fearless".

Doubt was cast over the future of the album when the Pussycat Dolls released their second album Doll Domination which featured some of the songs which had initially been recorded for Scherzinger's own album. "Happily Never After" and "Who's Gonna Love You" were placed on the album with no changes whilst additional backing vocals were added to "When I Grow Up" before it was released as the album's lead single.^[20] In 2010 during an interview with X magazine she also revealed that "I Hate This Part", a song which became a top-ten hit in Europe for the Pussycat Dolls, was also intended for her own solo album.^[21] Christopher "Tricky Stewart" and The-Dream were also working with Scherzinger and produced, wrote and recorded at least two songs for the album. Both of the known recordings, "Punch You In Your Sleep" and "I'm a Cheat" were re-allocated to The-Dream's ex-wife Christina Milian who has recorded them for her fourth studio album Elope due in 2010.^[22]

Furthermore it was revealed that Keri Hilson (a writer who has been heavily involved in writing for the Pussycat Dolls) had written a song called "Alienated" for Scherzinger, however when the album was delayed and shelved Hilson reclaimed the song and instead recorded the song with producer Cory Bold for her own debut studio album In a Perfect World...^[23] Reviews later went on to give the song critical acclaim for its "electro-blips and whispery raps that are alluring."^[24][25] In September 2009 it was confirmed that the teary ballad, "Just Say Yes" was reclaimed by Gary Lightbody who has since re-tooled and reworked the song.^[26] It was released as the lead single from his band, Snow Patrol's compilation album Up to Now, on November 2, 2009.^[27] Addressing the delayed release of her solo album, in September 2008 Scherzinger said, "Despite what other people might write, it was my decision, ultimately. I actually put some of my solo songs on the Pussycat Dolls' new album Doll Domination. Everything is all about timing. I believe it will come out next year, and it will be able to coexist wonderfully with the Dolls' album. It's completely separate from what you've heard with "Baby Love" and "Whatever U Like," and I'm still working on it — that's what happens when you're a perfectionist."^[28] She was interviewed by Billboard magazine in April 2009 regarding her own career plans as well as what The Dolls were up to. She said "the current incarnation of the album is just in talks and in the writing process. I haven't started recording yet." She plans to enter the studio again after the Pussycat Dolls have finished their World Domination Tour. Speaking about the project Scherzinger said she will be working again with Will.i.am, Timbaland as well as with new associates Lady Gaga and A.R. Rahman.^[29] In April 2008, Scherzinger recorded a cover version of "Rio" by Duran Duran for an advertising campaign for Unilever's Caress brand of body wash. A commercial video was released, and the single was released via download only, after May 2008.^[30] In 2008, in support of Barack Obama, she was one of many musicians to contribute to a track by will.i.am called "Yes We Can".^[31] Also on September 5, 2008, Scherzinger joined an all-star cast to perform the charity song "Just Stand Up" on live TV.^[32] The Pussycat Dolls returned to the Music scene on May 27, 2008 with the new single "When I Grow Up" which reached number nine on the U.S. Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. The song topped several European charts and became a worldwide top ten hit. The follow-up single "Whatcha Think About That" with Missy Elliott failed to enter the U.S. charts but managed to reach top 20 in several other countries including the UK with a limited release.

The Pussycat Dolls performing as the opening act during the The Circus Starring Britney Spears.

After a slight delay and with two singles released the album, Doll Domination was finally released as a standard and deluxe edition. The latter featured a disc with a solo song by each of the girls. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, with 79,000 copies sold in its first week beating their debut album by one chart position but selling 20,000 less copies. It only spent seven weeks in the top 100, compared with their debut album which sat in the top 100 for nearly one year. In January 2009 it re-entered the top 100 following several more successful singles. The album in original form spawned two other singles, worldwide top 20 hit "I Hate This Part" and the number-one club song "Bottle Pop" which only received a limited release in the US and Oceania. On January 2009 they embarked their second world tour called Doll Domination Tour to support Doll Domination.^[33] Lady Gaga opened for them in Europe and Australia,^[34][35] while Ne-Yo supported the Pussycat Dolls in the UK leg.^[36] In mid-2009 they opened for Britney Spears' tour The Circus Starring Britney Spears on the first leg in North America.^[37] In April 2009 Scherzinger confirmed to Billboard that the album would be re-released to give more people a chance to get their music.^[38] In Europe the album was re-released with three or four new songs.^[39] In Australia a compilation called Doll Domination 2.0 was released with six songs from the original version plus four new songs whereas the UK received a six-song EP called Doll Domination: The Mini Collection released on April 27, 2009 featuring four of the original songs plus a remix and a new song.^[40] In August 2009 the album was repackaged once more, this time as Doll Domination 3.0 to include all of the previously released bonus songs on one CD with the original album. Its release was limited to Europe and the UK where the group's singles had all reached top 20. The repackaged versions spawned two more singles: the worldwide number one "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" (featured on the soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire) and euro-pop remix of "Hush Hush" (retitled "Hush Hush; Hush Hush")^[40] which reached top 20 internationally. Following Scherzinger's over-emphasis in the release of these two singles there were several emotional outbursts to the media including one by Thornton during one of the group's appearances on tour.^[41] In 2009, Billboard ranked the Pussycat Dolls as the 80th most successful musical act of the 2000s.^[42] Scherzinger performed "America the Beautiful" at WWE's WrestleMania XXV in Houston, Texas at the Reliant Stadium on April 5, 2009.^[43] Scherzinger performed with guitarist Slash on October 2 in Las Vegas.^[44]

[edit] 2006–08: Solo guest appearances & Her Name is Nicole

Scherzinger in 2007.

From 2006 until late 2008 Scherzinger had been working on her debut album which was titled Her Name Is Nicole. She recorded/wrote about 75–100 songs for the album which was supposed to be released in 2007 before being pushed to October 16, 2008 and later into 2009 before being shelved.^[45][46] She told MTV "I've always said that in the Pussycat Dolls, I kind of feel like Superwoman. But that's just one of my alter egos. I've got the vulnerable, lovesick side of me amongst others which all appear on my record."^[47] The album saw Scherzinger work with a wide roster of producers and song writers some of whom had worked with Scherzinger for albums with the Pussycat Dolls. Sean Garrett and Polow da Don worked on "Whatever U Like" (featuring T.I.) which was released as the album's lead single^[48] on July 24, 2007 but deemed unsuccessful reaching just 57 in Canada. "Baby Love" was the second single released on September 10, 2007. Although well received and compared to the Pussycat Dolls' song "Stickwitu"^[48] the track did not chart well in the United States. Internationally the single fared well reaching Top 15 in most countries including the UK, and mainland Europe. It was remixed to be included on Doll Domination as a bonus track. The third single "Supervillain" was described as having a "danceable jam with a catchy chorus" and featured a reggae–dancehall interlude. Written by Rock City and produced by Mad Scientist it was only released to US iTunes in November 2007. Fourth single "Puakenikeni" (a type of flower in Hawaii) also released to iTunes in November was produced by Akon to as a tribute to Scherzinger's heritage^[19] but failed to chart. Other songs included the critically acclaimed "Just Say Yes", written by Gary Lightbody (of Snow Patrol) which was a soft and slow song with its pulsing, electronic beat.^[48] She told MTV of her excitement to record the song previously rejected by Gwen Stefani. "I'm such a huge fan of Snow Patrol's music, I felt like I was supposed to make it my own. "It's a very honest and truthful song."^[47] Ne-Yo gave Scherzinger two songs, "Happily Never After" a slow ballad of which Scherzinger said she felt it "important for young girls to have an empowering message that they deserve better".^[19] Interestingly the song was originally written for Britney Spears to record for her album Blackout in 2007.^[18] The other song has a tear jerking ballad called "Save Me from Myself" for which Scherzinger helped Ne-Yo in developing the hook before recording the song.^[19] When commenting on another song "March" Scherzinger said she wanted a powerful record. "It's about never giving up on your dreams and it’s about what I went through to get where I am today."^[18] Timbaland produced and featured on the song "Physical"^[19] on which his trademark vocals can be heard over the upbeat melody and thumping baseline.^[48] Part of the song was used in the film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (which she made a short cameo in). The album sessions also produced a number of other songs including "When Your Falling" (also co-written by Akon)^[19] "Power's Out" a riveting duet with English singer Sting (featured in Revlon adverts with Jessica Alba)^[19] and "I M.I.S.S You" written by Pharrell Williams and produced by The Neptunes.^[48]

[edit] 2010–12: Killer Love and solo European tour

Scherzinger in 2011.

Scherzinger confirmed that she has done one song with Slash for his solo album Slash released in April 2010.^[49] On February 1, 2010 along with other artists Scherzinger had re-recorded "We Are the World", a charity single for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.^[50] The song debuted during NBC's coverage of the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.^[51] It was released as a single on iTunes on February 12, 2010 accompanied by the music video.^[52]

Then in August 2010 Swedish-Moroccan electropop producer RedOne was interviewed by the BBC. In the interview he revealed he had been working on Scherzinger's album. "I just finished her album. Her last one never came out because it was collecting hamburgers, like fast food. One from McDonald's, one from Burger King, and so on. It tasted good, but it wasn't consistent. Her new record – people are really going to go crazy about it because it's the real her."^[53] Scherzinger confirmed these reports in a September 2010 interview with X magazine. In reference to Her Name is Nicole she said "It was actually my decision not to put it out, not the label's". Then she said "I've been working with RedOne, which is an honour. He's an unbelievable producer and musician. He had made some amazing songs with Lady Gaga. Now, there is someone with the 'x factor'. I can't touch GaGa or RedOne in that space, but I know that we've created something unique of our own."^[21] Scherzinger's new single, "Poison", premiered on her official website and YouTube account on October 14, 2010.^[54] It is due for release on November 29, 2010.^[55] A picture from the video shoot was revealed by MTV, showing Scherzinger dressed provocatively.^[56] "Poison" serves as the first single from the album and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart becoming Scherzinger's most successful single, until her #1 hit with "Don't Hold Your Breath" in Spring of 2011.

On November 18, 2010, she joined Prince on-stage during his concert in Abu Dhabi. While working with RedOne she has also recorded vocals for songs which will be included on Mohombi's debut album. Mohombi is the first signee to RedOne's record label.^[57] Scherzinger appeared at the Jingle Bell Ball at London's O2 Arena on December 4, 2010.^[58] The second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath", was released on March 13, 2011 and preceded the album, Killer Love, which was released March 21, 2011.^[4] The song debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart.^[59]

"Right There" impacted UK radio in April 2011 as the third single in the United Kingdom.^[60] For its release in the US, it was remixed to feature two new verses from American rapper 50 Cent, it serves as her first American lead single from her debut album, "Killer Love". "Right There" was released as a digital download in the US on May 17, 2011 and sent to US mainstream radio on May 24, 2011.^[61] On June 12, Scherzinger performed at Capital FM's Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium in London.

On August 16, 2011, Scherzinger released "Don't Hold Your Breath" in the United States as her second US single. The singles,"Right There (feat. 50 Cent)" & "Don't Hold Your Breath" were to precede her debut album, "Killer Love." This version of Killer Love was originally set to feature an alternate track listing with American hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg to appear on one of the new songs recorded for the album.^[62] On The X Factor USA semi finals, Scherzinger performed a brand new song, "Pretty", which was recorded days before its performance. The album was originally planned for an August release back in 2011, but was later pushed back to November 15. Shortly after, it was confirmed that it would be released on December 6, but the album was then pushed back again to 2012. On March 23, Scherzinger revealed that the US Killer Love release was cancelled for her second album.^[63] Scherzinger has recorded more than 40 songs to be considered for her US solo debut album, but insists that it "will not be finished until the very last minute. I don't know if I will ever feel like I have finished the album."^[64]

Scherzinger also released a music video for "Wet", which was released as a single in the UK in August 2011. On November 14, 2011, Killer Love was re-released in Europe. In October 2011, Scherzinger released a new song titled "Try with Me", it is the lead single from the European re-release.^[65] The music video for "Try with Me" premiered on 18 October 2011 on MSN. Scherzinger and her team, including X Factor choreographer Brian Friedman, were held at gunpoint by a local gang when they were travelling through the mountains to the Xilitla rainforest in Mexico to shoot the video. They were released without harm but shaken by the experience.^[66][67] To further promote the album, Scherzinger began her Killer Love Tour on February 13, 2012.^[68][69]

2012: Return from music hiatus and sophomore studio album[link]

After being a judge on the The X Factor, Scherzinger was let go from the competition series, as part of a "re-imaginging" Fox Broadcasting Company and Simon Cowell were venturing into. She confirmed that 2012 would be all about her music. Scherzinger had also started her very first solo tour in Europe and Asia in early 2012, promptly titled the Killer Love Tour. When asked about the tour she said, "I'm so excited about this tour. I'm in the process of getting ready for it, doing a lot of research. I know that it's a theatre tour so I want to make sure the show is well rounded and that I draw up the proper set list. There'll be a little bit of everything in there: singing and dancing, a Pussycat Dolls set, a stripped back acoustic set, and my own songs."^[70] Scherzinger also confirmed she is currently working on a new album.^[71]

Supplementary ventures[link]

Acting[link]

Scherzinger has made minor appearances as an actress. She appeared in the TV comedy, Half & Half, My Wife and Kids and the 2003 film, Love Don't Cost a Thing. She also had a role in 2001 as one of the "Pop Stars" in the episode, "Finally!", of the show Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and also made appearances in Wanda at Large, Chasing Papi, Be Cool and Cane. Scherzinger was intended to be cast in one of the lead roles in the upcoming movie with the Filipino Boxing Champion, Manny Pacquiao, together with professional wrestler, Dave Batista. She was about to play the leading lady of the Filipino Champ, but her audition was cancelled and the role went to the Filipina actress, Ruffa Mae Quinto. She also made an appearance in the Nickelodeon show, Big Time Rush, as herself. In 2010 Scherzinger appeared in the How I Met Your Mother episode "Glitter", as Robin Scherbatsky's former best friend, Jessica Glitter. She has also recorded a version of "GoldenEye" — the theme song of the 1995 Bond film GoldenEye — for the 2010 video game GoldenEye 007. Scherzinger portrayed Lily Poison in the film Men in Black 3, released May 25, 2012.^[72]

Modelling[link]

In 2006 she made a "Bench Body" brand underwear commercial in the Philippines, and in October 2008 she promoted Clear Shampoo and Conditioner. Both commercials were reportedly aired throughout Southeast Asia. She appeared in a Nike shoe commercial with basketball player LeBron James. In 2010 she made a commercial for the C&A campaign.^[73] She appeared on the covers of numerous Cosmopolitan editions (British, Bulgarian, Croatian, Estonian, Italian, Indonesian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mexican, Mongolian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and others). Scherzinger frequently has appeared in FHM Magazine's 100 Sexiest Women poll, ranking #49 in 2006, #22 in 2007, #49 in 2008, #60 in 2009, and #73 in 2010. In 2011 she jumped 64 places to rank #9.^[74]

Musical theatre[link]

Scherzinger majored in acting and musical theatre at Wright State University, where she played Velma Kelly in Chicago and Julie La Verne in Show Boat.^[17] She put her studies on hold in 1999 to sing backing vocals for the rock band, Days of the New.^[75]

In late 2009 it was reported that Scherzinger was working closely with Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musical Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.^[76] Although she has not yet appeared in the show, her version of the title song - Love Never Dies - was played on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Monday 1 April 2011.^[77]

On June 4, 2010, it was announced that Scherzinger would take on the role of Maureen in the Hollywood Bowl production of the rock musical Rent, directed by Neil Patrick Harris.^[78] She played the role from August 6–8, 2010.

On October 28, 2010, Scherzinger took part in the 35th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.^[79]

As part of the 25th Anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera, Scherzinger performed the title song at The Royal Variety Performance - held in The Lowry, Manchester - on Monday 5 December 2011. She performed alongside four former Phantoms (Simon Bowman, Earl Carpenter, John Owen-Jones and Ramin Karimloo). The performance was aired on ITV1 on Wednesday 14 December 2011.^[80] Her performance received critical acclaim.

Reality television[link]

In December 2009 Scherzinger served as a celebrity judge on NBC's reality singing competition, The Sing-Off,^[81] along with singer-songwriter Ben Folds and Boyz II Men bandmember Shawn Stockman. The show was hosted by singer Nick Lachey. Scherzinger's role was to critique performances of the competitors and vote on eliminations in all but the final round, which was determined by audience vote. In the show finale, Scherzinger performed "You Don't Own Me" with competition finalists the Beelzebubs of Tufts University. She returned to her role as judge for a second season of The Sing-Off in December 2010, but did not return for a third season.

On March 1, 2010, it was announced that Scherzinger would be a celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars for the tenth season and would be partnered with Season 7 champion Derek Hough.^[82] On May 25, 2010 Scherzinger won Dancing with the Stars season 10.^[83]

On July 1, 2010, MTV reported the media mogul, Simon Cowell, had hired Scherzinger as a guest judge for the seventh series of the UK reality TV series The X Factor after regular judge, Dannii Minogue, went on maternity leave. According to The Daily Mail, she was one of several celebrities being considered for a role on the U.S. version of The X Factor, and so the role on the UK version served as an important screen test and opportunity to impress the producers.^[84] Following praise from the show's producers, Scherzinger was asked to return as a guest judge after it was discovered that Cole had contracted malaria and was unable to film the 'bootcamp' stages of the competition.^[85] Fellow judge and permanent panel member Louis Walsh praised Scherzinger, saying "My favourite though was Nicole who I had never met before. This girl has the X Factor in every way. She just got it, was incredibly impressive and ticked every box."^[86] The host of the show, Dermot O'Leary, also praised Scherzinger, saying she was his favourite guest judge. "She was brilliant, tailor-made for it and hilarious too. We were all stunned by her beauty."^[87] Scherzinger has been credited in the formation of One Direction, which includes: Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Harry Styles. She also left her mark on the competition after she persuaded producers to change the ages of the judging categories. An X Factor spokesman told the media that "At Nicole's suggestion, and agreed by Simon and Louis, the boys' and girls' category age limit has been increased to 28. The judges believe this will strengthen the competition and talent."^[88] Additionally, it was reported that Scherzinger would be asked to help Cowell or Walsh during the "judges' houses" stages of the competition where each judge is given a category of acts to mentor and then, with the help of other celebrities and musicians, they choose three acts to take through the live finals.^[89] However, this proved to be wrong as Walsh chose Sharon Osbourne and Cowell chose Sinitta.

On May 5, 2011, Scherzinger was announced as one of two co-hosts of the first season of Cowell's U.S. version of The X Factor alongside Steve Jones. On June 6, a Fox press release announced Scherzinger would replace Cheryl Cole, whose contract had been terminated. As a result, Scherzinger joined the judging panel alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul, and L.A. Reid, leaving Jones to host The X Factor by himself. The show premiered on Fox on September 21, 2011.^[90] Scherzinger mentored the Over 30s category throughout season one where her most successful act was Josh Krajick who came second overall in the competition. During the Judges' Houses stage of the competition, Scherzinger was aided by friend and fellow artist Enrique Iglesias to help decide which of her acts should go through to the Live Shows stage. Her Judges' Houses location was in Malibu, California. Scherzinger created immense controversy on the show when her vote was put to deadlock and the the public vote sent home contestant Rachel Crow on December 8, 2011. Scherzinger also faced backlash from the millions of fans watching the show. A source said: Nicole was ­hysterical ­backstage, screaming "I can’t do this anymore." She has also told producers she was terrified to leave her house due to death threats as she was visibly upset by the result. When Steve Jones asked Scherzinger if she had anything to say, she shook her head and turned away, and she was booed by the audience for taking the vote to deadlock.^[91][92]

On January 30, 2012, it was confirmed that Scherzinger would not return to The X Factor along with host Steve Jones and fellow judge Paula Abdul due to Cowell and FOX deciding not to renew their contracts.^[93]

On May 29, 2012, it was officially confirmed that Scherzinger will return to The X Factor as a judge for the London Auditions.^[94]

Artistry[link]

Influences[link]

Scherzinger's style has been influenced by rock n' roll ever since her start in the business. She claims that she prefers wearing a "grown up" style of clothing including leather jackets and boots, which can be seen on her very first solo tour. When asked about her trend, she told People: "My style has evolved into being a little bit more grown up. It's rock 'n' roll inspired, but chic. Glam rock." She also added: "If I wear a lace dress, I throw on a leather jacket to toughen things up, or some crazy boots. "I like dresses that are sassy, but have clean lines."^[95]

Scherzinger's idol, Houston.

Scherzinger biggest influence on music has been Whitney Houston. When Scherzinger was growing up, she received a Christmas gift at the age of six. It was a tiny purple boombox and a cassette of Whitney Houston’s chart-topping 1985 self-titled debut album. "My parents had no money, but they got me this player and Whitney’s album, which had ‘Greatest Love of All’ on it," Scherzinger recalls. "That was it for me. From that moment on I wanted to sing. Her voice was so powerful; every note she sang just felt like the truth."^[2] Her other musical influences are Tina Turner, Prince and Michael Jackson.^[96] Scherzinger has also revealed to BANG Showbiz that, "music was a very big part of her inspiration for the character" she plays in her upcoming film debut, Men In Black 3. She said, "I listened to my heavier music and I listened to Led Zeppelin and I kind of got in that frame of mind because music is what inspires me most. I worked with my acting coach a lot and she told me about lots of crazy things to think about while I was in character, but I better not tell you what she said."^[97]

Scherzinger also cites fellow The X Factor USA judge Paula Abdul as one of her biggest influences when she was young. When she spoke of sitting beside Abdul on the judging panel in 2011 she said 'it's really a dream come true for me'.

Public image[link]

Scherzinger admits it's "frustrating" to read about the media's portrayal of her as "a man-eater". Scherzinger split from Lewis Hamilton back in October 2011, and has since been linked to a number of different men, but insists none of the rumours are true. "It annoys me," Nicole told Look magazine. "I'm a very classy girl. I have very strong morals."I've only dated a few men in my life, so to read the news that I've got a new guy every week, it makes me look like I'm easily distracted or that any guy can have me, I'm not like that." Nicole added: "I'm not a man-eater, I'm quite the opposite."^[98]

After appearing as a judge on The X Factor, Scherzinger’s public image has declined, though it has undoubtedly raised her profile. She has confessed, "the elimination process has been really hard… it’s something I could have never prepared for." She has also received death threats after being on the show. Scherzinger said, "To get death threats is like, really scary for me. I was like, 'Now America is going to blame this on me, and it's not in my heart!" Scherzinger went to a deadlock after finding it hard to choose between Marcus Canty and Crow, forcing producers to send Crow home. Upon finding out she was going home, Crow collapsed on the stage. After the emotional moment, Scherzinger revealed, "Rachel came into the room and she was a little angel. She said, 'I'm okay. Everything will be okay."^[99]

Personal life[link]

Scherzinger considers herself to be a devout Roman Catholic.^[100] After a three-year relationship and engagement to 311 singer, Nick Hexum, as well as a brief relationship with reality TV star, Talan Torriero, Scherzinger began dating 2008 Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton in 2008. She had met Hamilton at the European Music Awards in Munich in November 2007. They went public at the Monaco Grand Prix six months later. The couple split in January 2010 when they had been together for 20 months. However, in July 2011 Scherzinger’s father, Alfonso Valiente, confirmed the couple were engaged. On October 21, 2011 it was reported that the couple had split again. Scherzinger and Hamilton continued seeing each other, confirmed their reunion on December 2, 2011. The couple blamed their hectic lifestyles for the on-off relationship.^{[101][102][103]}

Over the past five years, Scherzinger has been ranked in Maxim's Hot 100 at 22 and 21 in 2006 and 2007 respectively. In 2008 she ranked at number 19 along with the Pussycat Dolls. In 2009 she ranked at number 49^[104] and in 2010 at number 24.^[105] In 2011, Scherzinger was ranked at 51.^[106]

Discography[link]

As a Pussycat Doll

• PCD (2005)
• Doll Domination (2008)

As a solo artist

• Killer Love (2011)

Tours[link]

As a Pussycat Doll

• Honda Civic Tour (2006)
• Back to Basics Tour (2007)
• PCD World Tour (2006–2007)
• Doll Domination Tour (2009)
• The Circus Starring Britney Spears (2009)
• World Domination (The Re-Visit) (2009)

As a solo artist

• Killer Love Tour (2012)

Filmography[link]

Television[link]

Films[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]