Doll Domination (2008)

Doll Domination is the second studio album by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls. It was released on September 19, 2008, by Interscope Records. The album's release was preceded by the departure of the group's longest-standing member Carmit Bachar. Its production commenced in early 2008, employing previous collaborators Sean Garrett, Polow da Don and Timbaland, as well as Rodney Jerkins, J-Roc and Chase N. Cashe. Polow da Don, R. Kelly and Snoop Dogg also make guest performances on the album. Several songs on Doll Domination were originally recorded for the lead singer Nicole Scherzinger's shelved solo debut album, Her Name Is Nicole, which was shelved after the under-performance of its preceding singles.

Primarily a pop, dance and R&B album that also blend elements of hip hop, electropop and soul music with lyrics that tackle fame, sexuality and relationships. The majority of the album's lead vocals were provided by Scherzinger with support from Melody Thornton, whilst the remaining group members are only credited for background vocals. Upon release, Doll Domination received mixed reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 becoming the group's highest-charting album. It experienced similar peaks in international territories, debuting at number three in Canada and number four in Australia and on the United Kingdom albums chart. Doll Domination was later reissued in multiple versions throughout 2009. The album was supported with a world tour titled Doll Domination Tour in 2009.

The album was preceded by the release of the US Billboard Hot 100 top-ten single "When I Grow Up" and the UK top-ten hit "Whatcha Think About That" (featuring Missy Elliott). Other successful singles were "I Hate This Part", "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)", and "Hush Hush; Hush Hush", all of which reached the top ten in numerous countries worldwide. Although "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" became a number-one hit in Australia, Ireland, Finland, among other countries, the single caused tension within the group as Scherzinger was billed as a featured artist. Despite their commercial success, unhappiness of Scherzinger's spotlight and prominence within the group grew leading to a public outburst by Thornton during the tour. In early 2010, the group disbanded to pursue solo projects, before reforming in 2019 with the promise of new music. In 2019, the R. Kelly collaboration "Out of This Club" was removed from digital retailers and streaming services, following the airing of the Surviving R. Kelly documentary and subsequent abuse allegations against the singer.

Background

The Pussycat Dolls debut album PCD (2005) was a commercial success, selling seven million copies worldwide, and includes their breakthrough single "Don't Cha". The album's success established the group as a viable act in the music industry, earning them a reputation among the century's few breakout successes. This helped the groups' brand and their label Interscope Records to expand into various business avenues which include lines of makeup, perfumes, and television. The Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll premiered in March 2007 with the aim to add a seventh member to the group. Asia Nitollano ultimately won the competition but quit shortly after the finale to pursue a solo career.

Meanwhile, lead singer Nicole Scherzinger was preparing to launch her solo career via the release of her debut album, Her Name is Nicole. It was tentatively set for June 2007. The album was met with multiple delays due to poor commercial reception of its singles. Several other members ventured into works outside the group. Ashley Roberts made her film debut in Make It Happen (2008), Jessica Sutta collaborated with Dave Audé ("Make It Last") and Paul van Dyk ("White Lies"), and Melody Thornton was featured on Jibbs' single "Go Too Far". In March 2008, Carmit Bachar announced via the group's website that she had left the group intending to pursue a solo career. At the time of her departure, she had been the longest member of the group, joining in 1995 when they were a burlesque act. On March 10, they performed for the first time without Bachar for the Operation MySpace concert which honored US troops stationed in Kuwait.