Nicole Scherzinger (/niˈkoʊl ˈʃɜrzɪŋər/ ni-KOHL SHUR-zing-ər, born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente; June 29, 1978) is an American recording artist, actress and television personality. Following her departure from Eden’s Crush, she auditioned for the burlesque inspired recording group, The Pussycat Dolls and she subsequently signed a contract with Interscope Records. The group’s debut album, PCD (2005) and its follow-up Doll Domination (2008) both experienced commercial success. It was a breakthrough in her career that brought her to widespread prominence. Many of the group’s songs became worldwide hits including “Don’t Cha”, “Stickwitu”, “Buttons”, When I Grow Up”, “I Hate This Part” and “Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)”. However, despite their commercial success, the group was plagued by internal conflict which led to the downfall and disbandment of the group.

Scherzinger’s long-delayed debut solo album, Killer Love (2011), incorporated elements of eurodance and club pop music. Its singles “Don’t Hold Your Breath” and “Right There”, although not major hits on the American charts, became top-ten hits in several countries worldwide. Scherzinger left Interscope Records in late 2013 and signed a multi-million dollar contract with Sony Music Entertainment and RCA Records. 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.