Nicole Scherzinger
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Nicole Scherzinger | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente |
| Born | June 29, 1978 Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2001–present |
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Scherzinger's long-delayed debut solo album, Killer Love (2011), incorporated elements of eurodance and club pop music. Although not major hits on the American charts, its singles "Don't Hold Your Breath" and "Right There" 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.
Throughout a career spanning 13 years, she has sold 16 million records as a solo artist,[1] and a further 50 million with Pussycat Dolls[2] making the latter one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.[3] Outside of her work in the entertainment industry, Scherzinger is involved in charitable activities through human rights, world issues, and her work as an ambassador for the Special Olympics.
Contents
Early life
Scherzinger was born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente in Honolulu, Hawaii, into a staunchly Roman Catholic family.[4][5] Her father, Alfonso Valiente,[6] is of Filipino descent,[7] and her mother, Rosemary Elikolani, is of Hawaiian[8] and Russian[9] descent.[10] Her mother was eighteen at the time of Scherzinger's birth and lived in an inner city neighborhood.[11] Scherzinger's parents separated when she was still a baby. When she was six years old, her maternal family moved to Louisville, Kentucky,[12] with her sister, Keala, and her German American stepfather, Gary Scherzinger.[13][14] She took her stepfather's surname after he adopted her.[12] 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.[12] As a teenager, Scherzinger was the first runner-up at the 1996 Kentucky State Fair's Coca-Cola Talent Classic contest.[12] In college, Scherzinger majored in musical theatre at Wright State University, where she had a role in Chicago and in Show Boat.[15] She then put her studies in art on hold in 1999 to sing backing vocals for the rock band, Days of the New.[16] Band leader Travis Meeks claims that after touring for the album, the two grew apart creatively and that despite being an "amazing entertainer," she "didn’t seem to understand music very well."[16]Career
2000–03: Early career beginnings and Eden's Crush
By the start of the millennium, Scherzinger left Days of the New in hopes to become a solo artist.[16] In 2001, Scherzinger went on to audition on The WB's television show, Popstars in which she auditioned with Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You".[17] It aired as part of a reality series until the recording of the group's debut album.[18] Warner Bros. and Sire Records signed the group to a recording contract before the band was named and had finalized its membership, due to the hours of network television exposure the group would receive.[19] Scherzinger won the show as part of the newly established girl group Eden's Crush, in which she was one of the lead vocalists for the group.[17] The group released their first single "Get Over Yourself", which charted at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100,[17] and number one in physical sales.[20] It also reached the top of the charts on the Canadian Billboard Hot 100.[20] They later went on to tour with 'N Sync and Jessica Simpson.[17] In 2002, the band's record company, London-Sire Records, went bankrupt, and the group split.[21] With hopes of scoring a solo recording contract, in August 2003 Scherzinger traveled to the Arista Records office in New York with a demo CD of her own written material.[22] Her performance was interrupted by a citywide blackout and she was forced to leave.[22]Following her short career with Eden's Crush, Scherzinger subsequently 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.[23] Scherzinger also 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.[24] Scherzinger met Nick Hexum of rock band 311 backstage at a Days of the New concert.[25] They became engaged however ended ties shortly after.[25] During this time, will.i.am approached Scherzinger to become a member of The Black Eyed Peas, but Hexum forced her to decline as he controlled her entire career to try to make her a solo artist.[26]
2004–07: The Pussycat Dolls
Main article: The Pussycat Dolls
Scherzinger had seen The Pussycat Dolls, a burlesque troupe, performing on the Late Show with David Letterman, where Carmen Electra sang "Big Spender" from the Bob Fosse musical Sweet Charity.[15] She auditioned for the group when they were re-cast as recording artists.[27] She was given the position as lead vocalist for the group and also s solo recording contract.[28] The group's debut album, PCD was released in September 2005 with several dance-pop songs interlacing their burlesque style,[29] while the second half of the album contain tributes and covers.[30] The group became one of the top-selling artists in 2006, while the album appeared at number twelve on the Billboard 200 year-end chart that year.[31] The album was certified double-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA),[32] and sold 3 million copes in the United States.[33][34] To date, PCD has sold 10 million copies worldwide.[35][36]Scherzinger initially generated much controversy over the provocative and sexual image of the band, notably upon the release of their debut single.[37] Despite the negative criticism, "Don't Cha" was a global commercial success, reaching number one in multiple countries,[38] and number two on the Billboard Hot 100.[39] It has sold more than 7 million copies, making it one of the best selling singles of all time.[40][41] The group's second single, "Stickwitu" was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group, but lost.[42] Interscope Records asked Snoop Dogg to be part of their fourth single "Buttons" to add two new verses.[43] It became a worldwide hit reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100,[44] and top five elsewhere.[45] Two final singles would be released from the album, "I Don't Need a Man" and "Wait a Minute" and both reached moderate success.[46] The group was selected to perform for the introduction for ABC's coverage of the NBA.[47] They also toured with The Black Eyed Peas on their Honda Civic Tour,[48] and Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour in 2006.[49]
With the success of the group's debut album, it brought Scherzinger into the media spotlight, which resulted in a series of duets and guest vocals with many male vocalists.[50] Scherzinger collaborated with Diddy on "Come to Me" which became Scherzinger's first solo top-ten hit on Billboard Hot 100 and Diddy's best selling single from the album in the US.[51] Scherzinger's first recording during her solo career, "Whatever U Like" featuring T.I. was released as the album's lead single.[52] Following the poor commercial success of the song,[53] "Baby Love" was released as the second single on September 18, 2007.[54] It peaked in the top twenty in thirteen countries, including Germany, Italy, Ireland and the United Kingdom.[55] After the release of "Baby Love", Scherzinger had planned to release her debut solo album in late 2007.[56] However, as a result of a majority of the singles charting poorly in the US,[57] Scherzinger decided not to release any further singles from the album and at Scherzinger's request, Her Name Is Nicole was shelved.[58] However, confirmed by label executives, this was put on hold so she could concentrate on recording with The Pussycat Dolls on their next studio album.[59] Two promotional singles were released from the album — "Supervillain" and "Puakenikeni" respectively and also both failed to chart.[60]
2008–10: Doll Domination and TV work
On April 5, 2009, Scherzinger performed the American national anthem at Wrestlemania XXV, at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.[66] Following A.R. Rahman's expected win at the 2009 Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score for "Jai Ho" and its soudtrack from Slumdog Millionaire,[67] Scherzinger was asked to re-write and make a pop version of the song while on tour with the group.[68] The song was entitled "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" and Scherzinger was credited as a featured artist causing an internal strife within the group.[69] The song reached number one in 17 countries and established Scherzinger as a solo artist.[69] In the United States, it peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100, after charging eighty-five places consequentially making the largest weekly leap from number 100.[70] After the tour concluded in August 2009, the group announced a hiatus to further pursue solo careers.[71] In December 2009, Scherzinger was announced as the third judge joining Ben Folds and Boyz II Men band member Shawn Stockman on the first season of, The Sing-Off. The show was hosted by singer Nick Lachey.[72] She returned for the second season before being replaced by Sara Bareilles.[73]
In January 2010, Scherzinger began the recording and writing process for her solo album.[74] Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Scherzinger along with other artists, Scherzinger had recorded "We Are the World 25 for Haiti", which benefited people affected by the tragedy.[75] In March 2010, it was announced that Scherzinger would be a celebrity contestant on the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars partnering with Derek Hough.[76] Scherzinger ultimately won the competition which concluded in May.[77] She later attempted to launch her debut album for a second time, with a brand new "rock, funk, soul edge" sound, and a brand new single "Nobody Can Change Me".[78] In June 2010, Scherzinger became the next celebrity after Pixie Lott to be selected as guest judge on the seventh series of The X Factor UK whilst Dannii Minogue was on maternity leave and appeared at the Manchester auditions alongside Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh.[79] She eventually stood in for Cheryl Cole during the bootcamp stages.[80] Meanwhile, following the departure of the four members, Scherzinger announced that she quit The Pussycat Dolls to pursue her solo career.[81]
2011–13: Killer Love and The X Factor UK
In February 2012, Scherzinger emabarked on The Killer Love Tour, her first solo tour, visiting 6 venues.[91] In May 2012, Scherzinger continued her acting career portraying Lily Poison, the main antagonist girlfriend in the comedy film, Men in Black 3.[92] The film spent its first weekend atop the US box office and grossed $624 million worldwide.[93] On 30 May, Scherzinger returned for the ninth series of The X Factor UK as a guest judge for the London auditions alongside Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos due to a permanent judge was not found in time before the auditions following Kelly Rowland's departure from the show. On 15 June, it was announced that Scherzinger would join the show as a full-time judge with a reported salary of £750,000 ($1.17 million).[94] Scherzinger mentored the Boys category; both of her acts, James Arthur and Jahméne Douglas reached the final with Arthur winning the series.[95] At the same time, on an episode of Behind the Music Scherzinger revealed that she endured an eight-year-long battle with bulimia.[96]
On February 23, 2013, Scherzinger was honored by the Harvard Foundation as "2013 Artist of the Year" for her contributions in performing arts, support for breast cancer research and initiatives for adults and children with special needs.[97] In March 2013, Scherzinger released "Boomerang" which debuted and peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart.[98] Aside from will.i.am producing "Boomerang", Scherzinger appeared on "Far Away from Home" for his fourth studio album, #willpower and provided additional vocals on the song "Smile Mona Lisa".[99] On May 23, 2013, Scherzinger was confirmed as a returning judge for the tenth series of The X Factor UK for £1.5 million ($2.5 million) alongside Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and original judge Sharon Osbourne, who replaced Tulisa Contostavlos.[100]
2014: Upcoming second studio album
In January 2014, it was reported that Scherzinger landed a $4.5 million recording deal with Sony Records.[101] It was later confirmed that Scherzinger left her long-time label, Interscope, for Sony's UK imprint label, RCA Records.[102] The as-of-yet untitled album will be executive produced by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Terius "The-Dream" Nash. Scherzinger also duetted with Sam Bailey on the track "And I Am Telling You", for the latter's debut album, The Power of Love (2014).[103] Meanwhile, Simon Cowell confirmed that Scherzinger would not return as a judge on The X Factor.[104] On May 23, 2014, it was confirmed that Scherzinger's new single, "Your Love" would premiere on radio on May 29, followed by a commercial release on July 13; it will be the singer's first single since signing her contract with RCA.[105][106][107]Artistry
Further information: List of songs recorded by Nicole Scherzinger
Musical style and voice
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A sample of "Poison"'s pulsating chorus, where accompanied by a toxic beat, Scherzinger sings about "bad-girl power" and "poisonous intentions".[108]
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She has received co-writing credits for multiple songs she's recorded for The Pussycat Dolls and her own solo efforts.[118] Her early songs were female-empowerment themed compositions like "I Don't Need a Man" and "Hush Hush" and transitioned to more mature "break-up" anthems such as "Don't Hold Your Breath".[119] Scherzinger has also received co-writing credits for some of the records in which she has been involved, especially during her solo efforts. She has also been involved in the vocal arrangement and vocal production of a few songs she's written.[120]
Scherzinger's songs are written from personal experiences, as she said thay are "personal and heartfelt" tracks.[121] She co-wrote the majority of her first studio album, Killer Love.[119] Scherzinger's songs have been described as "sexual innuendo"[122] and "funky electronica"[123] which are also backed by "electro beats".[124] In August 2010, RedOne revealed that he was working on Scherzinger's debut album, stating: "I just finished her album. Her last one never came out because it wasn't consistent. Her new record – it's the real her."[125] Scherzinger said a lot of her first studio album was about her split with Lewis Hamilton before they reunited.[126] Scherzinger said that she wanted to create songs which "lend themselves to live performances".[127] She said she likes to record "empowering" ballads.[128] Scherzinger's vocals on ballads have been compared to Kelly Clarkson.[113] She said that she wanted her debut album to be "in your face and strong".[129] 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."[130]
Influences
Public image
Scherzinger is most recognized as the voice behind The Pussycat Dolls.[15][139] As a former member of the group, Scherzinger is the most successful as a solo artist,[140][141] having sold 16 million records, thus far.[1] Negative press appeared in which her music,[114] music videos, performances[142] and her image were unfavorably compared to those of Beyoncé.[143] In 2006, while on tour, Scherzinger ran into trouble in Kuala Lumpur with the authorities for sexually explicit dancing.[144] Her performance, part of the PCD World Tour, was not well received in the Muslim state which frowned upon the "eye-popping attire" and "sexually suggestive stage routines" and she was fined $3000 for the incident.[144] Scherzinger later admitted that she cried when she saw the first outfit she would have to wear as a member of the band.[145]Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly took a major swipe at at Scherzinger for her role as lead singer. Watson said, "there are two kinds of girl groups: those anchored by a superstar (The Supremes, Destiny's Child), and those made up of charismatic personalities endowed with limited individual gifts (Spice Girls, TLC). The Pussycat Dolls are neither — they're a brand, not a band. This follow-up to 2005's multiplatinum PCD finds lead Doll Nicole Scherzinger in the spotlight, and she's no Beyoncé. As for the others, well... can you name them? Do you even know how many there are?"[143] Scherzinger has claimed that she was responsible for both lead and backing vocals on the group's songs, with hardly anything sung by the other members.[146] She commented, "...people don't even know the story. I was in the center because I was singing. I was the one singing."[147] Jessica Sutta has also been vocal towards her feelings as a "glorified backup dancer" in the group. She slammed Scherzinger saying, "Nicole is a star, and she wanted to be treated like one. The Pussycat Dolls were Nicole's world, and everything that Nicole says goes."[148]
Scherzinger is also a supporter of gay rights.[149] On November 24, 2012, Scherzinger posed for a "Some People Are Gay, Get Over It" T-shirt, part of a campaign from Stonewall, in support of same-sex marriage.[150] Scherzinger's popularity within the gay community increased due to her work the Pussycat Dolls.[151] One of the songs written by Scherzinger, "I Don't Need a Man", was dedicated to all of her gay fans.[151] She explained: "Whoever I could inspire, I wanted to inspire them. It’s about the messages of empowerment and loving yourself for who you are."[151] Scherzinger is also very vocal when it comes to bullying.[152] She believes in acceptance and recalls receiving knock backs and the message of her music releases show how she dealt with them.[153]
She admits it is "frustrating" to read about the media's portrayal of her as "a man-eater".[154] Scherzinger has been linked to a number of different men, but insists none of the rumors are true.[154][154] In July 2013, Scherzinger posed semi-nude for a "Protect the Skin You're In" T-shirt, part of a campaign by fashion designer Marc Jacobs to raise awareness and cash for melanoma research.[155] All sales benefit the NYU Cancer Institute and NYU Langone Medical Center.[156] The outfits she wore as a Pussycat Doll and sexual dance moves they performed has continued ever since she embarked on her solo career.[157] Scherzinger said: "I think I am able to handle myself in a good manner and hopefully I’m a positive role model for other girls out there. I think my style is a little edgier now."[158][159] Scherzinger also wore the very first Twitter dress at the EE launch party.[160] In 2012, Scherzinger was ranked number one on Complex's "Hottest Singing Competition Winners Worldwide".
Legacy
Scherzinger's television and music video impact has also been acknowledged in pop culture where she is known for her music videos, which often incorporate themes and dance breaks.[166] Critics generally favor Scherzinger's intricate choreography.[167] She is considered a sex symbol through her music videos.[168] The music video for "Don't Cha" has been noted for being "iconic".[169] Andrew Unterberger of Billboard said, "It was inevitable that the song and video would become massive, and become massive they did, with the song heating up the Hot 100 chart and the video establishing the group as mainstays on MTV for many subsequent videos to come."[169] "Buttons" is also regarded as one of the most sexiest videos ever by media outlets such as AOL Music,[170] MuchMusic,[171][172] Fuse,[173] and VH1.[174] Simon Cowell praised Scherzinger's performance ability, respectively calling her "one of the best live performers I've ever seen" and "if you want an example of how you do it right... its Nicole. It's focus, performance, vocals...".[175] American recording artist Lady Gaga has been influenced by Scheriznger's role in the Pussycat Dolls saying, "There's something that's very humbling about being able to work with a powerhouse group like that. Probably the biggest influence that they've had on me is making me want to be a better writer."[176]
Scherzinger has also accomplished a string of hit singles. "Don't Cha" has sold more than 7 million copies, making it one of the best selling singles of all time.[40] It was included on VH1's list of Greatest Songs of '00s.[177] The Official Charts Company listed "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" and "Don't Cha" at number thirty-nine and five, as of the most downloaded song since its launch, respectively.[178] The former created a milestone for Billboard Hot 100 with a biggest single-week upward movement in the lifetime of the chart.[70] "Jai Ho! (You are My Destiny)" and "Don't Cha" are both two of the best-selling songs in Australia and in the United Kingdom as of July 2009.[179] "Don't Cha" was also featured in VH1's I Love the 2000s in 2014.[180]
Scherzinger has received many accolades throughout her career. Rolling Stone recognized her instant success as one of the best dancing musicians ranking her ninth in the world.[181] VH1 included her as one of the 100 Greatest Women in Music in 2012.[182] Billboard also ranked Scherzinger as one of the best selling acts of the 2000−09 decade.[183] In February 2013, Scherzinger was honored by the Harvard Foundation as "2013 Artist of the Year" for her contributions in performing arts, support for breast cancer research and initiatives for adults and children with special needs.[97] In April 2013, she was awarded with the "Outstanding Achievement in Music Award" at The Asian Awards for "inspiring achievements in the fields of business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy and popular arts and culture".[184][185] She has been hailed as one of the sexiest artists.[186][187] In 2013, Fuse included Scherzinger on the list of 50 Girls Who Run The World,[188] and the Top 100 Pop Breakthroughs.[189]
She also made The X Factor history as the first judge to have worked on the US and UK shows.[190][191] In season nine of the show, all three acts in Scherzinger's category made it to the final five, the first time this has happened in the history of The X Factor.[192] She also had both lasting contestants in the final show.[192] Scherzinger has also been praised by several musicians and celebrities such as Travis Payne,[193] Ne-Yo,[194] Paula Walker,[195] Marcus Collins,[196][197] Amelia Lily[198] Jahmene Douglas,[199] James Arthur,[200][201] Union J,[202] Simon Cowell,[175] Louis Walsh,[175] Andrew Lloyd Webber,[203] Niall Horan,[204] Il Divo,[205] and others.
Other ventures
Products and endorsements
Scherzinger had re-recorded "Don't Cha" in Simlish for inclusion in the computer game The Sims 2: Pets.[206] In Brazil, Nicole Scherzinger released in April 2010, a line of products for C&A, she traveled the country, to promote the launch, where he participated in press conferences, and recordings of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.[207][208][209] She has also recorded a version of "GoldenEye" — the theme song of the 1995 Bond film GoldenEye — for the 2010 video game GoldenEye 007. She also appeared in character form in the computer game Asphalt: Urban GT 2 in November 2006. Scherzinger's solo and Pussycat Dolls songs have been featured in an array of dance and singing games including — Just Dance 2 , Zumba Fitness 2, Get Up and Dance, Everybody Dance, Just Dance: Greatest Hits and SingStar.[citation needed] In 2010, she made a commercial for the C&A campaign.[210] In December 2011, Scherzinger began endorsing the imPress Nails manicure line and has her own signature series.[211][212]From 2012 to 2014, Scherzinger was the ambassador for Herbal Essences.[213] In March 2013, Scherzinger was announced as an ambassador for British Airways promoting first class routes to Moscow.[214] In April 2013, it was announced that Scherzinger will be the face of Müller Corner, a range of luxury yogurts and front TV and print campaigns.[215] In March 2014, Scherzinger designed and released her very own clothing line for the fashion company Missguided and can be seen on their website.[216]
Acting and musical theatre
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. 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. Scherzinger portrayed Lily Poison in the film Men in Black 3, released May 25, 2012.[92] 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.[217]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.[15] She put her studies on hold in 1999 to sing backing vocals for the rock band, Days of the New.[16] 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.[218] 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 Friday April 1, 2011.[219] 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 December 5, 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 December 14, 2011.[220]
In June 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. She played the role from August 6–8, 2010.[221] Playbill confirmed Scherzinger as a cast member in Two Lost Worlds, a musical billed as "an epic tale of an ancient people saved by one woman." The musical was presented July 31, 2012 at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City.[222]
On March 31, 2013, Scherzinger performed "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" for an Andrew Lloyd Webber televised program.[223] The performance was met with critical acclaim. In May 2013, Scherzinger endowed the Youth Performing Arts School at duPont Manual High School with a $2,000 scholarship named after herself, titled the "Nicole Scherzinger Performing Arts Scholarship".[224]
Philanthropy
In February 2012, Scherzinger attended the third annual Women in Music event which benefited the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Early in the evening a check for $30,000 was presented to VH1 Save The Music on behalf.[228][229] Scherzinger has said that she occasionally visits associations for adults with special needs.[230] Scherzinger says she enjoys her charitable endeavors so much, the work has ceased to be selfless and become a mere pursuit of her own pleasure, "I don't know if it's selfish because I get so much fulfillment out of it, but it excites me to be with special-needs kids and families. My aunt has Down's syndrome so it's very close to my heart," says Scherzinger.[230] Inspired by her aunt who suffers from Down syndrome, she hopes to give disabled kids a special place to sing and learn to play instruments.[231]
In March 2013, Scherzinger contributed to Comic Relief, which aims to "bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of poor and disadvantaged people, which [we] believe requires investing in work that addresses people's immediate needs as well as tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice".[232][233] Scherzinger has also contributed to human trafficking charities such as the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking where, in May 2013, she participated in the "From Slavery to Freedom" event to raise money.[234] Most recently, Scherzinger has shown support for the Special Olympics at a tea party for British athletes.[235] Scherzinger was also featured on the 2013 edition "A Very Special Christmas" with all proceeds benefiting the organization.[236] Also, on November 14, 2013, Scherzinger was named the global ambassador of the Special Olympics.[237][238][239] On November 14, 2013, Scherzinger contributed to the Children in Need Rocks Manchester organization.[240] On November 20, 2013, Scherzinger was honored with the "Global Gift Philanthropist Award" at the Global Gift Gala for her contributions.[241]
Personal life
From 2007 to 2010, Scherzinger was in a relationship with Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton.[242] In January 2010, it was announced that Hamilton and Scherzinger had split up.[243] The couple reunited until another split in 2011 due to conflicting work schedules. They reportedly reunited again in January 2012, but by July 2013 they had once more ended the relationship but got back together again in March 2014 [244][245]In 2012, Scherzinger publicly revealed her eight-year struggle with bulimia, explaining how during her time in the Pussycat Dolls, "I just hated myself. I was in a group but I never felt so alone in my life... I never did drugs, but hurting myself was my addiction. The music is what saved me. That's the only thing I can trust."[246][247] Paula Abdul applauded Scherzinger for overcoming her bulimia addiction.[248]
The X Factor controversies
In week 7 of The X Factor US, L.A. Reid voted to eliminate contestant Rachel Crow from the show over Marcus Canty, who had two votes; Scherzinger, not wanting to send either home, cast the second vote for Rachel, which took the results to deadlock. Immediately after the public results were revealed and Crow was eliminated, she collapsed onstage and cried inconsolably. Steve Jones asked Scherzinger whether she had anything to say, but she was too upset to respond and shook her head and turned away.[249] Scherzinger was booed off the stage and rumors spread that her future on the show was now in jeopardy.[250] She subsequently received death threats from some viewers, to which fellow judge Simon Cowell defended her, saying "If there are death threats and stuff like that, it's crazy. Nicole is not a vindictive person."[251] According to an interview with People Magazine, Scherzinger admitted feeling regrets voting Crow off the show and felt like she let her down. "When I saw that look on her face [I felt] that I let her down, like I dropped her. I could have been holding on and I dropped her," Scherzinger told People.[252] On September 30, 2012, Scherzinger decided to put Rylan Clark through to live shows on The X Factor UK, which caused controversy for both.[253]Discography
Main articles: Nicole Scherzinger discography and List of songs recorded by Nicole Scherzinger
See also: The Pussycat Dolls discography
- Killer Love (2011)
Filmography
Main article: Nicole Scherzinger videography
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | ASCAP Awards Most Performed Songs[254] | "Buttons" (The Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg) | Won |
| 2007 | BMI Urban Awards Award Winning Songs[255] | "Come to Me" (Diddy featuring Nicole Scherzinger) | Won |
| 2007 | Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals | "Stickwitu" | Nominated |
| 2008 | BMI Pop Awards Award Winning Songs[256] | "Buttons" (The Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg) | Won |
| 2009 | MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography | "Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)" (A.R. Rahman & The Pussycat Dolls) | Nominated |
| 2010 | Pop Justice Readers' Poll Shoddiest Pop Video[257] | "Poison" | Nominated |
| 2010 | Pop Justice Readers' Poll Best Comeback[257] | Herself | Nominated |
| 2010 | Pop Justice Readers' Poll Worst Attempt at Launching a Solo Career[257] | Herself | Nominated |
| 2010 | Virgin Media Music Award Hottest Look[258] | Herself | Nominated |
| 2011 | Pop Justice Readers' Poll Worst Attempt at Launching a Solo Career[259] | Herself | Nominated |
| 2011 | TRL Awards Best Look[260] | Herself | Nominated |
| 2011 | 4Music Video Honours Best Girl[261][262] | Herself | Nominated |
| 2011 | 4Music Video Honours Best Video | "Don't Hold Your Breath" | Nominated |
| 2011 | 4Music Video Honours Best Video | "Right There" | Nominated |
| 2012 | Cosmopolitan Fun, Fearless Female of the Year[263] | Herself | Won |
| 2012 | Pop Justice Readers' Poll Worst Attempt at Launching a Solo Career[264] | Herself | Nominated |
| 2012 | Pop Justice Readers' Poll Didn't Have it, Found it in 2012 | Herself | Nominated |
| 2012 | Teen Choice Award for Scene Stealer Female | Men in Black 3 | Nominated |
| 2013 | Social Television Award Music Award[265] | "Boomerang" | Won |
| 2013 | The Asian Awards Outstanding Achievement in Music[266] | Herself | Won |
| 2013 | Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year[97] | Herself | Won |
| 2013 | Glamour Awards TV Personality | Herself | Won |
| 2013 | Global Gift Gala Philanthropist Award[267] | Herself | Won |
| 2013 | Cosmopolitan TV Personality[268] | Herself | Won |
| 2014 | World Music Awards Best Female Artist[269] | Herself | Pending |
| 2014 | World Music Awards Best Song[270] | Fino all'estasi (Eros Ramazzotti featuring Nicole Scherzinger) | Pending |
Tours
- The Killer Love Tour (2012)
See also
- Honorific nicknames in popular music
- List of Top 50 Australian chart achievements and trivia
- List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones
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