Pussycat Dolls (abbreviated to PCD) are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995 as a burlesque troupe based in Los Angeles. After attracting national attention, Antin eventually negotiated a record deal with Interscope Records in 2003 turning the group into a music franchise, comprising Nicole Scherzinger alongside Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt and Carmit Bachar. Since then Pussycat Dolls have developed a global image and commercial brand overseen by Antin, Interscope and various partners. Success as a music group came in 2005 with their first album PCD which debuted at number five in the US producing three successful singles "Don't Cha", "Buttons", and "Stickwitu"; the latter earned the group a Grammy Award nomination.

Following the departure of Carmit Bachar in March 2008, the group continued as a quintet and in September of that year they released their second album, Doll Domination, spawning singles "When I Grow Up", "I Hate This Part" and "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)". Throughout their rise to fame, Pussycat Dolls have been criticized for its overtly sexual image and explicit dance routines. The group has also been scrutinized for the over-emphasis on lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, who sings all lead vocals in the group. In late 2009 / early 2010 the group went on hiatus to record their third album and world tour. It has since been confirmed that Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts have all left the group and that Scherzinger will return with a new line-up and album at the end of 2010 which could still include Melody Thornton.