Nicole Scherzinger Powers Through Pussycat Dolls Tour Despite Burns, Band Setbacks
The singer performed in London shortly after sustaining burns, joining bandmates who have also faced injuries and tour difficulties.
Nicole Scherzinger performed with the Pussycat Dolls in London's O2 Arena on Tuesday, several weeks after sustaining significant burns from spilling boiling water on her leg. The 48-year-old singer showcased her flexibility while performing in a sparkly bikini, demonstrating a commitment to continuing the show despite her injury.
The Pussycat Dolls' reunion tour has been marked by numerous challenges since its September launch. Alongside Scherzinger's burn, bandmate Kimberly Wyatt has been recovering from hip surgery, and Ashley Roberts experienced distress before a solo performance. These incidents add to a series of setbacks that have plagued the group's comeback.
Even before the tour commenced, the group faced controversy with the exclusion of founding members Carmit Bachar, Jessica Sutta, and Melody Thornton. The announcement of their return in March included the release of their first new single in six years, "Club Song." However, the group was forced to cancel the entire North American leg of their comeback tour due to poor ticket sales.
Initially, Scherzinger, Wyatt, and Roberts had planned a 53-date tour across the UK, Europe, and North America. The band ultimately scrapped 33 dates in the U.S. and Canada after arenas were reportedly 80% empty. Despite attempts to lower ticket prices to $30, organizers canceled the North American shows a month before their scheduled start.
The band announced the decision via Instagram, stating, "After taking an honest look at the North American run, we've made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to cancel all but one of the North America dates." They emphasized that their UK and European dates were proceeding as planned and that the response had been strong, with several shows selling out. The group expressed their dedication to creating a show that celebrates their music and memories for their fans.
The tour began in Copenhagen in September, followed by dates in Paris, Warsaw, and the UK.
In addition to injuries and sales issues, the tour has encountered technical difficulties. During a show in Poland, a reported technical issue or wardrobe malfunction prevented Scherzinger from performing during their hit song "Buttons." This left Wyatt and Roberts performing the choreography without lead vocals, creating an awkward moment for the audience and leading to fan speculation on social media about why other members or former members did not fill in.
