Play Don’t Cha in a club and watch the entire room transform. Suddenly, everyone knows the words, the dance moves come back instinctively, and for a moment, it feels like the 2000s never really left.
That kind of cultural impact doesn’t fade with time. The Pussycat Dolls redefined pop culture with magnetic performances and a visual identity that inspired an entire generation, and Kimberly Wyatt stood at the heart of one of the most iconic girl groups of the 2000s. From performing in the gritty glamour of the Viper Room alongside Johnny Depp to becoming a global music sensation, Wyatt has spent decades shaping the worlds of music, fashion, dance, and female empowerment. But beyond the chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and iconic music videos lies a woman who has continuously evolved as an artist, mentor, mother, and a creative force.
Now, as The Pussycat Dolls prepare to reunite for a global tour, Wyatt reflects on the chaos and magic of the early 2000s, sharing stories of Lady Gaga watching their shows from the crowd before superstardom, Rihanna opening for the group before Umbrella changed everything, and the resilience it took to survive an industry constantly scrutinising women in the spotlight.
In conversation with Noctis, Kimberly Wyatt opens up about fame, fashion, reinvention, and why creating spaces where people feel powerful and free still matters more than ever.
You left Kansas in search of peace and happiness in Los Angeles, and soon found yourself performing at the Viper Room. How did those early experiences shape who you are today as an artist?
I left Missouri to travel to LA because I really love the idea of working in film and television, and as I was doing more films, TV shows and music videos, I met Robin Antin, who is the creator of the Pussycat Dolls. She had this incredible idea of a dance troupe with celebrity guests, something cabaret and burlesque inspired. At the time she lived with Christina Applegate and used her garage to experiment with choreography, costumes, concepts, and ideas before bringing the performances to the Viper Room. That’s really where it all found its first home.
When Johnny Depp saw this performance, he thought it was epic. Christina Applegate was emceeing the night, and he told Robin, ‘You should give this a name.’ That’s when it officially became The Pussycat Dolls. I mean, just being a Pussycat Doll in the very beginning was just amazing because you want to feel empowered, you want to embrace and celebrate your femininity and to be on stage looking your best, looking hot in your heels, stilettos, fishnets and all of that surrounded by badass women, was just a moment in itself and to just know that there is a space for that.
I remember looking out the window and seeing a line around the block and down Sunset Boulevard in the early naughties. Performing at the Viper Room was just amazing. And it was quite a little grotty, small dive club. But what we were able to create, it just completely transformed into a really magical night. And then you’d have icons like Dr. Dre and Justin Timberlake and so many different celebrity guests like Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron, Brittany Murphy, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, becoming part of the Pussycat Dolls. It was just a time of brilliance for women.
And how did you really own that power? Were you also a bit intimidated by these industry icons in the audience?
As far as the performances went, it never really felt intimidating, it felt welcoming and celebratory. And those early Viper Room days had this amazing energy. I think the more challenging part came later as we grew, once we were signed to a record label and launched our music. It definitely taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of protecting my mental wellbeing to continue to have that resilience, to keep going. Because it was intense, it was hard, and a lot was constantly being asked of us. But if I look back, that’s what prepared me for being able to consistently reinvent and always keep going. Determination and resilience are such huge parts of surviving in the entertainment industry.
There was one moment, though, where I genuinely felt overwhelmed, performing at the MTV Video Music Awards. We had huge success with songs like Buttons and When I Grow Up, and winning awards for Best Dance Video was such a major milestone for us. But going on that stage and performing in front of Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Pink, Rihanna and all the icons was when I felt a bit rattled. The Viper Room had always felt like home, but suddenly being surrounded by your heroes, the artists and peers you’ve admired for so long, who inspired you to believe you could do it too, was mega.
Determination and resilience are such huge parts of surviving in the entertainment industry.
What’s the story behind growing up with Johnny Depp and shooting an Indie film with him? How was the whole experience?
Of course, being in the Viper Room meant Johnny Depp was a big part of that world. At the time he was producing, writing and directing this indie film, I think it was set in the 1920s, although I can’t remember exactly, and he wanted the Pussycat Dolls to appear in one of the scenes performing on stage, all dressed, doing a bit of a performance. Then there was this whole sequence where we had to escape the Viper Room and jump into a classic car. The funny part is that, in the final edit, I’m sure it looked incredible, but in reality, the car didn’t even have an engine. We had to jump in, put it into neutral on a hill, and literally let it roll down the hill. So it was just an amazing experience. I mean, you’re working with Johnny Depp. What a legend. He was so sweet, soft spoken and genuinely so lovely. He made the whole experience so incredible. But I’ve never actually seen the indie film and I’m sure the footage is somewhere out there. Johnny, if you’re reading this, I’d still love to see it!
Can you tell us a bit more about how The Pussycat Dolls came to be? What was it like being supported on tour by artists like Lady Gaga and Rihanna and did you have a sense back then that they were going to change pop music so hugely?
The Pussycat Dolls actually had a history long before I joined. The group had already existed for over a decade as this incredible burlesque-inspired dance troupe with twelve performers. Gwen Stefani became part of that world for a while, and she ended up introducing the group to her record label, who absolutely loved the concept. That’s really when things began evolving into what people now know as the Pussycat Dolls, the pop group behind songs like Don’t Cha. And from there, it became what it is today, with Nicole, me, Ashley, Jessica, Carmit, and Melody and we sort of took the world by storm.
Don’t Cha became the song that introduced us to the world. It did feel like an overnight success with that track, with that iconic video, and just to see it go from this underground cabaret burlesque experience into something global, modern, and completely of the moment. And from there we just rode the wave. We toured with the Black Eyed Peas for over a year, our first album exploded, and we were suddenly headlining across Europe. Those experiences were surreal. Rihanna was actually one of our first opening acts, and even back then, there was something undeniably magical about her. I don’t think anyone could have predicted the scale of success she would go on to achieve, not only as an artist, but as a businesswoman too. Looking back now, it’s amazing to think we were even a tiny stepping stone in that journey and what she has created today.
Then, on another tour we had Lady Gaga opening for us around the time Just Dance came out. And honestly, with Gaga, you could immediately feel that something massive was happening. It almost felt like we were co-headlining because the audience adored her just as much as they loved us. People were showing up with the lightning bolt painted across their faces and were sort of emulating Gaga in the audience.
How would you describe the energy that they carried? Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls. It must be so magnetic.
Gaga was only just getting started at the time, playing smaller club shows, and I remember she’d finish her set and come rushing into our dressing room asking, ‘How do you guys do it? You’re singing live, dancing live, it’s so full on. How do you make it happen?’ So to think that there was a moment where Gaga was asking us for advice is crazy. This was an amazing moment where so many women came together with a lot of talent, potential and success and created something so culturally impactful together, it all feels pretty wild!
The Pussycat Dolls defined an era of pop culture. When you hear ‘Don’t Cha’ today, what memories instantly come back to you and what was it like creating hit songs like ‘Don’t Cha’ and ‘Buttons’?
At the time, we knew we were working with the best of the best, from the label to Jimmy Iovine, and when talent meets vision, there’s this feeling that something unstoppable could happen. But honestly, we were just taking it day by day, feeling excited about the music we were creating and the world we were building around it. And early 2000s was such a special time because music videos were huge. MTV and music television gave music videos such a big platform, and that was so epic in the driving force behind our work because we weren’t just making music, we were creating a full performance experience. The choreography, the styling, the energy, the visuals, it all became part of the storytelling and we were really able to get that message out there. That era really shaped our success because audiences consumed music differently then.
Looking back now, it feels incredibly special to have been part of that moment in pop culture history. And when you hear so many artists like Tate McRae, Flo or Dua Lipa talking about being inspired by the Pussycat Dolls, it just feels amazing to be a part of music history to a point where you are empowering and inspiring the next big stars.
Looking back now, it feels incredibly special to have been part of that moment in pop culture history.
What’s one behind-the-scenes moment from the Pussycat Dolls days that fans would love to know?
It’s probably the fact that Rihanna is quite a prankster. It was a long time ago, but it always sticks with me that she’s got a really fun side to her.
You’ve worn many hats, performer, judge, DJ, mentor, entrepreneur. Which role has challenged you the most personally, and when did you realize that this was the path that truly felt fulfilling?
You know, I’ve always been driven by the desire to create positive change and inspire people. So with each role I’ve taken on, from performer, DJ, judge to entrepreneur and mentor, it reflects a different side of who I am, but they’re all connected by that same purpose that comes from my heart. I’m a creative, I dance, I sing, I DJ, and I’m consistently trying to create spaces to stay creative and do what I love. Acting became another extension of that too, it just sparks that creativity within me and I’ve been really lucky to be able to work on projects that help me tap into that.
But one of the most fulfilling roles for me has definitely been leading Kimberly Wyatt Dance Academy. Working with 300 young creatives and being able to give back by passing on everything I’ve learned throughout my years in the industry, feels incredibly meaningful. It’s also about preparing them for what’s to come, helping them build resilience, feel empowered, tap into their artistry, and discover their full potential, not only as artists and athletes, but as people too. And honestly, the most important hat of all is being a mum to my three kids, being able to be a part of their lives, give them the things that I didn’t get as a kid and help them find their passions, because I know how important that is. So yeah, I feel lucky that I get to tap into all those different aspects of my character.
The 2000s were bold, glamorous, and unapologetic in fashion, and The Pussycat Dolls played a huge role in shaping pop culture aesthetics at the time. Did you realize then that your style would become so influential?
Robin Antin, the creator of the Pussycat Dolls always brought a vision and loves being the driving force behind the fashion and the feel for the pussycat dolls. She’s brilliant and is always willing to collaborate with amazing people like Andrea Lieberman, Gwen Stefani’s stylist. And I would give a lot of love to Gwen for not only helping blaze a trail for the Pussycat Dolls, but also for inspiring the overall look and direction we eventually took. And ultimately, it was fun! We always tried new things, and we weren’t afraid to be different. I kind of fell into the role of a ‘punk doll’, rocking Mohawks, chains and skulls.
I think what made the Pussycat Dolls’ fashion resonate was that it gave people permission to be whoever they wanted to be. It encouraged individuality, confidence, and having fun with self expression. There’s real power in that. And fashion can sometimes come with all these rules, what to do, what not to do and what’s trending and I think we broke the rules all the time!
I think what made the Pussycat Dolls’ fashion resonate was that it gave people permission to be whoever they wanted to be.
What’s one big fashion yes and one big fashion no for you?
A big fashion yes for me is dressing for the body shape, making sure that it makes me feel good. Simple, elegant and sexy is always a win.
And a big no is wearing things that feel too tight and make you feel like a sausage being squeezed out of a machine. There’s nothing worse. In a way, that kind of feels like dressing for the male gaze, and I don’t think that should ever dictate your fashion choices. Ultimately, fashion should be about feeling good in yourself because you’re not stepping out into the world to prove anything to anyone. When you feel your best, you give yourself the best chance to do exactly that.
The entertainment industry can be intense, especially for women. People have always had opinions about their appearance, relationships, and lifestyle choices, especially for public figures in the 2000s. What was that experience like for you, and how did you learn to navigate it?
It can be toxic and this was before the social media era, but towards the end we were suddenly stepping into this new world of social media where everyone had a platform and an opinion, and that became pretty hardcore. It definitely had an effect. And ultimately through the years I realised that if you go looking for negativity, you’ll always find it, and if you let it, it can really stick to you.
You have to set boundaries and really understand what genuinely makes you feel good. Sometimes that means taking a step back and reminding yourself why you got into this in the first place, to do what you love, to entertain, to dance, to sing, to perform, to empower. If a space doesn’t make you feel empowered, or if you feel belittled, then there has to be a boundary there. You have to step back, find your tribe, and find the spaces that genuinely make you feel good. I think the world we live in today makes that even more difficult because we’re constantly seeking validation through likes, clicks, views, and everything else.
I feel lucky because I can look back at the impact we made with billions of views on our music videos and the music we made, it all reminds me that we did something. No matter what people said, we just kept our heads down and continued doing what we loved. And you learn that your work won’t connect with everyone in the way you hoped, but if it touches even a few people, that matters. Luckily for us, it ended up being more than a few. At the end of the day, every time you get to wake up and pursue your passion, it’s another opportunity to fully live your life.
If a space doesn’t make you feel empowered, or if you feel belittled, then there has to be a boundary there. You have to step back, find your tribe, and find the spaces that genuinely make you feel good.
What emotions came up when the reunion tour became a reality? Why do you think audiences are still so connected to the Pussycat Dolls after all these years?
It honestly feels surreal because most of the time I’m just a mum living in Surrey, doing the school run, and then suddenly I’m stepping back into being a Pussycat Doll again. But at the heart of being a pop star, it’s always been about the work, creating the best show possible, performing great music, and giving people a space to escape from the worries and pressures of everyday life.
I think people still connect so deeply with the Pussycat Dolls because there’s always been this sense of empowerment and freedom attached to the group. It’s sexy and unapologetic, and at its core, it’s really about women owning their space and celebrating who they are. Being a Pussycat Doll creates a space for everyone to enjoy the tour with us, and gives people a chance to feel that freedom and power, embrace who they are, and find that sense of acceptance. And that’s really why I love being a Pussycat Doll. I’ve heard so many stories from people around the world about how much it’s meant to them and the impact it’s had on their lives. So to be part of that movement is pretty epic.
This time, the group is reuniting as three members. How does the dynamic feel different and how has the relationship among you three grown over time?
From the very beginning, I always felt a level of family and acceptance within the Pussycat Dolls. When I left Missouri, I wanted love, peace and a space to feel powerful and Pussycat Dolls is where I found that. Of course, not all the experiences were always positive, but having gone through those moments and choosing to come back to it again says a lot about the resilience we’ve all built over time. We’re all showing up now as women who have lived a lot of life, learned important lessons, and understand the value of boundaries, growth, and supporting one another.
The group has always had an ever-evolving lineup. The three of us are really showing up for one another. We’re starting small and we’re building strong. We’re in a progressive space as women to create the best show we possibly can. You can really feel that unity in the work we are creating together, wanting to put out the best work we can.
“Never say “I can’t”, always say, “I’ll try” and always do your best. Your best is all you can expect from yourself and all that people can expect from you.”
Tell me about your new single, Club Song.
The Pussycat Dolls have always been about female empowerment, or really, people empowerment. I truly believe there’s a Pussycat Doll inside everybody. And I think Club Song really captures that energy of finding a space where you can escape all the stress and endless to do lists, let your hair down, and feel free with your girls. It’s about recognising that those moments of joy, freedom, and connection are just as important as the everyday hustle. Club Song is simply fun, a big fat beat for ya, that’s all about bringing your girls together, bringing your friends together, and having a good time.
What’s a song that always gets you on the dance floor?
We Found Love by Rihanna is one of my favourites. From my time judging on Got To Dance and getting everybody dancing, to meeting my husband on stage, We Found Love is just in every era of my life, with brilliant moments of celebration.
What advice would you give to young artists today who are trying to break into the music industry?
Never say, ‘I can’t.’ Always say, ‘I’ll try,’ and always do your best. Your best is all you can expect from yourself, and all that people can expect from you. As long as you never say ‘can’t’ and keep pushing forward, you’ll keep growing. Face your fears and see what’s on the other side of them, because that’s where your potential lives. And most importantly, always do your best.
As long as you walk away knowing you gave something everything you had, then even if it doesn’t work out the way you hoped, it’s never really a failure. It’s just another stepping stone.
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Words: Nandini Bhattacharya
Photography: Anna Fowler
MUA: Stacey Lincoln
Hair: Elle Clancy