You already know her as The Pussycat Dolls' lead singer, the one positioned way out front tempting listeners to loosen up her buttons. She was key to the group's success, selling upwards of seven million albums, touring the world, appearing as a guest vocalist on tracks by the likes of P. Diddy and Busta Rhymes, all accomplished in under three years and without missing a beat. Her name is Nicole Scherzinger.

What you may not know is her story, which has its start in her birth state of Hawaii, a middle act in Kentucky, where she grew up, and the third (but far from last) chapter taking center stage as a true solo artist. Nicole's debut album may seem like an after-thought to the Dolls, but in fact, it's what she's been working towards all her life.

It was a long road to travel for Nicole, whose parents couldn't afford acting or vocal lessons for their daughter while she was in her teens. To get around it, she enrolled in a performing arts high school and then paid her own way through college where she majored in theatre and acting and studied dance extensively. 

In fact, when Nicole first tried out for The Pussycat Dolls, and was quickly cast based on her raw talent and experience, she negotiated a solo deal then and there. "When they asked me to join the group I knew that was the window of opportunity I had been waiting for my entire life so I said 'You have to give me a solo contract as well.  I knew I would earn my stripes in time and, well, here I am talking about Her Name Is Nicole."

So what IS success to Nicole Scherzinger, the solo artist? "People connecting to my music. If it reminds them of something, or if it makes them feel good, emotional, or if it just makes them want to dance or sing out, that's all I can ask for!  This music comes from my heart and when people hear it, they will get to know me."