Daily Star's Carly Hacon finally saw The Pussycat Dolls live at The O2 after years of waiting, and their reunion tour delivered a night of pure pop nostalgia.
Dream come true
Seeing PCD live has been on my bucket list ever since Don't Cha took over the charts in 2005. Two decades later, with their reunion show, PCD Forever, finally coming to my own town, I was ready to soak up every second of the long-awaited moment.
Opening with When I Grow Up, the lyrics "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it" hit differently. After years of manifesting this moment, I was finally watching the trio perform in front of a packed arena.
Empowerment and choreography
The crowd was just as ready as I was, with fans turning up in diva outfits that matched the group's signature energy. It was clear their music has stood the test of time, with songs that remain just as catchy and dancefloor-ready today as they were when they first took over our playlists.
But this was about more than nostalgia. The reunion felt like a celebration of female empowerment, with I Don't Need a Man striking a particular chord. As the crowd belted out the lyrics, the message felt louder than ever... you don't need anyone else to feel confident, powerful and completely yourself.
Of course, the choreography was another highlight. With so many dance breaks, sharp moves and high-energy routines, Nicole, Kimberly and Ashley proved they absolutely still have it in their 40s. Their vocals were incredible, the dancing was infectious and the energy inside the arena not once dipped.
Solo moments and finale
The girls also gave us some softer moments, performing Stickwitu and I Hate This Part. These songs offered a chance to catch our breath and appreciate the group's vocals, before the show cranked the energy back up again.
One of the most exciting parts of the night was seeing each woman take centre stage for her own solo moment. Kimberly performed Candy with Aggro Santos, while Ashley delivered an emotional version of Woman Up. Nicole, meanwhile, treated us to a taste of her solo catalogue, including Poison, Wet and Right There.
After their individual moments, the trio reunited to bring the show home with the likes of Hush Hush and React, before ending with Don't Cha – a fitting finale that had the crowd fully embracing the Dolls' signature sass.
A night to remember
The only problem? I wanted more. I genuinely did not want the night to end.
The girls mentioned it had been 17 years since they had played in London, which made finally seeing them live feel even more meaningful. My inner child was screaming throughout, even though these songs have never really left my playlist and remain club bangers to this day.
I left The O2 with a huge smile on my face and a little extra sass in my step. The Pussycat Dolls delivered a spectacular night of nostalgia, confidence and pure pop perfection and I can only hope they don't leave it another 17 years!
