Carmit Bachar, a founding member of the Pussycat Dolls, has spoken about being left out of the group's reunion tour, saying it was "definitely disappointing not having direct communication" when she learned about the comeback through the media.
The singer and dancer, who was one-sixth of the original line-up, found out earlier this year that the group would reunite as a trio consisting of Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts. Former members Melody Thornton, Jessica Sutta and Carmit were excluded, learning of the news through the press.
Focus on personal growth
Rather than dwelling on the snub, Carmit said: "I chose to stay focused on my own growth, my new music and protecting my peace." Asked whether her former bandmates, currently touring, had reached out, she replied: "I'll always honour what we built together. What happened after speaks for itself."
Fans have expressed anger on social media over the trio decision. Carmit said: "I hear them and understand their feelings completely. I just channel all that love and passion straight into my solo work and give them 100 per cent of me."
Trio tour struggles
The group, which has sold around 54 million records worldwide and grossed an estimated $250 million, has faced issues on tour. Nicole Scherzinger missed a track in Poland due to in-ear monitor problems. The UK leg has seen poor sales, with only two blocks sold out at Manchester's Co-op Live for the October 10 show, where a fraction of the 23,500-capacity tickets have sold. Promoters launched a deal offering four tickets for £150, including booking fees, valid until the show date. A similar "group ticket offer" was emailed by Ticketmaster for every show on the tour.
The final performance is slated for October 13 at London's O2 Arena. The group had previously cancelled several US dates but honoured a performance at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles.
Carmit's solo path
Carmit, who was part of the short-lived 2019 reunion that Nicole later cancelled, has kept a busy schedule. Last weekend she performed at Sony Hall in New York with the Voodoo Orchestra. She said: "When you're surrounded by people with good energy, everything just feels more fun. Doing what I love with people I love and being in the spotlight on my own terms feels like exactly where I belong."
Reflecting on her time with the Dolls, she called it "a complete whirlwind," adding: "In a different country every day, touring nonstop, music videos, photo shoots, radio stations and some of the coolest experiences. Connecting with fans all over the world was incredible, and it's a chapter I feel so lucky to have lived." She cited Live Earth at Wembley Stadium as "probably the most impactful and memorable show we were a part of."
Earlier this month, Carmit released her EP, Carmit Part II, which she called "liberating." The EP includes a track, Déjá Vu, recorded in 2008 and locked in the archives for almost 20 years. She said it "captures a moment in time" and was a collaboration with Jared Gosselin and Phillip Bianco. "Being in total creative control allowed me to tell the stories exactly the way I wanted," she said. Carmit Part II is available to stream now.
