React

### Songwriter(s)

Nicole Scherzinger, Georgia Buchanan, Johan Gustafsson, Will Simms, Hannah Wilson

## Music Video

**"React"** is the comeback single by The Pussycat Dolls. It is the group’s first single since their disbandment in 2010 as well as their first without Melody Thornton being apart of the group. This marks the return of Carmit Bachar who departed in 2008. It is also their first single released under their new record label, Access Records. It was due to be released on February 8, 2020 according to iTunes, however it was officially confirmed by the group’s social media that the song will be released February 7, 2020. The demo of the song, which only featured Nicole’s vocals, was leaked in January 2020.

Lyrically the song speaks about a turbulent relationship and wanting to elicit a more powerful reaction from one's love. "React" was debuted during their live medley performance on the *The X Factor: Celebrity* on November 30, 2019. The music video was released on February 7, 2020 and features pyrotechnics and water, as well as a dance routine involving chairs. "React" was met with critical acclaim for its up-tempo production, with critics calling it a successful comeback for the group.

## Background

Following the re-release of *Doll Domination* (2008) and the group's single 2009 "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)", tensions in the group rose due to Scherzinger being billed as a featured artist on the release. This would go on to lead to a public outburst by member Melody Thornton during the group's performance while opening for Britney Spears' Circus Tour. By February 2010, Jessica Sutta, Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt and Thornton had announced their departures from the group, with Wyatt later acknowledging that "the group has fully disbanded." Robin Antin announced that new members would join Scherzinger in 2010, but by the end of 2010 Scherzinger too had left the group to pursue her solo career. Throughout 2017 and 2018, it was widely reported that the group were considering reforming.

In October 2017, social media sites were set up for the group, further fueling speculation of a reunion and tour. It would be almost 2 years before any further news emerged, when in September 2019, *Entertainment Tonight* reported that Scherzinger had joined members of the band for new studio sessions. UK *The X Factor* judge Louis Walsh confirmed that the Pussycat Dolls would be performing on the finale of *The X Factor: Celebrity* on November 30, 2019. The band then confirmed their reunion on British radio station Heart, confirming that Bachar, Roberts, Scherzinger, Sutta and Wyatt had been recording new music and have announced nine tour dates around the UK in 2020. During the interview Scherzinger remarked that it had been around 10 years since the group's last tour and that the time felt right, "it's been a long time coming, but this feels like the perfect time to remind the world what it means to be a Pussycat Doll." The group also confirmed that if the reception to "React" was positive there would be more music to come. The Tour was then pushed back into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is the first new music from the group to Carmit Bachar since her departure in early 2008, prior to the release of the group's last album *Doll Domination* (2008). According to group founder Antin, Thornton would not be taking part due to her feeling like the time was not right. Thornton has since confirmed this during an interview with *The Sun* newspaper where she said, "I think it would be great for everyone to enjoy themselves and their lives, and whatever direction they want to go. I worked for years on the development of music and financed it myself. As a creative person I would like to make and release music myself." The group have stated that they are leaving the door open for Thornton and she would be welcome back if she decided to join them later down the line.

## Lyrics

**Nicole:**

When I get messed up at the party

I make a scene and get upset

But when I wake up in the morning

**Nicole with Ashley and Kimberly (Nicole):**

(You bring me) breakfast in bed and act like there's nothing to forget

**Nicole with Ashley (and Carmit and Jessica):**

Maybe I should (count my blessings)

That you're just (that type) (**Ashley:** Haa)

**Nicole with Ashley, Carmit, Jessica, and Kimberly:**

So call me masochistic

**Nicole with Ashley:**

But sometimes I want to fight

**Nicole with Ashley and Carmit (and Jessica and Kimberly):**

Every time I leave you pull me closer

I hang up the phone, you call me back

Why don't you mess me 'round like (you're supposed to?)

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

**Nicole:**

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

**Nicole (and Ashley):**

If I say jump, you just say ("how high?")

I think you might (love me to death)

The way you do me, boy you're (too nice)

**Ashley, Kimberly, and Nicole:**

You lift me up, when I wanna be losing my breath

**Nicole with Ashley (and Carmit and Jessica):**

Maybe I should (count my blessings)

That you're just (that type)

**Nicole with Ashley, Carmit, Jessica, and Kimberly):**

So call me masochistic

**Nicole with Ashley:**

But sometimes I want to fight

**Nicole with Ashley and Carmit (and Jessica and Kimberly):**

Every time I leave you (pull me closer)

I hang up the phone, you (call me back)

Why don't you mess me 'round like (you're supposed to?) (**Ashley:** Haa)

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

Looking for a little (confrontation)

Now I know the nice guys (turn me bad)

The less you do the more it (makes me crazy)

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

**Nicole with Carmit:**

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey

**Nicole:**

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

**Nicole with Ashley:**

Every time I leave you pull me closer

I hang up the phone, you call me back

Why don't you mess me 'round like (**with Ashley, Jessica, and Kimberly:** you're supposed to?)

**Nicole with Ashley and Carmit:**

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

**Nicole with Ashley and Carmit (with Jessica and Kimberly):**

Looking for a little (confrontation)

Now I know the nice guys (turn me bad)

The less you do the more it (makes me crazy)

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

**Nicole with Carmit:**

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey, hey

Hey, hey, hey

**Nicole:**

You're turning me cruel 'cause I'm just wanting you to react

## Videos

### Live performances

The Pussycat Dolls - Reunion Medley (Live on 'The X Factor - Celebrity')The song's first performance