Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll, "The Girl Who Becomes A Doll"

It’s finally time to separate the girls from the Dolls.  The last three standing, Asia, Chelsea, Melissa R., will perform the Ron Fair-produced “Lady Marmalade” as a group along with solo performances of PCD hit songs. 

Jealous tempers flare during rehearsal between Asia and Melissa R., and the fight carries over into a dinner hosted for the girls by Mikey and Robin.  Sensing something in the air, Robin gives the girls the chance to get anything off their chest.  After Melissa R. says she respects Asia and hopes to build a friendship with her in the future, Asia turns the tables and calls Melissa R. out about bad-mouthing Melissa S.  The fight continues well into the night, climaxing when Melissa R. tells Asia to go home a be with her daughter.  Oh no she didn’t!  Those are fightin’ words to Asia, and a screaming match ensues.

The girls all wake up on the wrong side of the bed and resume their fight in dance rehearsal.  Forcing Mikey to stand in as playground monitor, Asia and Melissa R. attempt to explain the fight but come off as petty brats.  Mikey closes the case by making the girls kiss and make up, saying, “I don’t do catfights, I do choreography.”

The group and solo practices are crap, and Robin is livid.  She threatens to not pick any of them as the next Doll if they don’t step it up.  Stripped down to equals, each girl realizes it’s anyone’s game.  After a long day of practice (and fighting), the girls pack up and head out of the loft for the last time.

Final performance time has come and the girls are set to perform to a large live audience.  The usual judges, Robin, Ron and Lil’ Kim, are on hand to pick the new Doll.  The group “Lady Marmalade” routine is full of glitter, rhinestones and hot pants.  The judges loved each of the girl’s performances and offer up no clear frontrunner.  It’s all up to the solo performances now.

First up is Chelsea performing “Feelin’ Good.”  Her vocals are spot on, but is her performance entertaining and captivating enough for the judges?  Lil’ Kim looks horribly bored, while Robin and Ron nod and smile as if they’re impressed.  All say it was enjoyable, but no one seems blown away.

Performing “I Don’t Need A Man,” out comes Asia instantly trying to work the crowd.  Singing a song that couldn’t be more perfect for a single mom, Asia really got into her performance.  The judges say she’s a commanding stage presence, although Ron has some “reservations” about Asia.

Last up was Melissa R. performing “Stickwitu.”  The judges, more than any other performance of the night, seem torn.  Ron thinks she has a good musical ear but sounded too much like Nicole’s original performance, while Lil’ Kim adored the whole thing.  The girls regroup backstage, nervously waiting the big announcement while the judges deliberate.

Choking back tears, and without any fanfare, Robin first tells Chelsea she will not be the next Doll.  It’s down to Asia and Melissa R.  They're warned that this competition wasn't about finding a perfect singer or dancer, it’s about finding a true performer.  Congratulations are offered up to Asia, the next Pussycat Doll.  

Alas, it’s all over and the original Dolls come out to perform a “Don’t Cha” remix with their newest member.  But never fear, Search for the Next Doll devotees!  A commercial break snipit encouraged viewers to head on over to the CW Website to learn how they can become the next Doll.  Looks like we’re in for a second season.