Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger has responded to criticism over her band’s raunchy performance on The X-Factor last year. 

The 41-year-old, who also works as a judge on the show, came under fire from some startled viewers, who criticised the group’s performance for containing “S&M style dance moves” unsuitable for a family show. 

In an interview with The Herald Sun, the singer said that the group were “not trying to upset anybody” during their controversial comeback performance in November, and added that:

“Our true fans know our intention. Our real fans know we're empowering and we come from a place of strength as singers and dancers.”

The live performance, which was broadcast on ITV as part of The X-Factor’s live show, attracted over 400 complaints to standards body Ofcom in the aftermath. At the time, an Ofcom spokesperson told The Mail Online:

“We’ve had 419 complaints about the Pussycat Dolls’ performance on Saturday. We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”

Several audience members took to social media to air their concerns, with one writing,  'Nothing like soft porn to groom the next generation of girls. Disgraceful for a family show,' and another adding, “It makes me uncomfortable to see five grown women dancing half-naked on my screen.” 

However, many viewers were quick to praise the performance, dismissing the criticism for its lack of sex-positivity. As one commentator put it on Twitter, "If I looked like Nicole Scherzinger I'd wear that outfit every f*****g day." 

Soon after the contentious performance, the band announced plans for a UK-wide tour during 2020, with dates in Cardiff, London, Glasgow and several other cities. Whether or not their show proves to be as divisive as their X-Factor appearance remains to be seen.

Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger has responded to criticism over her band’s raunchy performance on The X-Factor last year. 

The 41-year-old, who also works as a judge on the show, came under fire from some startled viewers, who criticised the group’s performance for containing “S&M style dance moves” unsuitable for a family show. 

In an interview with The Herald Sun, the singer said that the group were “not trying to upset anybody” during their controversial comeback performance in November, and added that:

“Our true fans know our intention. Our real fans know we're empowering and we come from a place of strength as singers and dancers.”

The live performance, which was broadcast on ITV as part of The X-Factor’s live show, attracted over 400 complaints to standards body Ofcom in the aftermath. At the time, an Ofcom spokesperson told The Mail Online:

“We’ve had 419 complaints about the Pussycat Dolls’ performance on Saturday. We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”

Several audience members took to social media to air their concerns, with one writing,  'Nothing like soft porn to groom the next generation of girls. Disgraceful for a family show,' and another adding, “It makes me uncomfortable to see five grown women dancing half-naked on my screen.” 

However, many viewers were quick to praise the performance, dismissing the criticism for its lack of sex-positivity. As one commentator put it on Twitter, "If I looked like Nicole Scherzinger I'd wear that outfit every f*****g day." 

Soon after the contentious performance, the band announced plans for a UK-wide tour during 2020, with dates in Cardiff, London, Glasgow and several other cities. Whether or not their show proves to be as divisive as their X-Factor appearance remains to be seen.