Interview With Jaime of The Pussycat Dolls: The Search for the Next Doll
Age: 21
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Production Assistant/Singer/Dancer
From the beginning, Jaime, the second eliminee from Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll put up a harrowing and rather courageous fight. Suffering from a vicious stomach bug, it was Jaime’s strong determination that kept her on top. Sadly, the judges thought she lacked the confidence and striking stage presence the Dolls so boldly portray. But, we haven’t seen or heard the last from Jaime. We recently caught up with her and discovered that this talented young lady’s got a lot of things going on.
Hi Jaime! How’re you? It’s good talking to you this afternoon.
Hi, I’m good. Sure, it’s no problem.
Everyone seems to have their own reasons for auditioning for the Pussycat Dolls. How and why did you choose to audition?
I wasn’t really involved in a lot of stuff at the time of the audition last year. I was like, “I need to just do something that’s already out there.” This is like a huge thing for me. I didn’t think I was going to make it. I had a chance to do something I'd always wanted to do. I figured I’d at least try.
Who convinced you to go for it?
My mother and my best friends were my support especially the night before the audition.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background? Is your strength in dancing or singing?
I grew up as a ballet dancer. I’ve taken dance lessons since I was a kid in Philadelphia. That was going to be my career. When I was thirteen I decided I wanted to be a pop star or a singer. But, I’d have to say dancing is my strong point. Just watching it back, I realize my strength is in dancing.
The judges were constantly saying you needed to show more confidence. What is the one thing that caused you to lose confidence?
I think that on the show they seemed to focus on that one thing that is your weak point. That was my weak point. When I’m in a new setting or around people I don’t know I lose confidence. I kept having people tell me over and over again, “Where’s your confidence?” I kept feeling like, if you keep bringing me down after awhile, I’m not going to have any confidence especially if you keep telling me all of this. It’s hard to stay upbeat when someone keeps reminding you about your struggle.
It must’ve been pretty nerve wracking to go up before the judges. Which judge in particular was the most encouraging and supportive?
I’d have to say Robin because we really got to know her. She was always around us and she was kind of like our mom. She always made sure we looked our best and was there when we had struggles. She was probably the most encouraging for all of us.
Obviously you’re a Doll fan, right? What’s your favorite Pussycat Doll song?
I would have to say probably, “I Don’t Need a Man.” I didn’t really know the song before I went on the show. Then when I went on the show I sort of can’t get it out of my head.
Which Pussycat Doll do you identify with the most?
I really like Kimberly. We have very similar backgrounds. She grew up as a ballet dancer and was into hip hop. I don’t think she did everything that I did but she went to a big dance school in New York. She’s just amazing. She’s one of the prettiest ones in the group.
Besides being sick, what was the most difficult part of this competition?
Well, I’d have to say we didn’t have a lot of time to learn the songs or the dances. We had to really catch on quickly. Everything was fun - being on stage and performing - all of that. It was just hard to balance everything sometimes.
Did the girls mesh really well together?
I was very friendly with all the girls. I got along pretty well with everyone.
Who was your closest friend in the house?
That would have to be Melissa R. and Asia. We were really, really close. When I did get voted off, they didn’t show it but I got to spend a lot of time with them. We were crying and hugging. Everyone was pretty encouraging though. I bonded with everyone.
One of the reasons you got eliminated was because you didn’t stand out enough. What could you have done to bring more attention to yourself?
I don’t really understand the whole “not standing out” thing. I mean, everyone had their time with each performance. Aside from me getting really loud, I thought I stood out. I thought I did fine.
After your makeover, what persona were you aiming for?
The makeover did make me feel different. I just felt, not like I fit in more, but I guess you could say I felt more like a Doll. I felt like I was more out there and confident.
Now who are you rooting for?
I’d have to say Melissa R., not only because she’s my friend but because she has so much to offer. She has the complete package.
Since being on the show, have your goals changed?
No they haven’t changed. I’m still working on getting an album out there. That’s what I really want to do.
What did you gain from this experience?
I learned to just be yourself and remain true to who you are. Be confident in your talents and continue to go for what you really want. I definitely gained a lot from the competition. It was an awesome experience for me.
Thanks again for talking to us, Jaime. We look forward to the release of your album. Good luck!
Oh it’s no problem. Thank you! Bye!
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