In 2004, choreographer Robin Antin had struck a joint venture with Interscope Records to develop the Pussycat Dolls, a burlesque, cabaret act that was performing in various venues in Hollywood, into a brand. In cooperation with then-chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Jimmy Iovine and record producer Ron Fair, Antin formed a separate group consisting of six members—Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Nicole Scherzinger, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton, and Kimberly Wyatt—based on the burlesque dance revue created by Antin. In order to successfully transition into a major-label, recording act, Fair felt it would be best to deviate from "straight-ahead burlesque" and transition into a more traditional, pop group with contemporary R&B influences.[9] At the suggestion of Doug Morris,[10]—then chairman of Universal Music Group—"Don't Cha" was given to the Pussycat Dolls as the label was trying to reinvent the girl group.[7] They asked Green to rerecord the song with the Pussycat Dolls, who was initially skeptical. "I didn’t know too much about them, but when I found out that [Universal-owned] Interscope Records was involved, that was an alliance I didn’t hesitate to make."[7] "Don't Cha" was initially offered to both Sugababes and Paris Hilton, but both declined.[11] In 2006, Hilton claimed that she was presented with the track, but was not impressed with it. "I think I did hear the song, but not in the format that we all came to know and love. If I'd heard that, of course I'd have jumped at the chance".[12]
