Bardot

Formed as a five-piece all-girl pop group through the 13-episode Channel 7 reality series Popstars, Bardot quickly claimed national attention and commercial dominance across Australia. The program followed aspiring performers through auditions and intensive training, eliminating unsuccessful candidates each week in front of roughly two-and-a-half million viewers. The five finalists selected were Belinda Chapple, Katie Underwood, Sally Polihronas, Sophie Monk, and Chantelle Barrios. Shortly afterward Barrios departed amid controversy and unclear reasons, after which Tiffany Wood stepped in as her replacement.

Extensive backing came from Channel 7, the Austereo radio network, New Idea magazine, Warner Music, Grant Thomas Management, and Screentime, fueling a promotional campaign that sent the group into nightclubs, shopping centers, and primary schools. Public response proved immediate: the debut single “Poison,” written by Michael Szumowski and Daryl Sims of Indecent Obsession, debuted at number one on the national charts in April 2000 and reached double-platinum status by May. Szumowski also joined the live lineup as keyboardist and musical director. Two video releases, The Adventure Continues, Vol. 2 and Popstars – The Making of Bardot, chronicled the band’s formation. Their first live show took place at Sydney’s State Theatre in April, and the self-titled debut album entered the charts at number one on the strength of 100,000 advance orders.

In June 2001 Katie Underwood exited to join a revival production of the musical Hair, though that production was ultimately canceled. Now a quartet, Bardot issued the single “ASAP” in July 2001 and followed it in October with the Top Ten hit “I Need Somebody.” Both tracks appeared on the second album, Play It Like That, released in November 2001.