With more line-up changes in a year than the New York Yankees make in one season, even the biggest Pussycat Dolls fan couldn't be blamed for not recognising the name Kaya Jones.
So let us jog your memory.
Jones is one of only three of the members of the burlesque troupe who was hired to sing. She's the one who has appeared in music videos for Eminem and sang backing vocals for Mick Jagger alongside Katy Perry. But probably most importantly she's one of the only Dolls releasing a solo album.
Everyone's heard of Nicole Scherzinger — part through talent and part because she dates F1 driver Lewis Hamilton — but even the famous brunette has shelved her solo project, Her Name is Nicole.
Fond memories
Even after Jones was accused of having a pop at Scherzinger by hiring a "Nicole look-a-like" to appear in the music video for her first single, Hollywood Doll, Jones insists she has nothing but great memories of both Scherzinger and her time with the group.
"All the Dolls are great," she said ahead of two back-to-back gigs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this weekend. "I was close to Nicole and although we are not in touch any more, I often wish her the best.
"My best memory of the Dolls, I would have to say was the MTV Asia Awards. I split my pants on stage and somehow managed to hold them up with one hand against my hip. No one knew and it was a laugh between the girls."
Jones will take to the stage in the capital tomorrow and in Dubai on Saturday night, performing live hits including Don't Cha, Buttons, Let Me Be Me, Tinted Love and her own solo single, Hollywood Doll.
"I am so looking forward to coming to the Middle East," she told tabloid! "I have heard great things about Dubai and now can finally see this paradise. I love the Middle East. My first language was Arabic, then English but I'm also looking forward to the food.
"We'll have a rockin' good time," she added.
Since leaving her feline friends it's been all go for Jones. Modelling contracts with fashion giants Merlin Castell, Mis Cositas, YMI Jeans, Rock & Republic and Redken, work on a solo album, as well as launching a clothing line and make-up collection which are still in the works, are just a few of the things keeping the 25-year-old occupied.
"The most important thing I've done this year is start recording my solo album," she said.
"I've been writing and recording with some amazing people. Deputy, Roc Nations [Jay-Z's music compnay] are the producers and I have created some really cool music. I can't wait for you all to hear it. My agent, Mike Esterman, keeps me busy on the road."
Having graced the covers of international magazines from Esquire, Interview and Us Weekly to men's favourites Maxim, Stuff and FHM, it's important Jones keeps in shape.
"I have a great personal trainer. I love to eat, so eating healthy and working out do the trick."
Jones left the Pussycat Dolls in 2005 after recording a cover version of Pablo Beltrán Ruiz's Sway and appeared in a music video for the single. Over the years more than 12 members have come and gone.
As a teenager Jones signed a development deal with R. Kelly. In 2004 she appeared in the music video How Come by D12 and Eminem, before singing back up vocals for Mick Jagger on the Golden Globe-winning song Old Habits Die Hard, which also featured Katy Perry, for the movie Alfie.
"I have been influenced by many people in my life," Jones said.
"I think people and cultures are intriguing, and beautiful. People open your eyes to things you might not know or see."
Don't miss it
Kaya Jones is performing at Etoiles, Emirates Palace, in Abu Dhabi tomorrow and at Chi in Dubai on Saturday. Tickets for both events cost Dh100 at the door.
