First Broadcast of "Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll"

Asia Nitollano was crowned the 'newest "Pussycat Doll"! She beat out ruthless and aggressive competitors in a reality show to determine who will become the newest member of the Pussycat Dolls. Asia now joins another Filipino, the gorgeous and very talented lead singer, Nicole Scherzinger, in the popular all-female singing group.

Asia is from Filipino, Puerto Rican and African American descent. Before her entry into the group, she danced for the New York Knicks. In 2007 she became one of the nine finalists on the CW reality television series, Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll. During the season finale of the show, she was chosen to become the newest member of the group. According to judge and Pussycat Doll founder Robin Antin, while Nitollano wasn't the strongest vocalist of the final three, she had greater stage presence and was an all-round better performer. Immediately after winning, Asia performed "Don't Cha" with the group, fitting right in and without skipping a beat!

Asia is also a single mother of a darling two-year-old daughter. Can the stereotypical obstacles get any harder for a wide-eyed, struggling and aspiring single mom?

Asia Nitollano was a Valentine's Day baby born to R&B musician *Joe Bataan in Mt. Vernon, New York on February 14, 1989. Asia, after winning the television reality series Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll became the newest-and youngest-member of the successful pop group The Pussycat Dolls. The show was an acclaimed ratings surprise hit.

It was stunning to watch Asia compete on levels few can imagine for this one shot at fame and fortune while living openly with aggressive competitors and catty jealousies (one competitor told Asia she danced 'like a drag queen'. Robin heard and supported her dancing. Even at that early stage Robin saw the talent and professionalism of the youngest candidate).

Asia even went out of her way to teach the untrained Chelsea some dance moves shocking the other candidates. Although only 18 she displayed the motivation, drive and energy not many possess so early in life. She had much to overcome.

She admitted on the reality show how attacks of jealousy and envy from other girls were her daily bane (we can all understand that - just look at her!)

This show benchmarked a 'coming of age' of beauty, talent and drive for this small and unknown corner of Americana - the female Filipino. Asia's most relentless and defiant competitor was also Filipino, first-runner up Melissa R (stood for Reyes). However, unlike Asia, Melissa is pure Filipino. The judges felt Melissa, though very talented and beautiful, had a disconcerting air of 'a deer caught in the headlights'. Unfortunate. But this writer feels Melissa will go far in whatever she pursues. Your confidence has to be professional, unwavering and strong which Asia displayed in spite of emotional charged comments and attacks from the other candidates.

The Pussycat Dolls popularized the song "Don't Cha," "Stick Witu," "Buttons," and "I Don't Need a Man". The latter of which Asia sang as her first and only solo during the competition. The group also had a successful tour in the Philippines last year.

'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree' in this family. Joe Bataan was born and raised in Spanish Harlem in 1942 to an African-American mother and Filipino father. His given name was Bataan Nitollano. Her father achieved his dreams, earning the distingushed title, "The Latin Soul King" and "King of Latin Funk". He lived for the music and was the rightful creator but, to his credit, he stopped going on the road and singing to be there for his family. Your sacrifice has been well rewarded, Joe. You watched Asia, the light of your life, sing and dance her heart out for the title of the newest Pussycat Doll.

Asia, we congratulate you! Your style, warmth and unbridled drive to achieve your dreams, overcoming jealousy, rancor and single parenthood are indicative of true 'star quality'.