Bardot (Australian band)

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Not to be confused with Bardot (English band) or Bardo (band).

Bardot
Bardot as a four-piece in 2001. From left: Belinda Chapple, Tiffani Wood, Sally Polihronas and Sophie Monk.
Bardot as a four-piece in 2001. From left: Belinda Chapple, Tiffani Wood, Sally Polihronas and Sophie Monk.
Background information
OriginAustralia
GenresPop, dance, R&B
Years active1999–2002
LabelsWarner Music Australia
Past membersBelinda Chapple (1999–2002)
Sophie Monk (1999–2002)
Sally Polihronas (1999–2002)
Katie Underwood (1999–2001)
Tiffani Wood (1999–2002)
Chantelle Barry (1999)[1]

Bardot was an Australian pop girl group which formed in 1999, consisting of Belinda Chapple, Sophie Monk, Sally Polihronas, Katie Underwood and Tiffani Wood. The group formed on the Australian reality television series Popstars, which attracted high ratings and significant media exposure. This resulted in the instant success of Bardot's debut single "Poison" and debut album Bardot (2000), both which entered the Australian and New Zealand charts at number 1.[2][3]

Following the departure of Underwood, Bardot released their second album Play It Like That (2001), featuring the top five Australian singles "ASAP" and "I Need Somebody",[4] before parting ways in early 2002.[5] In 2021, the compilation Greatest Hits was released to mark the group's 20 year anniversary.[6]

History[edit]

1999–2000: Popstars and debut album success[edit]

Bardot formed on the Seven Network's first series of Popstars, a talent reality television show which sought to produce a five-piece girl group. The Australian series was only second to the New Zealand version which produced the group True Bliss. The act would be sponsored by the Austereo radio network, New Idea magazine and signed to Warner Music.[7] In 1999, over 2,500 hopefuls[8] turned up to auditions around the country, judged by radio presenter Jackie O, music executive Chris Moss, and Grant Thomas Management manager Michael Napthali, who would manage the group's career.[7]

Bardot's original line-up, including Barry (far left).

After numerous elimination rounds, Chantelle Barry, Belinda Chapple, Sophie Monk, Sally Polihronas and Katie Underwood were selected.[9] Shortly after the group's formation, controversy occurred when Barry departed the group with no explanation. During interviews years later, Barry clarified that she was forced to leave after taking Monk's weekly $100 money allowance, and forgetting to give it back to her.[10][11] Polihronas would later state she felt Barry was "exploited" by the show and made out to be "the villain".[11] Following her departure, judges selected Newcastle singer Tiffani Wood as the fifth member and the name "Bardot" was chosen in tribute of French actress Brigitte Bardot. Popstars began airing in February 2000[12] and followed Bardot during its recording sessions, photo and music video shoots, promotional activities and first live concert at the Sydney State Theatre. Considered a unique and fresh format at the time, it attracted on average more than 2.6 million viewers per episode, making it one of Australia's most successful, highest-rating programs of 2000.[13] The series was nominated for "Most Popular Reality Program" at the 2001 Logie Awards.[14] The success of Popstars led to widespread national media coverage and the group's instore signings attracted thousands of fans, translating into instant record sales success.[15]

"Poison" (2000)
The first single from Bardot.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Bardot's debut single "Poison" entered the Australian singles chart at number 1, selling over 60,000 copies in its first week.[16] It gained double platinum status, remaining in the top spot for two consecutive weeks.[17] Their self-titled debut album also entered the charts at number 1, with Bardot setting a record by becoming the first Australian act to debut at number 1 with both its debut single and debut album.[18][2] The album would go on to sell over double platinum copies[19] and was the 20th highest selling album in Australia for 2000.[20] Bardot repeated the same results with its debut single and album in New Zealand, where "Poison" spent three consecutive weeks at number 1.[3]

Second single "I Should've Never Let You Go" peaked at number 14 in Australia.[21] During this time, Bardot made a promotional trip to Singapore and other parts of south-east Asia, where the group had attracted a large fanbase.[22] The album reached number 2 in Singapore while "I Should've Never Let You Go" reached number 1.[23] In August 2000, Bardot embarked on its first national concert tour of Australia[24] and released their third single "These Days", which peaked at number 19 in Australia.[25] The group performed "These Days" at the 2000 ARIA Music Awards[26] where they were nominated for Highest Selling Single, Highest Selling Album and Best Video.[27]

2001–2002: Departure of Underwood and Play It Like That[edit]

In March 2001, Bardot relocated to the United Kingdom to release "Poison" and begin work on their second album.[28] Despite a significant promotional push including appearances on SMTV Live, Nickelodeon and Pepsi Chart, the single was only a limited success, peaking at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart.[29] While preparing the release of "ASAP", the first single from their second album, Underwood decided to leave Bardot in pursuit of a role in the musical Hair. Ultimately the production was cancelled before it commenced due to financial pressures and shortly after, Underwood would go on to collaborate with dance act Disco Montego.[30][31] "ASAP" launched Bardot as a four-piece in July 2001 and reached number 5 in Australia,[32] becoming their fourth gold single.[33]

"I Need Somebody" (2001)
The second single from Play It Like That.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In August 2001, Bardot performed the Village People's "Go West" at the opening ceremony of the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane[34] and in October, released the second single from their second album, "I Need Somebody". The single gained a positive reception from critics with comparisons to the dance-pop music of Kylie Minogue being made.[35] It confirmed the group's staying power, peaking in the Australian top 5 and becoming Bardot's highest charting debut since "Poison".[36] In November 2001, Bardot released their second album, Play It Like That, which featured co-writes by all members and received favourable reviews from critics.[37] The album debuted at number 16[38] on the Australian album charts and was certified gold,[33] but continued to drop in the weeks following, spending seven weeks in the top 100.[39] To support the album's launch, Bardot performed at Austereo's Rumba music festivals in Melbourne and Sydney, each attended by 40,000 spectators.[12]

In February 2002, the group released its final single, "Love Will Find a Way", which peaked at number 18,[40] and embarked on their second national tour with Australian boy band Human Nature in March.[41] In April, Bardot performed at the International Indian Film Academy Awards in Malaysia, followed by a promotional tour of India.[12]

2002–2019: Break-up and post-Bardot years[edit]

On 16 April 2002, Bardot announced its decision to split.[5] An official statement read the group had "...cited the need for a well earned break following what has been a phenomenal 2.5-year explosion on the Australian music scene" and that "the pace at which the group's career continued...has taken its toll."[5] The group performed a farewell concert for Channel V and made their final appearance together for a charity event on 2 May in Sydney.[2] The decision to break up came as a surprise to many in the industry who believed Bardot was in the process of establishing a strong and credible reputation.[42] Rumours circulated that the split was a result of Monk's desire to begin a solo career, though she denied this.[43] Soon after Bardot's split, Wood confirmed that at the time, both she and Chapple were the two members keen to continue as Bardot.[44]

All members, apart from Polihronas, went on to release solo music before forging careers in different fields. Solo singles that charted in the Australian top 50 were Underwood's "Danger" (2004) and collaboration singles "Beautiful" (2002), "Magic" (2002) and "Be Together" (2006),[45] Monk's "Inside Outside" (2002), "Get the Music On" (2003) and "One Breath Away" (2003),[46] Wood's "What R U Waiting 4" (2004),[47] and Chappel's "Move Together" (2006).[48] Monk is the only member to have achieved a charting solo album with Calendar Girl (2003).[49] In April 2004, Bardot's original management team Grant Thomas Management sued the Popstars producer Screentime and its joint venture company Five Divas, for breach of contract and loss of earnings.[50] In November 2000, Bardot sacked Grant Thomas Management midway through a three-year contract because according to Screentime, Bardot had "lost all confidence". Grant Thomas were successfully awarded $129,561.[51] In 2009, Wood and Underwood professionally reunited for the stage musical Valentino, based on the life of Rudolph Valentino.[52] In 2019, after years of being commercially unavailable, both of Bardot's albums were added to streaming services.[53]

2020–present: 20th anniversary celebrations, Greatest Hits and mini reunion[edit]

In April 2020, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their debut single "Poison", Wood, Underwood and Chapple reunited remotely online to perform the song.[54] Barry would also release her own version of "Poison" later that year.[11] A greatest hits album was released on vinyl in January 2021 [55][56] and a further compilation containing remixes, b-sides and the previously unreleased track, "Something Worth Fighting For", was released digitally in April 2021.[57] In June 2021, both of Bardot's studio albums were re-issued on vinyl for the first time[6] and in July 2021, an EP of new remixes was released.[58]

In October 2021, Underwood and Chapple professionally reunited as a duo under the name Ka'Bel, releasing their debut single "Broken Hearted".[59] In 2023 Chapple published a memoir outlining her time in Bardot called The Girl in the Band.[12]

Lineups[edit]

Members 1999 2000 2001 2002
Chantelle Barry
(1999)
Katie Underwood
(1999–2001)
Belinda Chapple
(1999–2002)
Sally Polihronas
(1999–2002)
Sophie Monk
(1999–2002)
Tiffani Wood
(1999–2002)
(Replaced Chantelle Barry)

Discography[edit]

Studio albums[edit]

List of studio albums, with selected details, chart positions and certifications
Title Album details Peak positions Certifications
AUS
[60] 		NZ
[61] 		SGP
[62]
Bardot
  • Released: 1 May 2000
  • Label: Warner (#8573830922)
  • Format: CD
 1 1 2
Play It Like That
  • Released: 12 November 2001
  • Label: Warner (#0927428112)
  • Format: CD
 16 — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Compilations[edit]

List of compilations, with selected details and chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions
AUS
100%
Ind.
[65]
Greatest Hits
  • Released: 30 January 2021[55]
  • Label: Point of Contact Australia (#81DBBDB0)
  • Format: 12" vinyl, digital download, streaming
 6
Remixes
  • Released: 23 April 2021[57]
  • Label: Bardot
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 5

Extended plays[edit]

List of extended plays, with selected details and chart positions
Title EP details Peak positions
AUS
100%
Ind.
[66] 		AUS
Ind.
Label
[67]
2021 Mixes
  • Released: 23 July 2021[58]
  • Label: Bardot
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 1 6

Singles[edit]

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Year Peak positions Certifications
(thresholds) 		Album
AUS
[60] 		NZL
[61] 		SGP
[62] 		UK
[29]
"Poison" 2000 1 1 4 45
  • ARIA: 2× Platinum[68]
  • RMNZ: Platinum[69]
 Bardot
"I Should've Never Let You Go" 14 29 1 —
"These Days" 19 — 12 —
"ASAP" 2001 5 — — — Play It Like That
"I Need Somebody" 5 — — —
"Love Will Find a Way" 2002 18 — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Home videos[edit]

List of home videos, with selected details and certifications
Title Details Certification
Popstars: The Making of Bardot
  • Released: 22 May 2000
  • Label: Warner (#8573830083)
  • Format: VHS
Bardot: The Adventure Continues
  • Released: 7 August 2000
  • Label: Warner (#8573834193)
  • Format: VHS

Music videos[edit]

List of music videos, with year of release and director
Title Year Director
"Poison" 2000 Mark Hartley
"I Should've Never Let You Go"
"These Days" Simon Bookallil
"ASAP" 2001 Mark Hartley
"I Need Somebody" Simon Bookallil
"Love Will Find a Way" 2002

Concert tours[edit]

Title Date Associated album(s) Country Shows
Bardot Live in Concert[24] August 13, 2000 – August 26, 2000 Bardot Australia 10
Tour dates
Here and Now – Bardot and Human Nature Tour[41] March 2, 2002 – March 17, 2002 Play It Like That,
Here & Now: The Best of Human Nature 		Australia 10
Tour dates

Awards and nominations[edit]

ARIA Music Awards[edit]

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. Bardot were nominated for three awards.[72]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2000 Bardot ARIA Award for Highest Selling Album Nominated
"Poison" ARIA Award for Highest Selling Single Nominated
"Poison" (Directed by Mark Hartley) ARIA Award for Best Video Nominated

Logie Awards[edit]

The Logie Awards is an annual gathering to celebrate Australian television, sponsored and organised by magazine TV Week. The awards are presented in categories representing both public and industry voted awards.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2001 Popstars Logie Award for Most Popular Reality Program Nominated

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Perth-raised star Chantelle Barry celebrates wedding and booming career". 15 December 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  2. ^ a b c Official statement 14 April 2004.
  3. ^ a b "Bardot – Poison". charts.nz. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  4. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - Singles". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  5. ^ a b c "Sydney Morning Hearld - Bardot officially calls it quits (17 April 2002)". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  6. ^ a b "**PRE-ORDER** BARDOT VINYL ALBUM BUNDLE (Bardot + Play It Like That)". goatnation. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Warner Music - Bardot - The Story". Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  8. ^ Popstars: The Making of Bardot VHS.
  9. ^ "Bardot's biggest secrets finally revealed". Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  10. ^ "Former Bardot member Chantelle Barry confirms she left the band after 'stealing' from Sophie Monk". News.com.au. 9 October 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  11. ^ a b c "Chantelle Barry on what really happened when she left Bardot". Herald Sun. 19 May 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d Chapple, Belinda (30 August 2023). The Girl in the Band. Simon & Schuster Australia. ISBN 978-1-76142-072-6.
  13. ^ Jinman, Richard (10 May 2003). "The blonde one". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  14. ^ Tiffani Wood Official Site "Biography". Retrieved 28 June 2007.
  15. ^ Wiskirchen, Julie. "Lookout, World... Popstars take Parramatta!". Ape Culture. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  16. ^ Holmes, Peter (2011). "Signature Tune". Herald Sun.
  17. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - Bardot – Poison". Australian Charts. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  18. ^ "Warner Music - Bardot album hits number one - breaks another record (8 May 2000)". Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  19. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2000 Albums". ARIA. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  20. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Albums 2000". ARIA. Archived from the original on 28 May 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  21. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - I Should've Never Let You Go (song)". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  22. ^ "Warner Music - Bardot Take South East Asia By Storm (15 November 2000)". Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Singapore". Archived from the original on 4 April 2005. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  24. ^ a b "2000 Oz and NZ Tour Dates". Online with Bardot. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
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  26. ^ "YouTube - Bardot "These Days" 2000 ARIA Awards Performance". YouTube. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  27. ^ ARIA Awards Archived 27 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 28 June 2007.
  28. ^ "Sophie Monk: Why the star wasn't allowed to quit Bardot". news.com.au. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  29. ^ a b Official Charts Company Retrieved 10 June 2007
  30. ^ SAIN Magazine "Four on the dancefloor", August 2001.
  31. ^ "Bardot's biggest secrets finally revealed". Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  32. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - ASAP (song)". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  33. ^ a b "ARIA Title Accreditations Report 2001" (PDF). Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  34. ^ "YouTube - Bardot "Go West" 2001 Goodwill Games Performance". YouTube. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  35. ^ Herald Sun by Cameron Adams. October 2001.
  36. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - I Need Somebody (song)". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  37. ^ Kinda Funky fansite "Reviews". Retrieved 28 June 2007.
  38. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - Play It Like That (album)". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  39. ^ "The ARIA Report - 7 January 2002" (PDF). Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  40. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - Love Will Find a Way (song)". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Human Nature - Here and Now Tour 2002". Frontier Touring. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  42. ^ "Bardot tell why they split". Herald Sun. April 2002.
  43. ^ "Monk to try new habit". Herald Sun. 28 July 2002.
  44. ^ WOW! Magazine 2002.
  45. ^ "australian-charts.com - Katie Underwood Singles". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  46. ^ "australian-charts.com - Bardot - Sophie Monk Singles". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  47. ^ "australian-charts.com - Tiffani Wood Singles". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  48. ^ "australian-charts.com - Belinda Chapple Singles". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  49. ^ "australian-charts.com - Sophie Monk - Calendar Girl (album)". Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  50. ^ Wallace, Natasha (20 April 2004). "Bardot back from oblivion – but in court". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  51. ^ Cashmere, Paul, (22 September 2004). "Former Bardot Manager Wins Court Case". Undercover Media Pty Ltd. Retrieved 7 January 2005.
  52. ^ "Tiffani Wood, Katie Underwood in David Tydds Valentino".
  53. ^ Hanson, Louis (9 October 2019). "Bardot's Entire Two-Album Discography Is Finally on All The Big Streaming Services". Pedestrian. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  54. ^ Hanson, Louisouis (17 April 2020). "Bardot Performed "Poison" On A 20th Anniversary Zoom Call & I'm Not Crying, You're Crying". Pedestrian. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  55. ^ a b "**PRE-ORDER** BARDOT Greatest Hits – BLUE VINYL". goatnation. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  56. ^ "Greatest Hits – Bardot". iTunes Store. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  57. ^ a b "Remixes by Bardot on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  58. ^ a b "2021 Mixes – EP by Bardot on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  59. ^ "Bardot members Katie and Belinda reunite as Ka'Bel". OutInPerth. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  60. ^ a b Australian Charts Archived 1 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 10 June 2007.
  61. ^ a b New Zealand Charts Retrieved 10 June 2007.
  62. ^ a b c Bardot World "Australasia and Singapore Charts". Retrieved 10 June 2007.
  63. ^ RIANZ Archived 9 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine "Top 50 Albums 21 May 2000". Retrieved 10 June 2007.
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  65. ^ "100% Independent Albums – 03 May 2021". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
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  67. ^ "Independent Label Albums – 02 Aug 2021". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 2 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  68. ^ a b c ARIA Archived 20 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine "2000 Singles Accreditations". Retrieved 10 June 2007.
  69. ^ "RIANZ Charts". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 5 December 2006. Retrieved 6 December 2006.
  70. ^ a b ARIA Archived 5 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine "2001 Singles Accreditations". Retrieved 10 June 2007.
  71. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2002 DVDs" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  72. ^ "ARIA Awards – History: Winners by Year 2000". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
Preceded by
N/A
 Australian Popstars winners
2000 		Succeeded by
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