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Bardot (Australian band)

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Bardot
Company typeGirl group
IndustryMusic
Founded1999
FounderBelinda Chapple, Sophie Monk, Sally Polihronas, Katie Underwood, Tiffani Wood
Defunct2002
Headquarters
Australia
ProductsPop music, albums, singles
Number of employees
5 (members)

Bardot was an Australian pop girl group established in 1999, featuring members Belinda Chapple, Sophie Monk, Sally Polihronas, Katie Underwood, and Tiffani Wood. Originating from the reality television series Popstars, the ensemble quickly achieved major success with their debut single "Poison" and their first album Bardot (2000), both of which entered the Australian and New Zealand charts at number one.[1][2]

Following the exit of Underwood, Bardot released their sophomore album Play It Like That (2001), featuring Australian top-five hits "ASAP" and "I Need Somebody",[3] before officially disbanding in early 2002.[4] In commemoration of their 20th anniversary, a Greatest Hits collection was issued in 2021.[5]

1999–2000: Formation on Popstars and breakthrough debut

Bardot emerged from the inaugural season of Seven Network’s Popstars, a reality talent show aimed at assembling a five-member girl group. Backed by Austereo radio network, New Idea magazine, and signed under Warner Music Australia,[6] the audition process attracted more than 2,500 hopefuls across the country. The judging panel comprised radio host Jackie O, music industry executive Chris Moss, and manager Michael Napthali, who subsequently managed Bardot’s career.[6]

The original lineup featured Chantelle Barry, Belinda Chapple, Sophie Monk, Sally Polihronas, and Katie Underwood.[7] Shortly after formation, Barry departed amid controversy; she later acknowledged that her exit was linked to borrowing Monk’s weekly allowance without repayment.[8][9] Polihronas characterized Barry as being "exploited" during the show’s production.[9] Barry was replaced by Newcastle vocalist Tiffani Wood, and the group was named "Bardot" in homage to French actress Brigitte Bardot. The series premiered in February 2000,[10] drawing an audience exceeding 2.6 million viewers per episode, ranking among Australia’s highest-rated television programs that year.[11] It received a nomination for "Most Popular Reality Program" at the 2001 Logie Awards.[12] The program’s popularity led to extensive media exposure and robust record sales.[13]

Bardot’s inaugural single "Poison" entered the Australian singles chart at number one, moving over 60,000 units within its first week,[14] earning double platinum certification,[15] and maintaining the top position for two consecutive weeks.[16] Their self-titled debut album also debuted at number one, making Bardot the first Australian act to simultaneously debut both a single and album at number one.[17][1] The album achieved double platinum sales and ranked as Australia’s twentieth best-selling album in 2000.[15][18] In New Zealand, Bardot mirrored this achievement with "Poison" holding the number one spot for three weeks.[2]

Their follow-up single "I Should've Never Let You Go" reached number fourteen on Australian charts.[19] Bardot conducted extensive promotional activities across Singapore and Southeast Asia where they enjoyed a strong fan following; their album peaked at number two in Singapore while "I Should've Never Let You Go" topped local charts.[20] In August 2000, they embarked on their debut nationwide Australian tour,[21] coinciding with the release of their third single "These Days", which climbed to number nineteen.[22] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2000, Bardot performed "These Days" and received nominations for Highest Selling Single, Highest Selling Album, and Best Video.[23]

2001–2002: Underwood's Exit and the Release of Play It Like That

In March 2001, Bardot moved to the United Kingdom to launch "Poison" and develop their sophomore album. Despite extensive promotion on platforms such as SMTV Live, Nickelodeon, and the Pepsi Chart, the single managed to reach only number 45 on the UK Singles Chart. During preparations for the release of "ASAP", Underwood departed from Bardot to accept a role in the musical Hair, which was subsequently cancelled due to financial complications. She later collaborated with the dance group Disco Montego. Released in July 2001, "ASAP" marked Bardot's transition to a quartet, peaking at number 5 in Australia and earning their fourth gold certification.[24]

In August 2001, Bardot performed "Go West", originally by Village People, at the opening ceremony of the 2001 Goodwill Games held in Brisbane. The following October, they issued "I Need Somebody", the second single from their new album, which garnered favorable reviews drawing parallels to Kylie Minogue's dance-pop sound. The track climbed into the Australian top 5, representing Bardot's most successful chart debut since "Poison". Their second album, Play It Like That, was released in November 2001 featuring songwriting contributions from all members and received positive critical feedback. It entered the Australian charts at number 16 and achieved gold status but remained within the top 100 for only seven weeks. To promote the album, Bardot performed at Austereo's Rumba festivals in both Melbourne and Sydney, each attracting crowds of around 40,000.[10]

Bardot’s final single, "Love Will Find a Way", was issued in February 2002 and reached number 18 on the charts. In March, they toured nationally alongside Australian boy band Human Nature and appeared at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. April saw Bardot perform at the International Indian Film Academy Awards in Malaysia followed by a promotional tour across India.[10]

2002–2019: Disbandment and Subsequent Endeavors

On 16 April 2002, Bardot declared their disbandment, explaining that after an intense "phenomenal 2.5-year explosion" within Australia's music industry, they required a break due to the demanding pace of their career. Their farewell included a final concert broadcasted by Channel V and a last live performance at a Sydney charity event on 2 May. The decision to split surprised many industry insiders who had regarded Bardot as an emerging force. Speculation arose that Monk’s ambition for a solo career influenced the breakup; however, she refuted these claims. Wood later revealed that she and Chapple were still interested in continuing Bardot during that period.

Following the split, all members except Polihronas pursued solo music ventures before transitioning into other professions. Several singles reached Australia’s top 50 charts: Underwood’s "Danger" (2004) along with collaborations "Beautiful" (2002), "Magic" (2002), and "Be Together" (2006); Monk’s "Inside Outside" (2002), "Get the Music On" (2003), and "One Breath Away" (2003); Wood’s "What R U Waiting 4" (2004); and Chappel’s "Move Together" (2005). Monk was unique among them by releasing a solo album that charted—Calendar Girl in 2003.

In April 2004, Bardot’s initial management company, Grant Thomas Management, initiated legal action against Popstars producer Screentime and its affiliate Five Divas for breach of contract and lost earnings. Bardot had terminated their relationship with Grant Thomas Management in November 2000 during an active three-year agreement due to lost trust. The court ruled in favor of Grant Thomas Management, awarding them $129,561.

In 2009, Wood and Underwood reunited professionally for the theatrical production Valentino, inspired by Rudolph Valentino’s life story. By 2019, both of Bardot’s albums were made available on streaming platforms after years of being commercially inaccessible.

2020–present: 20th anniversary, Greatest Hits release, and partial reunion

In April 2020, Wood, Underwood, and Chapple came together virtually to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut track "Poison" with a special performance. Later that year, Barry issued her own rendition of "Poison." A vinyl edition of their greatest hits compilation was made available in January 2021, followed by a digital collection featuring remixes, b-sides, and the previously unreleased song "Something Worth Fighting For" in April 2021. Both of the group's studio albums were re-released on vinyl in June 2021, and an EP containing fresh remixes was introduced in July.

October 2021 saw Underwood and Chapple form the duo Ka'Bel, debuting with the single "Broken Hearted." In 2023, Chapple authored a memoir entitled The Girl in the Band, which chronicles her experiences as a member of Bardot.

Lineups

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)

Studio albums

Studio albums with key details, chart rankings, and certifications
Title Album details Highest Chart Positions Certifications
AUS NZ SGP
Bardot
  • Released: 1 May 2000
  • Label: Warner (#8573830922)
  • Format: CD
 1 1 2
  • ARIA: Double Platinum
  • RIAS: Platinum
  • RMNZ: Platinum
Play It Like That
  • Released: 12 November 2001
  • Label: Warner (#0927428112)
  • Format: CD
 16 — —
  • ARIA: Gold
"—" indicates albums that did not chart.

Compilations

Compilation releases with key information and chart positions
Title Album details Peak position (AUS Independent Albums)
Greatest Hits
  • Released: 30 January 2021
  • Label: Point of Contact Australia (#81DBBDB0)
  • Format: 12" vinyl, digital download, streaming
 6
Remixes
  • Released: 23 April 2021
  • Label: Bardot
  • Format: Digital release, streaming platforms
 5


Extended plays

Selected extended plays with chart rankings and details
Title EP information Highest chart positions (AUS Independent charts)
100% Ind. Ind. Label
2021 Mixes
  • Release date: 23 July 2021
  • Record label: Bardot
  • Available formats: Digital download, streaming
 1 6


Singles

Catalogue of singles, including peak chart placements and certifications
Title Year Highest chart rankings Certifications
(thresholds) 		Album
AUS NZL SGP UK
"Poison" 2000 1 1 4 45
  • ARIA: Double Platinum
  • RMNZ: Platinum
 Bardot
"I Should've Never Let You Go" 14 29 1 —
  • ARIA: Gold
  • RIAS: Gold
"These Days" 19 — 12 —
  • ARIA: Gold
"ASAP" 2001 5 — — —
  • ARIA: Gold
 Play It Like That
"I Need Somebody" 5 — — —
  • ARIA: Gold
"Love Will Find a Way" 2002 18 — — —
"—" indicates singles that did not enter the charts.

Home videos

Home video releases with details and certifications
Title Information Certification
Popstars: The Making of Bardot
  • Date released: 22 May 2000
  • Distributor: Warner (#8573830083)
  • Format available: VHS
Bardot: The Adventure Continues
  • Released on: 7 August 2000
  • Label: Warner (#8573834193)
  • Format issued: VHS
  • ARIA: Gold

Music videos

Compilation of music videos with release year and director information
Title Year of release Director(s)
"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

Comprehensive list of concert tours including dates, albums, locations, and number of performances
Tour Name Period Related Album(s) Location Number of Shows
Bardot Live in Concert
  1. REDIRECT Template:Date table sorting
– August 26, 2000 		Bardot Australia 10

Template:Hidden

The Here and Now Tour (co-headlined with Human Nature)
  1. REDIRECT Template:Date table sorting
– March 17, 2002 		Play It Like That,
Here & Now: The Best of Human Nature 		Australia 10

Template:Hidden

ARIA Music Awards

The annual ARIA Music Awards honor outstanding achievements and creativity within the Australian music industry. In the year 2000, Bardot secured three nominations:

|- ! scope="row" rowspan="3"| 2000 | Bardot | Highest Selling Album | |- | "Poison" | Highest Selling Single | |- | "Poison" (Directed by Mark Hartley) | Best Video | |-


Logie Awards

The Logie Awards, presented by TV Week, recognize excellence in Australian television. Bardot’s initial reality series, Popstars, earned a nomination for:

|- ! scope="row"| 2001 | Popstars | Most Popular Reality Program | |-

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ReferenceA
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  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Belindabook
  11. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  12. ↑ Tiffani Wood Official Site "Biography". Retrieved 28 June 2007.
  13. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  21. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bardottour
  22. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  23. ↑ ARIA Awards Archived 27 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 28 June 2007.
  24. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA01
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