5 things to know about The Cheetah Girls

Erika Gonzalez, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 17, 2007 at midnight

Text size

More Music

The Cheetah Girls are the Destiny's Child of the 'tween set. Sure, their version of Beyonce (red-hot star Raven-Symone) may not accompany the group on the road, but that doesn't stop pre-teens and their parents from turning out in droves for concerts. With two movies, two platinum albums, a clothing line and even their own toothbrushes, The Cheetah Girls aren't just a musical trio, they're a marketing machine. Cheetah Girl Kiely Williams filled in Entertainment reporter Erika Gonzalez with a Cheetahlicious primer.

1. The musical group, The Cheetah Girls, was spun off from the Disney Channel movie The Cheetah Girls.

The movie was based on Deborah Gregory's 16-book series, The Cheetah Girls. Disney optioned the rights for Gregory's first book before it even hit shelves and aired the first Cheetah Girls movie (produced by Whitney Houston) in 2003. A year later, the band was born. Dorinda, the character Sabrina Bryan portrays, actually was inspired by Gregory's personal experience as a foster child.

2. They're writing their own songs.

The group's first two CDs essentially were soundtracks for The Cheetah Girls movies, created by hired hands. But the members are penning music for their upcoming album while on tour. "I've been writing my whole life, and I always get the most inspiration when I'm in motion," says Cheetah Girl Kiely Williams. The girls also hope to land some high-profile producers when they're ready to go into the studio. "We totally admire Timbaland, and we're talking with (Black Eyed Peas founder) will.i.am."

3. They've sold nearly 2 million records without much mainstream radio play.

Williams credits a powerful 'tween fan base and appearances at events such as the U.S. Open and the American Music Awards for strong sales. Radio Disney, which is available online, in local markets and on satellite radio also has helped.

4. Cheetah Girls fans will go to great lengths to get concert tickets.

A set of four tickets for a tour stop in Charlotte, N.C., last fall could be had for $549 on eBay. Williams said one loving parent won tickets by eating cat food for a radio station promotion.

5. They aim for flashy, not trashy.

Britney may have forgotten her Disney roots, but The Cheetah Girls take their jobs as role models seriously. "It's an honor to have a parent come up and say thank you for making music or products my kid can trust," Williams says.

MEET THE CHEETAH GIRLS

Adrienne Bailon

• Age: 23

• Character: Chanel

• In her spare time: Portrays Alana Rivera, Raven-Symone's nemesis on That's So Raven.

Kiely Williams

• Age: 20

• Character: Aquanetta

• In her spare time: Writes (she's working on an advice book for teens) and sings in the R&B/pop group, 3LW, with Bailon.

Sabrina Bryan

• Age: 22

• Character: Dorinda