40 Facts About Atomic Kitten

Formation and Early Days

Atomic Kitten, a name synonymous with early 2000s pop, has a fascinating origin story. Let's dive into how this iconic girl group came to be and their initial steps in the music world.

1. Formation: Atomic Kitten was formed in 1998 by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) members Andy McCluskey and Stuart Kershaw. They envisioned a fresh, vibrant girl group that would take the pop scene by storm.

2. Original Lineup: The original lineup consisted of Liz McClarnon, Kerry Katona, and Heidi Range. However, Heidi Range left the band shortly after its formation due to artistic differences.

3. Heidi Range’s Replacement: Natasha Hamilton replaced Heidi Range, and the trio produced their debut album, Right Now, which was released in October 2000.

4. Debut Album Success: The debut album Right Now charted at number 39 in the UK and included the single "Right Now," which reached the UK Top 10.

5. First Single Success: The first single "Right Now" was a moderate success, but it laid the groundwork for future hits. The second single, "See Ya," reached number 6 in the UK charts.

Rising Popularity and International Success

As Atomic Kitten gained momentum, their popularity soared not just in the UK but globally. Here's how they captured hearts worldwide.

6. Asian Tour: Atomic Kitten performed their first big live tour in Asia, where they scored their first number one hit with "Cradle".

7. International Success: The group’s success extended beyond the UK. They achieved significant success in Asia, particularly with "Cradle," which became a number one hit in several countries.

8. Breakthrough Single: The breakthrough single for Atomic Kitten was "Whole Again," released in 2001. This song climbed into the Top Ten of the singles charts worldwide and reached number one in several countries, including the UK, Germany, and Austria.

9. Sales Figures: "Whole Again" sold over 1.7 million copies and received numerous awards, including double platinum in the UK and platinum in Germany.

10. Lineup Change: Due to Kerry Katona’s pregnancy, Jenny Frost replaced her for a brief period. This lineup change did not affect the group’s success, as "Whole Again" continued to perform well.

Hit Singles and Albums

Atomic Kitten's discography is filled with memorable hits and successful albums. Let's explore some of their most notable releases.

11. Eternal Flame: The single "Eternal Flame," a cover of the Bangles’ old hit, climbed into the top ten of the singles charts worldwide and reached number one in the UK.

12. Feels So Good Album: The second album, Feels So Good, was released in 2002 and included hits like "It’s OK" and "The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)".

13. The Tide Is High: The single "The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)" became a huge hit, reaching number one in the UK and New Zealand. It was a remake of the 1967 song by the Paragons, which Blondie covered in 1980.

14. Natasha Hamilton’s Pregnancy: In April 2002, Natasha Hamilton announced that she was pregnant but opted to continue with the promotion before going on maternity leave. This included the scheduled 2002 tour and promotional activities.

15. Touring: During January and February 2003, Atomic Kitten toured Southeast Asia, visiting Singapore, Thailand, and Korea. Hamilton brought her son Josh on the tour, showcasing her dedication to both her music and family.

Collaborations and Later Works

Atomic Kitten's journey included exciting collaborations and notable projects. Here's a look at some of their later works and partnerships.

16. Ladies Night Album: The third album, Ladies Night, was released in 2003 and included collaborations with Kool & The Gang. The album peaked at number five in the UK album chart and included hits like "If You Come To Me".

17. Collaboration with Kool & The Gang: Atomic Kitten collaborated with Kool & The Gang on an updated version of their track "Ladies Night." This collaboration led to the naming of their album Ladies Night and further boosted their popularity.

18. If You Come To Me: The single "If You Come To Me" secured a number three position on the UK Top 40 and became one of the group’s best-selling singles, selling 180,000 copies in the UK alone.

19. Top 30 in Every Country: "If You Come To Me" reached the top 30 in every single country it charted and reached the top ten in over ten countries, demonstrating the group’s global appeal.

20. Extended Break: In early 2004, Atomic Kitten announced they would be taking an extended break after completing their tour to support the Ladies Night album and their upcoming Greatest Hits album.

Reunions and Legacy

Despite lineup changes and breaks, Atomic Kitten's legacy endures. Their reunions and continued influence are a testament to their lasting impact.

21. Someone Like Me/Right Now: The single "Someone Like Me/Right Now" was released in 2004 as a "goodbye" to their fans before the group took their extended break.

22. Cradle 2005: The group reunited on Valentine’s Day 2005 to release the charity single "Cradle 2005," a new version of the original song from their album Right Now. The proceeds from this single went to World Vision.

23. Disney Soundtracks: In 2005, Atomic Kitten was featured on the soundtrack of Disney’s Mulan II with the song "(I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls".

24. Concerts and Festivals: In 2005, they performed together in Krakow, Poland at the Coca-Cola SoundWave Festival, showcasing their continued popularity.

25. Kerry Katona’s Departure: In December 2017, Kerry Katona left the group for the second time. This departure marked a significant change in the group’s lineup and dynamics.

26. Jenny Frost’s Return: In 2021, Jenny Frost briefly returned to the group before leaving again a few months later. This brief reunion highlighted the ongoing legacy of Atomic Kitten.

27. Natasha Hamilton’s Departure: On October 11, 2024, Natasha Hamilton announced via her Instagram account that she would be stepping down as a member of Atomic Kitten following her final performance. Fellow member Liz McClarnon is expected to continue with Atomic Kitten’s future projects.

Behind the Scenes and Personal Stories

The members of Atomic Kitten have their own unique stories and contributions. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts and personal anecdotes.

28. Andy McCluskey’s Role: Andy McCluskey, the founder of Atomic Kitten, played a crucial role in the group’s early success as a principal songwriter. His contributions helped shape the band’s sound and direction.

29. Stuart Kershaw’s Role: Stuart Kershaw, another OMD member, collaborated with Andy McCluskey in founding Atomic Kitten. Both musicians were instrumental in creating the band’s early music.

30. Heidi Range’s Post-Atomic Kitten Career: After leaving Atomic Kitten, Heidi Range went on to become a member of the Sugababes. Her time in both groups showcased her versatility and talent as a singer.

31. Kerry Katona’s Background: Original member Kerry Katona had a difficult and well-publicized upbringing. She was placed in care from a young age and was brought up by four sets of foster parents before leaving school at 16 to become a lap dancer.

32. Natasha Hamilton’s Pregnancy: During the promotional activities for Feels So Good, Natasha Hamilton announced her pregnancy. She continued with the tour and promotional activities before going on maternity leave.

33. Jenny Frost’s Background: Jenny Frost, who replaced Kerry Katona, was previously in the girlband Precious. Their song "Say It Again" was the 1999 Eurovision song contest entry from the UK, finishing 12th with 38 points.

34. Liz McClarnon’s Eurovision Attempt: Liz McClarnon also tried out for Eurovision but wasn’t as successful as her bandmate. She entered her song "(Don’t It Make You) Happy" for the 2007 contest but lost out to Scooch with the song "Flying the Flag (For You)".

Rivalries and Collaborations

Atomic Kitten's journey wasn't without its rivalries and notable collaborations. Here's a look at some of the drama and partnerships that shaped their career.

35. Rivalry with Sugababes: Despite sharing some band members, Atomic Kitten and the Sugababes were known for their rivalry. Original Sugababe member Mutya Buena once slated the Kittens, saying they were "wannabes" and that the Sugababes had the ability to have solo careers.

36. Collaborations and Covers: Atomic Kitten collaborated with Kool & The Gang on "Ladies Night" and covered songs like "Eternal Flame" and "The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)." These collaborations added to their musical diversity and appeal.

Chart Performance and Sales

Atomic Kitten's success is reflected in their impressive chart performance and sales figures. Let's take a closer look at their achievements.

37. Chart Performance: Atomic Kitten had three UK number one singles: "Whole Again," "Eternal Flame," and "The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)." They also had two UK number one albums: Right Now and Feels So Good, both going double platinum in the UK alone.

38. Sales Figures: Atomic Kitten sold over 10 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful European girl groups of the twenty-first century, alongside the Sugababes.

39. Impact on Pop Culture: The group’s music and performances had a significant impact on pop culture. Their songs like "Whole Again" and "The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)" became iconic hits of the early 2000s.

40. Legacy and Reunions: Despite the lineup changes and extended breaks, Atomic Kitten has maintained a loyal fan base. The group’s reunion in 2013, facilitated by the TV documentary The Big Reunion, showcased their enduring legacy and continued relevance in the music industry.

Atomic Kitten's Lasting Legacy

Atomic Kitten, formed in 1998, left an indelible mark on pop music. With hits like "Whole Again" and "The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)," they dominated charts worldwide. Despite lineup changes, the group maintained their charm and success. Their albums Right Now and Feels So Good went double platinum in the UK, showcasing their widespread appeal.

The trio's journey included international tours, collaborations with legends like Kool & The Gang, and even contributions to Disney soundtracks. Their ability to adapt and thrive through personal and professional changes speaks volumes about their resilience.

Even after taking extended breaks, Atomic Kitten's reunions, like the one in 2013, proved their enduring popularity. Selling over 10 million records globally, they remain one of Europe's most successful girl groups. Their legacy continues to inspire, ensuring their place in pop culture history.