The search for the next 'Pussycat Dolls' begins

The claws were out and the fur was flying as a search for the next 'Pussycat Dolls' hit US TV screens last night.

There was non-stop bitching and backstabbing behind the scenes as 15 wannabes started the battle for the three coveted places in new band 'Girlicious'.

The girls were split into five groups of three to perform for the judges - but that didn't stop them turning on each other.

Eighteen-year-old hopeful Jenna was rushed to hospital with a ruptured cyst but returned to rehearse in a wheelchair as the competition heated up.

And bitchy Natalie, 19, had the last laugh on arch-rival Charlotte, 20, who was one of three unlucky girls sent home.

Charlotte and blonde Kirstin, 24, both failed to make it through despite their eye-catching performance of the Go-Go's hit 'We Got The Beat' in luminous leggings.

She had branded Natalie "tone deaf" after they fell out over a pair of boots.

The talent search is being led by Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin, who hand-picked the 15 finalists from thousands of applicants. She says the three winners from 'The Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious' will be the "hottest new girl group", with a "street and urban vibe".

Rap star Lil' Kim was on the judging panel for the first show, while singer Nelly Furtado joined the girls at a Los Angeles nightclub for a karaoke session.