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The Girl in the Band: Bardot - a Cautionary Tale

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This is the story Bardot’s Belinda Chapple has wanted to tell for twenty years – a cautionary tale of exploitation and heartbreak.

In 2000, millions of Australians tuned in to watch Popstars, one of the world’s first reality television competitions, in which five girls were selected from thousands to become members of a new Bardot. And Belinda Chapple signed a contract that would turn her life upside down.   Bardot shot straight to fame and Belinda spent the following three years relentlessly rehearsing, recording and touring. The band released two very successful albums, a slew of hit singles, and performed on world stages to thousands of adoring fans.   But Belinda discovered that the life of a popstar could be lonely, and it came with consequences she never saw coming. The impact on her body image was disastrous, and it was impossible to maintain romantic relationships, but at least she had her fellow band members to turn to for support … or so she thought.

The Girl in the Band is a behind-the-curtains look at the ruthlessness of the entertainment industry. Belinda Chapple’s story will resonate with anyone who’s given up everything for a dream, only to have it shatter around them.

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

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164 people want to read

About the author

Belinda Chapple

1 book2 followers
Belinda Chapple is an Australian singer, creative director and interior designer. She was a former member of all-female pop group Bardot (2000–02), from the reality TV talent competition Popstars series 1. (Australia)

In 2023 Chapple published a memoir outlining her time in Bardot called The Girl in the Band.The book became the basis of the 2023 fictional TV series Paper Dolls.

Abridged from Wikipedia

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ .
971 reviews842 followers
December 17, 2023
I have a library copy, & my library has put their bar code right over Belinda's mouth. This makes her look like Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs



& is oddly appropriate since she was silenced for so long.

I have a weird fascination with boy/girl bands & the often horrible way that they are treated.

Most people don't know that New Zealand was the template for a lot of these reality shows.
The original Pop Stars was in New Zealand. It was going to be a fly-in-the-wall look at a group of young woman trying to succeed as a girl band. I watched the show & there was a definite change in focus (among other things, two of the women Carly & Erika loathed each other - now that was very entertaining TV!) when they realised there was definite interest from the NZ public in seeing the group succeed.

& so True Bliss was born.



Originally, True Bliss was meant to go to Australia, but then whoever was behind the Popstars programme, (Belinda was very cagey about this) decided they would rather have their own Australian group. This will sound very familiar but True Bliss's management decided even though they were paying the girls next to nothing they would rather concentrate on one girl & chose Carly who was also a talented songwriter. The rest were dumped.

But this is Belinda's story. She wanted to perform from an early age & was very ambitious. She had a lot of very tough breaks. Then she saw an ad for the formation of a girl band...

There is really very little about the formation of the band & one possible surprise is that the apparent judges weren't the ones calling the shots. The other is how they were given the contracts to sign when it was at the final ten. A lawyer told Belinda this was a terrible contract where she would make no money & have to watch her weight, but by this time Belinda had invested so much time in this venture, she signed it anyway. I saw an interview where she explained it by saying "they were all so young," but Belinda was in her mid twenties & an experienced performer. She probably thought when they became successful they could negotiate a better deal. I'm simplifying this a bit, but once they became successful, management decided to concentrate on one girl & the remaining three (Katie had already left, to chase a musical theatre career that didn't come off) were dumped.

Sound familiar?




L to R Sophie, Sally, Katie, Tiffani, Belinda


Belinda Chapple was & is one of the most naturally beautiful women I have ever seen, & it is sad that this group, with it's focus on the girls' appearance & the grueling workload, caused her to develop an eating disorder. She alleges that two of the others had 'work' done.
Edit: I watched some Belinda interviews last night, & on one of them she says she believes, but doesn't know for a fact, that some of the other women developed eating disorders as well.

I had read other reviews that said this wasn't a well written book & this is true. Very little of Belinda's own character comes through & as for the others, the portrayal was very flat other than that of original member Chantelle Barry. It is pretty obvious that Belinda dislikes Chantelle & that is probably because of the & Sally has very little page time in the book. It will be interesting if Sally writes a book, since she is the only one in touch with Sophy & has what appears to me a distant friendship with the other three & possibly Chantelle as well, who Sally has defended.
Another edit: Belinda said in a You Tube video that she doesn't think any of the others are in touch with Sophie or Chantelle.

In spite of the flat writing Sophie Monk doesn't come off well & it is a shame that she wouldn't agree to a reunion - & once Sophie didn't want to do it, neither did Sally. I remember reading that Sophie saying;

"The reunion wasn’t actually the big deal that everyone made it out to be."

Well maybe not for her, but it would have been nice & gracious to have considered that the other four were exploited & made very little money from Bardot. & that once upon a time, they had been close.

But this is just my opinion. Belinda herself barely touches on this - & it is important to note that Sophie tells a different version of the split. & to be fair Tiffani doesn't try to hid her animosity, so I doubt if Sophie would want to do her any favours.

But I digress. The book finishes quite abruptly. I would have liked to know how Belinda recovered from her eating disorder & what was hopefully a brief love affair with vodka. & I would have liked to know more about her post Bardot life, happily married, an interior designer & still stunning.

Seeing her on TV Belinda was unworried about the book having any consequences for her reentering the entertainment world. She pointed out she was nearly 50, so what were they going to do to her?

True Bliss & Bardot's story has horrible parallels with what happened to One Direction & Latino boy band CNCO. At least True Bliss & Bardot members were all adults. I'm assuming the laws protecting child performers are better Down Under than in the States & the UK. I doubt if the Australasian music managers are better people.



https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
Profile Image for Bert.
781 reviews20 followers
November 5, 2023
I was lucky enough to meet Belinda Chapple at my work and talk to her about her book, she was very kind and friendly to me so of course I added it to my tbr afterwards. I remember being a big fan of Bardot and the show Popstars, so reading this book and hearing about how horrible it actually all was was certainly eye-opening. Belinda recounts her story with great poise and honesty but never falling into victimhood which I admired.

It was a quick read, took me just over 5 hours all up.

4.5 stars
Profile Image for R .
55 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2023
Like everyone back in the day, I loved Popstars and Bardot. (Remember when Sophie Monk looked human?) Excited to delve deep into the untold story of Australia’s greatest girl band.

This memoir is one of the worst I’ve read. There’s more information in Bardot’s Wikipedia entry than there is in this ~250 page nonsense. Belinda Chapple reveals practically nothing we didn’t already know, except for her eating disorder (which isn’t resolved - is she ok now?) It’s like the trashy tabloid version of a memoir: an excerpt leaving the reader wanting more, because there’s nothing of substance here.

If you’re looking for gossip, you won’t find any. If you’re looking for insight into the horrors of reality TV, you’re gonna find everyone except the talent making money. If you’re looking for an insightful tale, you’re out of luck.

Then there’s the spelling mistakes. How the heck does any book get onto the printing press with spelling mistakes? Editors need to up their game.

Do yourselves a favour and leave this one in the bargain bin along with Bardot’s second album.
Profile Image for Ella.
102 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2025
Such a nostalgic read, I was obsessed with the Popstars programme as a kid and loved hearing all the behind the scenes (although most of it tainted the show as it wasn’t very positive surprise surprise). I would have loved if it was even longer and went a bit deeper into some aspects as it was a very quick read, but appreciate the honesty and insight it did provide!
Profile Image for Brieana.
6 reviews
September 5, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was a big fan of Bardot and the Popstars TV series as a kid and it was fascinating to hear about what really happened behind the scenes when it came to forming the band, the truth about the circumstances of Chantelle Barry leaving Bardot and the unfortunate demise of the band altogether.

Definitely recommend this book to Bardot fans and reality TV lovers alike.
1 review
August 30, 2023
An incredible story offering deep insight into the experiences and challenges of being a pop artist. Belinda's story is honest, exhilarating and heartbreaking. As a Bardot fan, it is a gift to have such rich story telling covering the ups and downs of the pop world.
Profile Image for EvaLovesYA.
1,685 reviews76 followers
September 11, 2023
So proud and amazed by Belinda's journey.
So glad that she is sharing it with the world, both the good and bad - such an important story to tell.
Sorry that she had to go through the heartbreak. There was so much the fans didn't know but I'm really honoured to having the possibility to read this story!
This read will stick for a long time.

(Do yourself a favour and listen to the audiobook version which is recorded by Belinda herself!)
Profile Image for Amber.
2 reviews
September 18, 2023
I was a huge fan of Bardot in their prime and I enjoyed this book. I felt like it was missing something. Almost like we had condensed versions of the stories like when someone is presenting then realise they’ve only got a minute remaining to get their point across. I wouldn’t call it a cautionary tale but it was interesting! Who else could spot the couple of typos?
292 reviews
December 7, 2023
Belinda was my favourite from Bardot, so I was particularly interested when I heard she had written this. Unfortunately, it read more like a series of diary entries than an exposé. Very surface level; I felt like even while she was telling her story, she was still conscious of trying not to paint too many unflattering pictures of others. The 'we had no idea how much our lives were going to change' etc ending of each chapter became repetitive. Her eating disorder was one of the few elements in this that I wasn't really aware of prior to reading, but there was never really a resolve to this - with the end of the band, came the end of the book, and so you are left wondering about what happened.

The ways in which the girls in the band were treated were terrible and the amounts they were paid were paltry and shocking - but its a sad state of affairs when I say I wasn't surprised by the ways they were taken advantage of. Just lots of people out there doing dodgy things - and considering how early this was in the era of reality TV, they wouldn't have had any champions out there to even fight for them.
Profile Image for Craig and Phil.
2,264 reviews138 followers
September 26, 2023
Back in 2000 and the early days of reality tv, a little show called Popstars was about to become a global phenomenon.
A television competition to find five girls to be a part of a pop group, a first in Australian history.
Airing to millions of viewers who would go on to evolve into die hard fans, Bardot was born.
Belinda Chapple was one of the lucky five.
Signing her life away on a contract that would eventually be a mistake.
Bardot was a huge success and for Belinda the next three years would bring fame, hard work and at times loneliness.
Going on to make two very successful albums, a bunch of chart popping singles and travelling the world.
Behind the scenes there was much to question.
The life of a pop star was not always glamorous.
The in house problems, the trouble with body image, the lack of money, the inability to have romance and the shortage of support.
Until one day it all came tumbling down…..
It’s all her for the reader to enjoy.
A no holds barred candid biography.
The truth, honesty, accuracy and authenticity.
Get onto it now!
Profile Image for Hayley Davis.
11 reviews
September 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this book - I didn’t want it to end! I was a big fan of Popstars and Bardot and always wondered what went on behind-the-scenes that led to their breakup. Very insightful, nostalgic and honest. Really took me back to the early 2000s and triggered lots of special memories. A great read - I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Louise Tutin.
22 reviews
September 10, 2023
As a fan of bardot and watching Popstars as a kid, i was so excited to read this book, it such a heartbreaking but important read, i always knew the industry was terrible (tm) but reading this really helps put in perspective what was going on behind the scenes.

I hope Belinda actually writes more, she deserves the world! 🥺
Profile Image for Megan Maurice.
Author 3 books6 followers
February 1, 2024
I loved the stories in this and have so much sympathy for what Belinda and the other women went through. The book itself was very poorly written, particularly the dialogue - it took me out of the story to constantly come across conversations written out in very jarring, formal language and distracted from what was actually happening in those conversations.
Profile Image for Sarah Lou.
161 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2024
3.5 ✨

Listened to the audiobook and flew through it. A very intriguing (and shocking) glimpse into Belinda’s Popstars experience and the forming of Bardot. As a tween fan, I loved the show and loved the band but knew very little outside of that. I really felt for them, young women who just wanted to do what they loved and end up being exploited and used by powerful bigwigs in the music/entertainment industries. All the hard work and dedication they put into the band, only to be dumped and left with nothing. How Belinda doesn’t come across as resentful I don’t know, I certainly would be. I feel for every single one of them (yep, even Sophie) and felt so angry and enraged on their behalf.

No, it’s not an award-winning memoir but it’s insightful - and - it’s important these stories are told.

Recommended for readers who were fans of Popstars, Bardot and early 2000s pop music / reality TV.
7 reviews
October 25, 2023
I was a massive fan of Popstars and Bardot. I remember watching the show and buying their cd. This book is really good and provides insight and a behind the scenes look at the group. It was really interesting to learn about the industry, the amount of work involved and how it all ended.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,858 reviews35 followers
December 20, 2023
I was such a huge fan of Bardot way back in the day when I was a teenager. I watched Popstars, bought the VHS tape (can't believe DVDs weren't really a thing yet!) and listened to the album on repeat!

I listened to the audiobook in one entire sitting. It gave me such nostalgia but I do wish it had been a bit longer and more in depth. Shocked at the appalling way they were exploited but at least now I finally have more of the story behind the break up and why they sadly didn't last.
376 reviews
October 8, 2023
The story of Bardot first band created from a reality show in Australia. Read this memoir in just 24 hours. It is truly a book you can't put down.

Meteoric rise to fame... This is the story told by Belinda Chapple who was one of the members of the band.

Story of gross exploitation. The girls had to sign a contract agreeing all profits for first few years to go to management and they were given just $35 each per day despite having number one single and album selling out stadium tours and endless publicity and promotion for the band.

And two years in when there is light at the end of the tunnel and they were about to start earning some money and then the rug is pulled from underneath them. Management announces band is disbanding so solo career of one of the other band members Sophie Monk could be launched. That was the ultimate betrayal.

Unbelievable this exploitation was happening just 20 years ago in Australia!
Profile Image for Selene Ainsworth.
24 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2023
Any Australian millennial female will be aware of Bardot and the pop star’s phenomenon, this book tells the story of Belinda Chappell one of the members from the girl group. It’s an easy read but enjoyable and honestly makes you go wow. An insight into the Aussie pop landscape in the late 90’s and early 00’s.
Profile Image for Karleen.
173 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2023
I went in skeptical but came out feeling ok with this book. I loved Bardot as a child and saw them perform at a Westfield shopping centre in Perth! It was disappointing to read about the exploitation, mistreatment and reason behind the breakup of the band. Simply written and easy reading amongst busy daily life, easy to put down and pick up.
Profile Image for Libby  Shaw.
53 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2023
I finished it in one sitting. It was so gripping. As a performer myself I was captivated by it and angered that Belinda and the other girls were taken advantage of. It's a must read for anyone wanting an honest insight into the dark side of the entertainment industry,
Profile Image for Belynda.
126 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2023
Was a great read. If you watched popstars or you are a fan of Bardot then it’s a definite read.
It still baffles me how corrupt the music scene is. You hear about it but struggle to understand until you read it and see the consequences.
8 reviews
November 4, 2023
A nice summary of Bardots time in the spotlight and why it all came to an end. Some lovely photos were included in the book as well. Belinda seems like such a lovely woman as well. Hopefully she starts a podcast or something. It appears she has some more to say.
Profile Image for Bec.
19 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2024
This audiobook was narrated like a high school oral presentation of a poorly written essay, “to boot”.
Profile Image for Cheyenne.
662 reviews49 followers
June 5, 2025
Unfortunately surface level with an abrupt ending BUT I did learn more from behind the scenes which was interesting and surprising - making $35 per day while making the record company, management loads?! I did like to see things from Belinda’s perspective but I would have liked more
Profile Image for Kelsey Broom.
68 reviews
March 2, 2024
A pretty shocking story - true to its title!
A very nostalgic read too.
Profile Image for Pandora.
419 reviews38 followers
December 13, 2023
This is the kind of book you think will be so good it's bad, but it's just bad.
Profile Image for Monica Mac.
1,693 reviews40 followers
December 30, 2023
Ah, Bardot! I remember watching Popstars and being absolutely fascinated by the whole concept, which was new to us at the time. These girls, all very talented and hardworking, all quite different to each other, our version of the Spice Girls, doing us proud overseas.

You know, I had a feeling like it was not all roses and rainbows behind the scenes, but at the time I didn't really give it much thought. There are lots of things that have changed in the past 20 years and one of them is my level of awareness when it comes to a whole host of things that affect people.

This book is the story of Belinda Chapple, one of those super talented young women. I was sorry to hear that those girls weren't looked after the way they should have been and that they obtained very little for all their blood, sweat and tears.

Good on you, Belinda, for sharing your story. I would hope that today's young women are a bit less naive, however, I think if you want something really badly, you are quite prepared to do anything for it and that is something that has been a constant throughout history.

Glad to see that Belinda managed to carry on and carve out a good life for herself, despite the negative consequences of her time with Bardot.

4 stars from me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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