On May 1, 2025, Nicole Scherzinger made headlines as she received her first Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her role in the revival of Sunset Boulevard. This recognition comes at a significant moment in her career, following her previous triumphs, including winning an Olivier Award for the same role during the show's West End run.
Born in Hawaii and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Scherzinger’s journey to Broadway has been anything but ordinary. As she reflects on her upbringing, she emphasizes the importance of her heritage, stating, "Part of my superpower is where I come from. I bring my ancestors with me on that stage every night." This connection to her roots has been a driving force throughout her career, especially as she navigated the complexities of fame.
In her portrayal of Norma Desmond, a once-glamorous silent film star desperate to reclaim her former glory, Scherzinger taps into her own experiences of feeling both celebrated and overlooked in the entertainment industry. "Time is fleeting for all of us, and Norma struggled with abandonment, deep loneliness, feeling unseen, and not accepted," she shared, highlighting the universal themes of the character's journey.
Notably, the musical Sunset Boulevard is based on the classic 1950 film featuring Gloria Swanson. Scherzinger's performance has garnered acclaim, and she is now recognized among a competitive field, including Audra McDonald, the most Tony-nominated performer of all time, who is also up for an award this year for her role in Gypsy.
In a statement about her nomination, Scherzinger expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share her story through this role. "I’m really finally living my purpose and my dream because I finally get to share all of me and who I truly am with this world in this role. That’s the ultimate success," she said, encapsulating the essence of her artistic journey.
The Tony Awards, scheduled for June 8, 2025, are poised to highlight a diverse range of talent, with Scherzinger and George Clooney both nominated for their first Tonys this year. Clooney is recognized in the leading actor in a play category for his work in Good Night and Good Luck.
As the nominations were announced, Scherzinger celebrated her achievement on the TODAY show, sharing her excitement with co-host Ken Jeong. She reminisced about her early life, noting how she attended a performing arts high school where she first discovered her passion for theater. Her breakout role as Alice in Alice in Wonderland marked the beginning of a promising career.
Despite her success with the Pussycat Dolls in the early 2000s, Scherzinger faced challenges that required resilience. "One day you’re just not as successful as you once were or would like to be," she reflected, acknowledging the industry's fickle nature. This realization has shaped her understanding of success, moving from external validation to a more profound sense of fulfillment through her craft.
The 2025 Tony Awards are shaping up to be a landmark event, with musicals like Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, and Buena Vista Social Club leading the nominations with ten each. Scherzinger's Sunset Boulevard follows closely with seven nominations, showcasing the growing recognition of diverse narratives and talents on Broadway.
As she prepares for the upcoming awards ceremony, Scherzinger is not only a nominee but also a symbol of representation for Asian Pacific leaders in the arts. On the same day as her Tony nomination, Gold House unveiled its annual A100 List, recognizing the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders across various industries, further solidifying Scherzinger's influence beyond the stage.
Reflecting on her journey, Scherzinger credits the strong women in her family for instilling values of resilience and selflessness. Her grandmother, one of 18 children, and her mother, who had her at 18, have both played pivotal roles in shaping her identity. "These women modeled resilience and selflessness, and they taught me at an early age to never give up," she shared.
As the Tony Awards approach, the excitement surrounding Scherzinger's performance continues to grow. Her journey, marked by determination and a deep connection to her heritage, resonates with many, making her one of the standout figures in this year's theatrical landscape. With the spotlight on her, Scherzinger aims to inspire others to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams, just as she has.
As she prepares for her role in the spotlight, Scherzinger's story serves as a reminder that success is not merely about accolades but about authenticity and the courage to share one's journey with the world. With the Tony Awards just around the corner, all eyes will be on her as she takes the stage, embodying the spirit of resilience and the power of dreams.
