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Nicole Scherzinger is stepping into the spotlight on Broadway, bringing her powerhouse vocals and profound emotional depth to the iconic role of Norma Desmond in ‘Sunset Boulevard’. This marks a significant moment in her career, as she reprises the role she first brought to life in London’s West End, earning widespread acclaim. Despite her remarkable achievements, Scherzinger recently opened up about the emotional toll of feeling discarded by an industry that often overlooks women, especially as they age.
At 46, Scherzinger is candid about the struggles she faces, drawing a poignant parallel between her personal experiences and those of Norma Desmond, the faded silent movie star she portrays. Both women have been on the receiving end of an industry that is quick to discard them once they reach a certain age. Yet, as Scherzinger tells it, she has never felt stronger—physically, mentally, or emotionally. This realization makes the industry’s dismissal all the more tragic for her.
Scherzinger’s journey to Broadway has been a long time coming. Known widely as the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls and for her television roles on shows like ‘The X Factor’ and ‘The Masked Singer’, Scherzinger has always yearned to prove herself on the Broadway stage. Despite being a household name, she has often felt that her potential has gone unrecognized. “I’ve never been more strong,” she says, reflecting on her current prime, which she believes is the perfect time to create meaningful work .
Director Jamie Lloyd, who helms this production of ‘Sunset Boulevard’, saw in Scherzinger the perfect blend of talent and personal experience to bring Norma Desmond to life for modern audiences. He chose her specifically because he believed she could relate deeply to Desmond’s story, which is often seen as a commentary on ageism and the fleeting nature of fame in Hollywood. The role has not only allowed Scherzinger to showcase her vocal abilities but also to delve into the depths of her own Insecurities and experiences, making her performance intensely personal and resonant.
As Scherzinger prepares to make her Broadway debut, she reflects on how this role has already changed her life. The experience has given her a new sense of purpose, validating her belief that there is no better time than now for her to shine .
