In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times, Nicole Scherzinger, the former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman, revealed her candid thoughts about her career, her artistic aspirations, and her decision to take on the challenging role of Norma Desmond in the musical production of Sunset Boulevard. The pop sensation, known for her chart-topping hits, television appearances, and captivating performances, bared her soul, providing a glimpse into her multifaceted life.
When the director Jamie Lloyd offered Nicole Scherzinger the lead in his new musical production of Sunset Boulevard, “I was like, ‘Are you out of your mind?'” Scherzinger confessed. She candidly shared her initial doubts about playing the role of the aging Norma Desmond, expressing disbelief that she could embody the character. “First of all, I still look great under bright lights. And isn’t that an older woman who is, like, an old relic? How does that even remotely have anything to do with me?” she pondered.
Despite these reservations, Scherzinger was drawn to the music and the character. She emphasized the connection she felt to the songs, likening them to something she could have written herself. “This is a completely different show than the musical people know,” she remarked. “I feel like we might as well change the name of the show because it’s a completely different story we’re telling.” Scherzinger challenged the traditional portrayal of Norma Desmond, saying, “She’s not crazy. She’s madly passionate about what she feels like she was put on this earth to do. She’s in love with her art. And there’s nothing tragic or pitiful about that.”
Scherzinger’s decision to take on the role of Norma Desmond came after careful consideration and a desire to showcase her true talents as an artist. “People are going to see a very different side to me, aren’t they? Like they’ve never seen before in 45 years,” she remarked. Her career, which began in youth theatre at the age of 14 and skyrocketed with the Pussycat Dolls, has often been associated with glitz and glamour. However, Scherzinger yearns to be recognized for her artistry beyond her more mainstream achievements.
“Musical theatre was always my first love,” Scherzinger admitted. “I know that I have something that no one else has in this world. You give me a song, and you put me on that stage, and it’s just a gift that I have, the gift to make people feel something. It’s my innate gift from God.”
Scherzinger’s journey from humble beginnings, where she grew up “dirt poor,” to global stardom, demonstrates her unwavering dedication to her family and her craft. Her decision to forgo a highly paid role on “The Masked Singer” to pursue her passion in Sunset Boulevard underscores her commitment to the stage.
“I had to follow my heart”, she said. “I chose this because this is where I belong. You don’t do this for money or cameras. You do this for love, the love of art — literally for art’s sake. And how are people going to know the artist side of me if I don’t put it out there? So it’s up to me to start making those choices in my life, to put myself where I can really share my true talents.”
The singer grew up ‘dirt poor’ before finding fame with the Pussycat Dolls and The X Factor. Now she is swapping primetime TV for the lead role in Sunset Boulevard
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