On Sunday, Nicole Scherzinger graced the Broadway stage with her triumphant debut as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Blvd.," securing the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. During her heartfelt acceptance speech, Scherzinger emotionally conveyed, "Growing up, I often felt like an outsider. But tonight, you've all made me feel like I've finally come home."
Scherzinger, who skyrocketed to fame as the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, brought her award-winning portrayal of the aging, silent film star with grandiose delusions from London's West End to Broadway. She had previously garnered the 2024 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance across the pond, both productions being masterfully directed by Jamie Lloyd.
In her speech, Scherzinger expressed deep gratitude to Lloyd, stating, "Jamie Lloyd, you saw in me what others couldn't. You've given us all new dreams to chase and have profoundly changed my life."
The race for Best Leading Actress in a Musical was one of the most anticipated in the industry, with Scherzinger's captivating depiction of Desmond and her powerful vocals, earning her two standing ovations per show, neck-and-neck with McDonald's nuanced portrayal of Rose in "Gypsy" and her electrifying performance of "Rose's Turn," which also had the audience on their feet. Jennifer Simard and Megan Hilty from "Death Becomes Her," and Jasmine Amy Rodgers from "Boop! The Musical" were also contenders in this category.
Tony voters deliberated between Scherzinger's strong Broadway debut and McDonald's extensive Broadway career, which included six previous Tony nominations. Early in her run, Scherzinger faced controversy when she liked and commented on a MAGA-style hat inscribed with "Make Jesus First Again," while McDonald recently saw a surge of community support following negative remarks from Patti LuPone.
Both actresses had been actively campaigning and participating in numerous media and industry events ahead of the Tony Awards ceremony, including the annual Miscast event where actors tackle roles they wouldn't typically be cast in. Scherzinger sang "I Am What I Am," an anthem in the gay community from "La Cage Aux Folles." Throughout her run, Scherzinger also posed for photos still in costume, covered in blood, with backstage guests and celebrities.
The musical, featuring a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and opening on Broadway in 1994, traditionally boasted a grand staircase and a spectacle surrounding the storyline of a screenwriter ensnared in Desmond's mansion. In this revival, the stage is stripped down, but Lloyd innovatively uses cameras to project Norma's face onto a large screen and even follows Joe Gillis, the screenwriter, as he takes the audience backstage and outside the theater to commence the second act.
The role of Desmond, first made famous on screen, has also been portrayed by Patti LuPone and Glenn Close, both of whom witnessed Scherzinger's performance on stage and hailed her exceptional talent. In addition to her role as Norma Desmond in the West End production of "Sunset Blvd.," Scherzinger also starred as Grizabella in the 2014 West End production of "Cats."
Scherzinger continues to shine in "Sunset Blvd.," alongside Tom Francis, who was also Tony-nominated for his portrayal of Joe Gillis, until July 12.
