Former DWTS Champ Earns Tony Nomination for Broadway Role

Former “Dancing with the Stars” champ Nicole Scherzinger has earned her first-ever Tony Award nomination for her performance as Norma Desmond in the Broadway revival of “Sunset Boulevard”. The singer and actress is nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical at the upcoming 2025 Tony Awards.

The production confirmed the news via Instagram, captioning a photo of Scherzinger, “Tony Award® Nominee Nicole Scherzinger.” Her fiancé, Thom Evans, commented, “So proud! You so deserve this my love!” Supermodel Naomi Campbell also dropped heart emojis in the post’s comments, while fans praised the singer’s commitment to the role. “The hard work she done with passion and gave her blood sweat and tears payed off,” one user wrote.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the minimalist revival transferred from London’s West End to Broadway’s St. James Theatre, where it continues through July 13. Scherzinger’s emotionally intense portrayal has drawn widespread praise—including from Glenn Close, who previously played the role and called Scherzinger’s performance “raw artistry and astounding bravery,” according to People.

A Personal Journey From Pop Stardom to Broadway Acclaim

While best known as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, Scherzinger has long dreamed of performing on Broadway. She recently told People that her journey to this moment wasn’t easy, and that her own struggles with fame and self-doubt helped shape her portrayal of Norma Desmond. “I have worked many, many years to build up to this moment, and it’s changed my life,” she said.

Her dream of making it to Broadway has been years in the making. In December, Scherzinger posted a throwback video to Instagram from the Pussycat Dolls’ 2008 “When I Grow Up” music video shoot. In the clip, she’s seen across the street from a New York City theater marquee for Wicked, saying, “Growing up, I thought I’d be doing that. I’d be on that side of the street not this side of the street. But one day I’ll make it back home.” She captioned the post, “BTS footage of PCD’s ‘When I Grow Up’ music video — 16 years later… I made it back home,” as noted by TODAY.

From Dance Floor to TIME100: Scherzinger’s Wins and Recognition

Long before taking Broadway by storm, Scherzinger competed on season 10 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2010 and went on to win the competition with partner Derek Hough. After the finale, she said, “I feel like I just won a Grammy. A dancing Grammy!”

Her journey has come full circle this year with multiple high-profile recognitions. In addition to her Tony nomination, Scherzinger was recently named to the TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world. She was honored at the TIME gala for her impact across music, theater, and culture. 

With “Sunset Boulevard” continuing its Broadway run through summer and her wedding to Thom Evans on the horizon, Scherzinger is celebrating a milestone season in both her career and personal life. Appearing on TODAY on May 1, she reflected on the moment: “I’m overjoyed with gratitude. My heart is completely full,” she said. “Don’t ever, ever, ever give up because you never know when your time is coming. I feel so grateful right now.”