Tony Awards 2025: Nicole Scherzinger’s Electrifying Performance in ‘Sunset Blvd.’
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Nicole Scherzinger commanded the stage at the 78th Tony Awards, leaving the audience at Radio City Music Hall in awe with her performance from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical ‘Sunset Blvd.’ The star-studded event on Sunday, June 8, saw Scherzinger, known for her role in the musical, receiving a standing ovation for her captivating rendition of “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” Dressed elegantly in a black dress, the 46-year-old singer embodied the character of Norma Desmond, the iconic lead in the Jamie Lloyd-directed revival of the musical.
The performance was introduced by the legendary Glenn Close, who originated the role of Norma Desmond and received a Tony award for her portrayal in the 1993 Broadway production. Close, now 78, had nothing but praise for Scherzinger, whom she visited backstage after watching the current run of Sunset Blvd. back in April. “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” a timeless piece by Don Black, Christopher Hampton, Amy Powers, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been performed by notable artists like Barbara Streisand and Chris Colfer.
Scherzinger’s Broadway debut has earned her a nomination for her first Tony award, following her Laurence Olivier Award win in 2023 for her performance in the West End production of Sunset Blvd. Her co-star, Tom Francis, who plays the role of young screenwriter Joe Gillis, has also secured a nomination among the seven garnered by the production. Competing with Scherzinger in the lead musical actress category are esteemed performers such as Audra McDonald, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Megan Hilty, and Jennifer Simard.
Notable contenders at this year’s Tony Awards include new musicals like ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ and ‘Maybe Happy Ending,’ as well as new plays such as ‘John Proctor is the Villain’ and ‘The Hills of California.’ ‘Sunset Blvd.,’ featuring performances by David Thaxton and Grace Hodgett Young, is set to conclude its run at the St. James Theatre on July 13, receiving acclaim from industry veterans like Close and Patti LuPone.
The evening was hosted by Cynthia Erivo at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the ceremony televised on CBS and Paramount+. The star-studded affair witnessed prominent personalities like George Clooney and Nicole Scherzinger dazzling the audience with their presence. A full list of the evening’s winners can be found on PEOPLE’s coverage of the event, showcasing the best of Broadway’s 2025 season.
Overall, Nicole Scherzinger’s exceptional performance at the Tony Awards solidified her status as a formidable talent in the world of theatre. Her portrayal of Norma Desmond in ‘Sunset Blvd.’ left a lasting impression on the audience and critics alike, setting a high standard for future Broadway productions.