Nicole Scherzinger, acclaimed for her Tony Award-winning performance in *Sunset Blvd.*, is set to showcase her diverse artistic abilities in a new concert special titled *Great Performances: An Evening with Nicole Scherzinger*. Filmed at the iconic Royal Albert Hall on October 6, 2025, the special is part of PBS’s 2026 “Broadway’s Best” series and will air on Friday, May 22. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Scherzinger shared her motivations behind the concert, emphasising her desire to present the myriad of dimensions that define her as an artist.
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The 47-year-old performer expressed her belief that many fans and audience members were unaware of her musical theatre roots. “I really grew up in musical theatre, and a lot of people didn’t know that side of me,” she explained. “Sometimes when people pigeonhole you and put you in a box, they kind of only see you one way.” This sentiment inspired her to create a show that would illuminate the various aspects of her talent, rather than waiting for casting opportunities to come her way.
Scherzinger’s idea for the concert has been in the making for several years. In 2019, she performed a self-funded show at the intimate jazz venue, The Django in New York City, centred around her passion for storytelling through music. These performances paved the way for further solo shows in London and Los Angeles, where she often opened with the exhilarating anthem “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from *Funny Girl*, a fitting choice that also introduces her Royal Albert Hall concert.
The upcoming special aims to reinforce Scherzinger’s commitment to artistic authenticity. As she reflected on her concerts, she stated, “I didn’t want to just go out and do something that people would expect,” underlining her intention to surprise and engage the audience actively. The Royal Albert Hall concert is particularly significant to her, given the years she spent envisioning performing at such a prestigious venue.
The setlist is eclectic, featuring musical theatre classics, jazz standards, and popular hits from her time with the Pussycat Dolls, all performed with a backing live band. Notably, one of the concert’s highlights is a poignant mashup of “Losing My Mind” from *Follies* and “Not a Day Goes By” from *Merrily We Roll Along*. Scherzinger revealed her admiration for the late Stephen Sondheim and shared how “Losing My Mind” deeply resonated with her since she first heard it at the age of 14.
Another memorable moment during the concert showcases Scherzinger performing “Maybe This Time” from *Cabaret*, during which she proudly holders both her Tony Award and Olivier Award. The last occasion she graced the Royal Albert Hall was to accept the Olivier Award for her role in *Sunset Blvd.*, making this performance feel like a powerful culmination of her journey.
In addition to her musical tributes, Scherzinger pays homage to legendary singer Shirley Bassey, performing “Diamonds Are Forever.” She expressed a strong desire to one day record a Bond theme herself, citing Bassey as a significant influence, particularly for her unique vocal delivery and stage presence.
One of the concert’s emotional highpoints is Scherzinger’s rendition of “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” a song that she found particularly poignant since she previously sang it nightly on Broadway. “It was so important for me to have Norma feel like a victor and not a victim,” she commented, highlighting her approach to connect with the audience. She believes that fostering this connection is essential, especially in today’s world.
Reflecting on her performance of Norma Desmond in *Sunset Blvd.*, Scherzinger admitted to her initial reservations regarding the role. However, director Jamie Lloyd’s vision ultimately inspired her to take on the character, which has since turned into a highlight of her career. The production enjoyed considerable acclaim following its debut in London’s West End before transitioning to Broadway in September 2024.
As she moves forward, Scherzinger is also focused on reuniting with the Pussycat Dolls to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their debut with a performance at the American Music Awards. Alongside this celebration, the group has released a new track titled “Club Song,” and they are booked for appearances at various festivals, including the Outloud Music Festival in Los Angeles.
On a personal note, Scherzinger is engaged to former rugby player Thom Evans, a relationship that began on the set of *The X Factor: Celebrity* in 2019. While their wedding plans have been temporarily sidelined due to her Broadway commitments, she cherishes her partner’s support, stating, “He’s so understanding and he’s my biggest cheerleader.”
In summary, Nicole Scherzinger’s forthcoming PBS special is not only a celebration of her musical journey but also an opportunity for audiences to witness the multifaceted artistry she has to offer.