“Nicole Scherzinger brought the house down in a dramatic farewell performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard on Sunday night.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
The former Pussycat Doll, 47, took to the stage one last time as the silent movie star and left fans stunned with her chilling finale look, featuring theatrical blood dripping down her neck.
Nicole has won rave reviews for her role in the gritty Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, with her haunting portrayal of the character.
In the lead up to her final show, tributes poured in to her via Nicole’s social media. Her vocal coach described her as ‘an absolute force of nature’.
He revealed that on their first session, she looked at him right in the eyes and said: ‘I’m a good student. Tell me what I need to do and I’m gonna get it done.’
Nicole herself said that tonight’s show would be ‘magic in the making’.
In a lengthy post to her Instagram she wrote: ‘Today, the sun sets on Sunset Blvd for the final time.
‘After living and breathing Norma Desmond for the past two years, it’s almost impossible to grasp that today is the last show. What began as a limited run, then extended, now somehow, nearly 10 months on Broadway have flown by.
‘Norma’s story is for anyone who’s ever felt alone. Lonely. Abandoned. Outcast.
‘For anyone who never felt like they belonged.
‘For those who once loved something deeply and had it taken from them, aching to reclaim it.
‘For the dreamers. The fighters. The believers. The warriors. For those unshakable in their purpose and power, doing what they love most.
‘“This is my life. It always will be.There is nothing else.”’
She added: ‘Norma has changed me forever. Thank you, Broadway “for the magic in the making.”
‘Thank you and to the entire beautiful, brilliant @andrewlloydwebber @jamielloyd @alanwilliamsmd @fabianaloise and to the entire beautiful, brilliant @sunsetblvdmusicalcompany, for everything.’
Fans flocked to her comment section and penned: ‘Just absolutely incredible. I saw it 3 times and I would have seen it more if I could lol. You are a force my love. So proud of you!!!!!! Love you queen!!!!!’
‘So happy I saw it twice. Wish I could have seen it 20 more times!’
‘So beyond happy for you. Saw the show four (or was it five) times and every time you were even more nuanced, took different risks and had the audience in the palm of their hands. Brava! She’s a Hawaiian Tony Winner!!!!!’
‘You have given Norma the stage she deserves for a new Audience and a new generation! Saw it 3 times it was incredible every time! Brava my dear.’
‘You have changed OUR lives forever with your talent, wisdom, bravery, and most of all your willingness to open up your heart and reveal it to us night after night. You are the North Star for all that it means to be a performer, and I am so beyond grateful that I got to live at a time in history to witness such beautiful art. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you. ❤️ You are the GREATEST STAR OF ALL’
The critically acclaimed musical, runs for approximately two hours and 35 minutes and and has earned Nicole a Tony at this year’s awards.
Nicole took over taking over the role from acting legend Glenn Close, 78, who won her third Tony Award in 1995 for the role.
After watching Nicole’s performance earlier this year, Glenn said: ‘You can’t approach Norma with a faint heart. She tests your metal [and] demands that you dig deep.’
She continued: ‘Nicole’s performance is an act of raw artistry and astounding bravery.
‘She and the entire production blew me away. I loved meeting Nicole, [her co-star] Tom Francis, and many members of the ensemble backstage afterwards!’
Sunset Boulevard has been a huge success and grossed more than $1.08 million during its first week of six previews alone at the St. James Theatre in New York City.
Nicole initially played the role of Norma when it opened in London in 2023, whilst West End legend Rachel Tucker served as her alternate.
Last year, upon hearing the news that she would be starring the Broadway show, Nicole raved that she could ‘hardly believe’ that she was getting the chance.
‘Little Nicole has waited for this her whole life. And I get to do it with this beautiful cast @sunsetblvdmusical and these two heroes of mine @andrewlloydwebber @jamielloyd,’ she wrote on Instagram.