Wright State alumna Nicole Scherzinger nominated for Tony for ‘Sunset Boulevard’ performance

Nicole Scherzinger, who studied musical theatre and acting at Wright State from 1996 to 1999, is nominated for a Tony Award for the Best Performance by Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard.” (Photo by Marc Brenner)

Wright State University alumna Nicole Scherzinger was once again recognized for her stunning portrayal of Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard.”

Scherzinger is nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by Actress in a Leading Role for her Broadway debut. The New York Times called her one of two front-runners for the award.

“Sunset Boulevard” earned seven nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical. The 78th annual Tony Awards ceremony will take place on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall.

Last year, Scherzinger won the prestigious Olivier Award, the highest honor in British theatre, and in April, Time magazine named her one of its 100 most influential people of 2025.

Scherzinger studied musical theatre and acting at Wright State from 1996 to 1999. As a student, she performed in numerous productions, including as Velma Kelly in “Chicago” and Julie La Verne in “Show Boat.”

She decided to leave Wright State after consulting her professors about an opportunity in Hollywood that launched her stellar career.

In 2017, the Wright State Alumni Association honored Scherzinger with its Alumna of the Year Award.

Joe Deer, retired professor of musical theatre at Wright State, said Scherzinger’s performance in “Sunset Boulevard” is no surprise to those who have followed her career since she left Wright State.

“Critics are recognizing the depth and power of this incredibly versatile performer in a daring production that has gotten nearly universal praise, largely based on her performance,” Deer said. “I can think of very few other performers who have sustained a top-level career in so many fields for so long. It’s so gratifying to see our outstanding alumna being recognized for her breathtaking talent and longevity.”

Scherzinger is a multiple award-winning, multi-platinum-selling performer, singer, actress, dancer and television personality.

She was previously nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.”

She has performed at Madison Square Garden, voiced the character Sina in Disney’s animated blockbuster “Moana” and starred in ABC’s remake of “Dirty Dancing.”

She has also been a judge on “The Sing-Off,” the U.S. and U.K. versions of “The X Factor” and “The Masked Singer” on Fox.