Wright State alumna Nicole Scherzinger wins top British theatre award as star of ‘Sunset Boulevard’

After winning an Olivier Award for her performance in “Sunset Boulevard” in London’s West End, Nicole Scherzinger, who studied musical theatre and acting at Wright State from 1996 to 1999, will perform on Broadway this fall. (Photo by Marc Brenner)

Wright State University theatre alumna Nicole Scherzinger received the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” in London’s West End.

“Sunset Boulevard” was honored on April 14 at the Royal Albert Hall in London with seven awards, including Best Musical Revival.

The Olivier Awards are the British equivalent of the Tonys.

“Sunset Boulevard” wrapped up a three-month run at the Savoy Theater in London’s West End in January 2024.

Next up for Scherzinger and “Sunset Boulevard” is Broadway. The musical will begin previews at the St. James Theater in New York on Sept. 28 and open on Oct. 20.

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.

Scherzinger is an award-winning, multi-platinum-selling performer, singer, actress, dancer and television personality. She has sold over 37 million singles worldwide and 16 million records as a solo artist.

She previously performed on London’s West End in a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.” She was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance as Grizabella.

She performed at Windsor Castle in the official concert for the coronation of Charles III and Camilla in May 2023.

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. She won “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010.

Scherzinger starred in “Rent” at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and performed with acclaimed Italian classical tenor Andrea Bocelli as part of the PBS “Great Performances” series.