Wright State alum Nicole Scherzinger wins first Tony Award for starring role in ‘Sunset Boulevard’

Nicole Scherzinger, who studied musical theatre and acting at Wright State, received the Tony Award for best leading actress in a musical for “Sunset Boulevard.” (Photo by Marc Brenner)

Wright State University alumna Nicole Scherzinger won her first Tony Award for her acclaimed performance as Norma Desmond in the Broadway revival of “Sunset Boulevard.”

Scherzinger, who studied musical theatre and acting at Wright State from 1996 to 1999, received the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. The production also earned the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.

“Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home at last,” Scherzinger said in her acceptance speech. “So if there’s anyone out there who feels like they don’t belong, or your time hasn’t come, don’t give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever.”

Her Tony win follows a string of accolades. In 2024, she received an Olivier Award, British theatre’s highest honor, and earlier this year, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

As a student at Wright State, Scherzinger performed in numerous productions, including roles as Velma Kelly in “Chicago” and Julie La Verne in “Show Boat.” She left the university early, after consulting with professors about an opportunity in Hollywood that launched her career.

In 2017, the Wright State Alumni Association named her Alumna of the Year.

Joe Deer, retired professor of musical theatre at Wright State, said Scherzinger’s recent success is no surprise.

“I can think of very few other performers who have sustained a top-level career in so many fields for so long,” Deer said. It’s so gratifying to see our outstanding alumna being recognized for her breathtaking talent and longevity.”

Scherzinger is a multi-platinum-selling singer, award-winning performer, and actress known for her versatility across music, theater, film, and television. She previously earned an Olivier nomination for her performance as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.”

Her television credits include judging roles on “The Sing-Off,” both the U.S. and U.K. versions of “The X Factor” and “The Masked Singer” on Fox. She has performed at Madison Square Garden, voiced the character Sina in Disney’s “Moana” and starred in ABC’s remake of “Dirty Dancing.”