Entertainment
Who Is Nicole Scherzinger? Facts About the Fil-Am Actress and Singer
The lead Pussycat Doll just won her first Tony for "Sunset Boulevard."
by Em Enriquez
Published on Jun 9, 2025
Filipina excellence was recognized at the 78th Tony Awards with the victory of Sunset Boulevard actress Nicole Scherzinger. Due to her gripping portrayal of silent screen star Norma Desmond, the 46-year-old brought home the Best Actress in a Musical trophy, joining the elite ranks of fellow Pinoys Darren Criss and Lea Salonga.
Overwhelmed with emotions, Nicole accepted the award, saying: “Thank you for making this Hawaiian-Ukranian-Filipino girl’s dream come true. So proud to represent."
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PHOTOS: Instagram/sunsetblvdmusical
For many, Nicole has long been a strong representative of Filipino art on the global stage. Whether as a sultry pop star or a groundbreaking stage actress, she continues to prove her mettle as one of the prime talents of her generations. Ahead, we run down the most essential facts to know about her.
Who Is Nicole Scherzinger? Facts About the Filipino-American Actress and Singer
Nicole comes from a cross-cultural background
Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Scherzinger was born on June 29, 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her last name comes from her German-American stepfather, whom her mother married after her biological Filipino father exited their family. Along with her family, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky at the age of six.
Nicole began acting when she was only 14 years old
Nicole's passion for performance began at the age of 14 when she joined the Actors Theatre of Louisville. She eventually pursued a degree in theatre arts, with a minor in dance, at Wright State University. Some of her earliest acting credits came with regional productions of Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and Showboat.
In several interviews, she credited Whitney Houston as one of her major inspirations when it came to singing and music production. She sang her rendition of I Will Always Love You for an audition at a record label. Her Broadway debut came in 2010 when she took part in a revival of Rent.
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PHOTO: Instagram/nicolescherzinger.
Nicole is the frontwoman of the Pussycat Dolls
Perhaps one of Nicole's most recognizable bodies of work is her stint with the Pussycat Dolls. After a brief stint performing with a group named Eden's Crush, Nicole was launched with five other ladies with their international breakthrough single Dont 'Cha.
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PHOTO: Instagram/pcd.
The sextet dominated the airwaves in the 2000s with hits such as When I Grow Up, Buttons, Hush Hush, Stickwitu, and more. Legal battles and internal drama led the group to disband, with Nicole pursuing a solo career in 2011. Although, the dolls briefly united in 2019 with the song React.
Nicole is credited with forming One Direction
As someone with valuable experience in the industry, Nicole expectedly has good discretion when it comes to forming musical groups. In the 2010s, she sat in as a guest judge on X Factor UK, and ultimately became the brains that formed global sensation One Direction. A never-before-seen clip from the show revealed Nicole putting together Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson during a crucial delibration period.
Nicole is also a voice actor for animated films
Outside of the screen and stage, Nicole has utilized her voice to give life to animated characters. She voices the mother of demi-god Moana in the first 2016 film and the 2024 sequel. The role arrived perfectly for Nicole, who, aside from being an impeccable singer, grew up in a similar island community in Hawaii.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.