Nicole Scherzinger faced a challenging decision to leave her role as a judge on The Masked Singer after season 10 to pursue a lead role in the stage musical Sunset Boulevard, which led her to the West End in London and eventually to Broadway. Her performance has been recognized with a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, and the show received seven nominations overall, including Best Revival of a Musical. Nicole shared her journey and the bittersweet nature of her decision on Today with Jenna & Friends, surprising her former co-panelist Ken Jeong, whom she considers a close friend and mentor. Her friendship with Ken Jeong has been a source of support throughout her career transition, highlighting how he and his family have been there for her. Nicole's commitment to her craft and the strength of her friendships have been instrumental in her success and recognition on Broadway.

Nicole Scherzinger left The Masked Singer as a judge after season 10 to take on the leading role in Sunset Boulevard, first performing in London's West End before moving to Broadway.

Her performance in Sunset Boulevard has earned her a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, while the production itself garnered seven nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Nicole appeared on Today with Jenna & Friends to discuss her career transition and surprised her former Masked Singer co-panelist Ken Jeong, highlighting the strong bond they share.

Ken Jeong has been a supportive figure in Nicole's life, offering advice and encouragement as she navigated the difficult choice of leaving her television role for theater.

Nicole's decision to pursue her passion for theater required her to leave behind her Masked Singer family, a move she describes as both necessary and emotionally challenging.

The success of her Broadway debut and the recognition through the Tony nominations are testaments to her talent and dedication to her craft.

Nicole's story underscores the importance of supportive friendships and taking bold steps towards personal and professional growth.

Nicole Scherzinger is opening up about the “hard decision” she had to make to leave her role as a judge on The Masked Singer so she could lead the stage musical Sunset Boulevard.

The 46-year-old entertainer left the Fox competition series after season 10, which aired in late 2023, so that she could live in London and perform in the musical on the West End. She then transferred to Broadway and just earned a Tony nomination for her performance.

Moments after the Tony nominations were announced on Thursday morning (May 1), Nicole appeared on Today with Jenna & Friends and surprised her former Masked Singer co-panelist Ken Jeong, who was a guest host that morning.

“Ever since we met, it’s been like eight years or something since the beginning of Masked Singer, he literally is like my brother from another mother and he has championed me since day one,” Nicole said about her friendship with Ken.

Nicole continued, “This was a hard decision for me to make because I was gonna have to say goodbye to some things, to my Masked Singer family, and he was there [for me]. I called Ken several times, asking him life advice and he’s always been there for me. And then his whole family came to my show!”

Watch the interview below.

Nicole just earned a Best Leading Actress in a Musical nomination for her work in Sunset Boulevard and the show earned seven Tony nominations in all, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Get your tickets now to see Nicole in Sunset Blvd through July 13.