Nicole Scherzinger has spoken candidly about how finding fame in her twenties left her feeling denied the chance to grow. The 47-year-old rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls in the 2000s and said that, like Britney Spears, early stardom meant she was unprepared for challenges later in her career, including the muted reception to her solo albums. Speaking to Variety, she suggested that gaining success so young can “stunt” emotional development and lead to co-dependent tendencies in relationships.
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Reflecting on her own experiences, Scherzinger said she has also faced moments of vulnerability and insecurity in her personal life. She noted that intense fame at a young age can leave stars dependent on others and desperate for validation, explaining that she has felt similarly uncertain in past relationships. Her comments echo wider conversations about the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry and the long-term emotional impact of sudden global fame.
Scherzinger, who recently won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the West End and Broadway productions of Sunset Boulevard, admitted she was initially reluctant to take on the role. She recalled questioning whether the character — a fading star from Hollywood’s silent-film era — reflected how others viewed her. However, she came to identify deeply with Norma’s struggles, including loneliness, being overlooked, and feeling lost once the spotlight fades.
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The singer and actress described her move into theatre as “liberating”, saying it has allowed her to confront fears and shed parts of her past. She explained that stepping into demanding stage roles encouraged her to stop feeling like a “victim” and to embrace growth with confidence. For Scherzinger, the stage has become a place to reclaim her identity, proving that reinvention and resilience remain central themes in her career.
