Nicole Scherzinger talks ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and ‘Moana 2’

Our next guest, Nicole Scherzinger, makes her Broadway debut in the reimagined Andrew Lloyd Webber hit, Sunset Boulevard. Critics are saying she astonishes in this remarkable production, stealing Broadway with one look. That look we're getting right now. Look at her right there. Give it up for Nicole, everybody. Good morning look. Good morning. Audiences, they are going crazy for this production. You're getting mid-show standing ovations, the first opening opening show, six minutes standing ovation, and now there is Tony Award buzz. So is this like a dream come true for you? It is a dream come true. A lot of people don't know, realize that my background is musical theater. I went to a performing arts high school. It's my first love. I just love being able to communicate and tell stories through song in the most honest way. And what an amazing, unbelievable, unique production to be able to do it and to make my Broadway debut in this way. So and to be a part of this Broadway community, it's just such an honor and a privilege for me. You're playing Norma Desmond. Glenn Close played her twice on Broadway. Hershey sent you a note. Can you share what she said? Yeah, she was so kind on my opening night. She sent me these beautiful roses and in the note it said something like, there's no doubt that you'll take the New York by storm. Welcome to Broadway. And I was like, wow, what a way to have your first opening night on Broadway. When you came in and we were all saying congratulations, you said you performed last night, you'll perform again tonight. The Broadway schedule is tough, but when you were on tour and you were everywhere all over the world, everybody knows that had to be hard too. Which one? I mean, yeah, it was, it was hardcore with the dolls. Sometimes we'd be, we'd do six shows a week in six different countries, but I'm going to tell you this theater thing, it's a whole nother beast in and of itself. I always say it's the Olympics of theater. I have so much respect for anyone in theater, Broadway, West End, because it's just, you know, it's your blood, sweat and tears every night. But you give us so much at night. How do you care for yourself during the day? It's a balance, you know, because you really want to preserve your energy to give every night, like it's your first and last performance. So the most important thing is rest and water. When I can take a walk in the sun or listen to some inspiring music to uplift me, that fills my tank up again. I got to ask about Moana because we're a household that is so excited for Moana too, and you play Moana's mom. Let's take a quick look at an exclusive clip. Moana, you need a crew. Heihei and Pua don't count. It's the other side of the ocean. How could I ask them to? Our people will rise if you let them. Last time the chicken made it. That's amazing. What can you tell us about the Moanaverse being a part of it and what we can expect? Oh, it's an it's awesome. It's an honor to be a part of Moana, to be returning as Moana's mother. And I'm just I'm proud to be of Hawaiian descent. And I'm proud of the story, the depiction that Disney has done with the Polynesian. It's the representation for the Polynesian people and the story. And I think from my role, I was deeply inspired by the beautiful women of my family and my ancestors that came before me. So I just want to make them proud. It is a beautiful story. We love it. Yeah. So much excited for the fans. And they're going to see it like super soon. So much joy around you right now. But there was something also very difficult. And I'm talking about the death of the surprising death, really, of Liam Payne. Now, I know he was a good friend of yours, but it's more than that. You were actually the person who kind of suggested putting One Direction together. So how how are you? Liam and I were quite close, especially because we recently did a show together on Netflix called Building the Band. And so, yeah, I'm heartbroken. I'm heartbroken for Liam. I'm heartbroken for his family and his loved ones and his fans. And Liam always led with his heart and with kindness. And I really hope that's how he'll always be remembered. Thank you for sharing. Yeah. Thank you so much. And thank you for being here, Nicole. We know you're finished at midnight. You got home and decompress and wake up and be here for the week. It does not go unappreciated. Oh, thank you. And guys, the album, the Sunset Boulevard album is out today. Is it? So get it on wherever you get your music, listen to your music, all streaming platforms. I'm excited. I've got to go listen to the album. Well, you heard it. Sunset Boulevard. The play is playing now at the St. James Theatre on Broadway. And as Nicole said, the cast album is out this morning. Make sure you go pick it up because we know she will. All right.