Nicole Scherzinger, actress, dancer, singer and former member of the popular music group The Pussycat Dolls, visited Wright State on August 27.
She was invited to accept the 2017 Alumni of the Year Award. She spoke one-on-one with Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures Department Chair Joe Deer and interacted with current students in Q&A style.
Being a past Wright State student herself, Scherzinger spoke of the hard work and determination that came with studying musical theater and dance. When Scherzinger began at Wright State, she told herself, “I’m going to be a sponge and I’m going to get everything I can out of this. I took extra classes [and] Wright State let me do that. It’s such a blessing to be here, don’t take it for granted.”
Traveling down memory lane, Scherzinger was asked about her success on her revival of Grizabella in the famous musical production Cats, her role as Maureen in Rent and the preparation that each role took. Scherzinger also touched on the dedication that was required for her win on Dancing with the Stars.
Scherzinger is not only an acclaimed figure in the Hollywood business, but someone who is kind, down to Earth and does not take success for granted. Scherzinger plays an active role in working with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and travels the world to advocate for children’s rights. “You have to give back, always,” Scherzinger added.
When asked what she wished someone would have told her in college, Scherzinger said, “you get out what you put in, in anything you do. No one is going to do it for you, only you can make it happen. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box – create it yourself. Anything is possible; let your words speak for itself.”
Scherzinger posed for photos and wrapped up the event with her thoughts.
“Authenticity is such an important word,” Scherzinger said. “Be authentically you, to bring your whole self into whatever that song, or whatever that character is, or whatever that piece is – that’s what will make all the difference.”
