Nicole Scherzinger first came to my attention when she was lead singer of the Pussy Cat Dolls (obviously) - Don't Cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me! So hearing this absolutely beautiful rendition of Don't Cry For Me Argentina knocked me for six. Evidently, Nicole started out studying musical theatre at Wright State University, aged 14, and has clearly developed the ability to portray a character very accurately.
I must say, Nicole quite literally makes the hairs on your arms stand up when she sings these more operatic type of songs. Having discovered Don't Cry For Me Argentina I had to investigate the classical side of her and discovered another outstanding performance as Christine, Phantom of the Opera. Nicole manages to hit all those high notes effortlessly and her voice really is perfection.
When it comes to characters, Nicole totally embraced Grizabella, the elderly cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical CATS during her performance of Memory at the Olivier awards, 2015. To be able to wear such a stunning, figure hugging outfit while portraying a washed out stinking old street cat is no mean feat! And this really is the thing about Nicole- whatever she does she gives 100% and is the real deal. You see it time and again in the comments on YouTube- 'Nicole is the most under-rated singer' and when you consider her versatility combined with vocal agility and gift of interpretation, I think this conclusion is undeniable.
Don't Cha and I Put A Spell on You, both of which feature Nicole as a solo artist, really show her ability to interpret and adapt popular songs in her own way. I think the story behind Don't Cha comes across just as effectively as it did 14 years ago in the original video featuring Busta Rhymes. The acoustic version I have shared was made during Covid in 2021 and still displays the cheeky side of Nicole combined with her sultry swag. What you also get from both of these songs is the real Nicole and not just the commercialised version- it's there in the add-libs and brings a level of authenticity to the occasion. Side note here, Andre's solo guitar in I put a Spell on You is worth a listen and the whole piece has the old blues flow that it demands. Here we have it- Nicole can head a pop festival, stand on the stage at the Royal Opera House or slot into a New Orleans Jazz club- and how many artists can do that?
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McKenzie~ The Word Magician
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