Nicole Scherzinger addressed criticism of her Royal Albert Hall performance with a defiant and versatile show, blending musical theatre, stand-up comedy, and Pussycat Dolls hits. The star, who arrived 45 minutes late, opened with a slow-clap and appeared in sparkling diamonds, setting the tone for an evening that mixed raunchy gags with stylistic zigzags.
The first act focused on musical numbers from shows like Funny Girl and Follies, but the between-song banter stole the spotlight. Scherzinger joked about her heritage, saying, 'I also have some English in me … his name is Tom,' referring to her fiancé. Critics noted the chaotic humour, with one remarking that the 50-minute set felt like a bizarre standup routine.
Act two shifted gears, with powerful renditions of I Am What I Am and Sunset Boulevard's With One Look earning standing ovations. Scherzinger debuted a new original song, Bullshit, about impatience with a partner's proposal, introducing it by listing 'Keats, Shakespeare, Scherzinger.' The track blended retro soul with a country twang.
The encore saw Scherzinger shed her floor-length dresses for a lace jumpsuit, performing a Pussycat Dolls medley with full choreography. Hits like Don't Hold Your Breath brought the audience to their feet, leaving them 'borderline dumbstruck.' The show was described as 'bizarre, brilliant, fierce and occasionally frustrating,' encapsulating Scherzinger's career.
