The Masked Singer judge Nicole Scherzinger has been cast in NBC’s upcoming Annie Live musical. She’ll be flexing her theater muscles as the character Grace. This marks the singer’s first live TV musical, and we’re looking forward to watching her take on the iconic role in the upcoming production.
Nicole Scherzinger Joins ‘Annie Live’ Musical
For those who are unfamiliar with Annie, the character of Grace serves as Daddy Warbucks’ chief of staff. The titular orphan meets her when she’s invited into the billionaire’s home. Grace encourages Warbucks to adopt Annie.
“I’m over-the-moon excited. This is my wheelhouse!” Sherzinger told Entertainment Weekly about the new role. “I have definitely got the heebie-jeebies, but I’m excited to learn. I’m ready for it.”
Scherzinger grew up performing in musicals, and she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her role in the 2014 West End revival of Cats. And of course, she’s used to singing and dancing as part of her group the Pussycat Dolls.
“With the predicament of children now more than ever needing homes and support and love, I’m really honored to be able to play Grace,” Scherzinger shared. “It’s such an empowering role and beautiful, graceful shoes to fill, every pun intended.”
Scherzinger isn’t the first star to be cast in Annie Live. Former American Idol judge Harry Connick Jr. will appear as Daddy Warbucks, while Taraji P. Henson will be the villainous Miss Hannigan, who heads the orphanage where Annie lives at the start of the musical.
NBC virtually held an open casting call for the titular role. They have yet to announce who will be playing the iconic orphan, but it’s likely to be an unknown young actor. Rehearsals are supposed to start in October and November in New York.
Annie Live will air December 2 on NBC. Previous live musicals on the network have included 2019’s Jesus Christ Superstar, which starred The Voice coach John Legend.
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Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
