“It’s just so well-deserved”: Ken Jeong reacts to Nicole Scherzinger’s Tony Nomination for musical Norma Desmond

Nicole Scherzinger, after making her Broadway debut with Sunset Boulevard, starring as Norma Desmond, has received her first-ever Tony Award nomination. As the news of her nomination broke on April 30, 2025, it was Ken Jeong, her close friend as well as colleague couldn't be happier for her.

While actor and comedian Ken Jeong co-hosted Today with Jenna & Friends on April 30, 2025, Nicole Scherzinger walked into the set to surprise her long-time friend, whom she considers a "brother from another mother". Both of them have been panelists on the popular reality show The Masked Singer for ten seasons.

Jeong talked about the time when he saw Scherzinger perform as Norma Desmond on stage and said:

"I miss her terribly, but I saw her perform, as well. Just outstanding. I could not stop crying, just watching her onstage, to see my friend just absolutely crush (it) ... I’m just so happy for her right now."

Nicole, before surprising Jeong on the set of Today with Jenna & Friends, facetimed him, saying:

"I’m fricking overjoyed right now. I’m so, so happy. It’s been a crazy, crazy morning. I wish that I could be with you all."

The moment Scherzinger made her entry into the set, Jeong became emotional after seeing her, and the pair hugged.

Nicole Scherzinger opens up about her bond with Ken Jeong as she receives her Tony nomination

This is not the first time the former singer-songwriter, Nicole, has acted. Before making her Broadway debut, she had acted in a bunch of movies and TV shows, including Hollywood blockbusters such as Men in Black 3 and Dirty Dancing. However, while Ken became emotional about Nicole receiving the Tony nomination on Today with Jenna & Friends, she discussed the relationship and bond they share. The 46-year-old singer/actress said:

"We’ve always had that connection, ever since met. It’s been like eight years ago from the beginning of ‘Masked Singer.’ He literally is my brother from another mother."

Don't Hold Your Breath hitmaker, Scherzinger, also talked about how Ken, who has always been a "voice of wisdom" for her. She also mentioned how she would turn to Ken whenever she needed any kind of life advice. Nicole added:

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"I called Ken several times asking him life advice and he’s always been there for me. And then his whole family came to the show. Let me tell you. He was in the audience and he was so loud. It was hilarious. He was laughing before anyone else. I was like, ‘I wonder where Ken is.’ Then I heard him right in the beginning. I was like, ‘I know exactly where Ken is.’"

Besides Nicole Scherzinger, some of the other actors who were nominated for the Tony Awards are Sarah Snook, Sadie Sink, Mia Farrow, and George Clooney. However, Hollywood bigshots who did not receive any nominations this year include Jake Gyllenhaal, Denzel Washington, Kit Connor, Nick Jonas, Jim Parsons, and Idina Menzel.

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