Why did Nicole Scherzinger leave 'The Masked Singer'? Singer says it was a "hard decision" after getting nominated for Tony Awards 2025

Nicole Scherzinger says leaving The Masked Singer for a role on Broadway was a "hard decision."

The 46-year-old television personality departed from the Fox competition series as a judge after its 10th season, in late 2023. At the time, she said she wanted to live in London and perform in the musical happening on the West End. Shortly after, she switched to Broadway.

Scherzinger, who recently earned a Tony nomination for her work as Norma Desmond on Sunset Boulevard, sat down for an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, where she surprised her former Masked Singer co-panelist Ken Jeong, who was serving as a guest host that morning.

Nicole Scherzinger gushes over her bond with Ken Jeong, says she could always spot him in a crowd: Read more

During her appearance on the show, Nicole Scherzinger said of her friendship with Ken:

“Ever since we met, it’s been like eight years or something since the beginning of Masked Singer, he literally is like my brother from another mother and he has championed me since day one."

Jeong and Scherzinger worked together as panelists for 10 seasons of the show. She went on,

“This was a hard decision for me to make because I was gonna have to say goodbye to some things, to my Masked Singer family, and he was there [for me]. I called Ken several times, asking him life advice and he’s always been there for me. And then his whole family came to my show!”

Ken Jeong echoed the sentiments:

“She is my sister from another mister," he 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 Scherzinger recounted having to call Ken Jeong several times as she debated departing the show, as she appreciated him for sticking by her:

“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.’”

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It remains to be seen if Nicole Scherzinger does indeed nab a Tony. The awards ceremony will take place this June 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and will be hosted by Wicked star Cynthia Erivo.

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