Nicole Scherzinger for Blender

Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger (also known as Nicole Kea) (born June 29, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and occasional actress best known for her work as the lead vocalist for the Pussycat Dolls.



Scherzinger was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to a Filipino father and a Hawaiian/Russian mother.Her mother, Rosemary, separated from her father and then moved to Louisville, Kentucky with her German-American stepfather Gary Scherzinger, and sister Ke'ala. She has described her upbringing as "conservative Catholic".Nicole attended Meyzeek Middle School. Then she began her life as a performer in Louisville, attending the Youth Performing Arts School at duPont Manual High School and performing with Actors Theatre of Louisville. Scherzinger majored in theater arts at Wright State University, but put her studies on hold in 1999 to sing backing vocals for the rock band Days of the New.

Scherzinger briefly appeared in the movie Chasing Papi as Miss Puerto Rico, whose appearance as a candidate was impersonated by the character of Roselyn Sanchez, with whom Scherzinger shared a physical resemblance. She also had a small role in the 2003 film Love Don't Cost a Thing. Nicole has recently done a commercial for The CW Network promoting their 2007-2008 Fall Primetime schedule