It’s the iconic song from Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, and has been sung by a number of iconic stage stars. So: which Norma Desmond would you rank as the very best?
Nicole Scherzinger, formerly of the Pussycat Dolls, is currently starring in the Broadway transfer from London, where it was a big hit.
Nicole Scherzinger
Wish I had a live performance video to share. The U.S. critics hated this revival’s production, but Scherzinger’s performance got rave reviews.
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Glenn Close
Patti LuPone, who originated the role in the U.K., was (in)famously fired for the U.S. transfer. Glenn Close opened it in California before the Broadway transfer.
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Patti LuPone
She originated the role in London, and after being fired, sued because the ads were using her voice without credit. She later said that Lloyd-Webber paid for her swimming pool. This performance is from the Sydmonton Festival, before the show opened in the West End.
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Stephanie J. Block
Last year at the Kennedy Center
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Betty Buckley
Buckley replaced LuPone in London, and subsequently replaced Close on Broadway.
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Elaine Paige
Paige made her Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard in 1996.
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Have a lovely day!
