An Evening to Remember: Nicole Scherzinger Electrifies the Kravis Center Gala

By Joanie Cox Henry

Photo by Larry Marano

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted one of the most spectacular evenings in its gala history on March 5, 2026, as Tony Award-winner Nicole Scherzinger delivered a breathtaking, three-set performance that left the elegantly dressed West Palm Beach audience utterly spellbound.

Scherzinger opened with commanding authority, tearing into a show-stopping rendition of "Don't Rain on My Parade" before weaving through a masterfully curated first set that showcased her extraordinary range. A smoldering "I Put a Spell on You" confirmed her singular ability to inhabit a song completely, while a sweeping "Diamonds Are Forever" dripped with old-Hollywood glamour. Tender moments arrived with "Stickwitu," "You Raise Me Up," and a luminous "Reflection," before Sondheim selections such as "Not a Day Goes By" and "Losing My Mind" demonstrated her legitimacy as a world-class musical theater artist.

Her "With One Look" and "As If We Never Said Goodbye," both Andrew Lloyd Webber compositions — were delivered with the kind of emotional devastation that reminded the room exactly why Lloyd Webber himself called her among the most gifted singer-actresses he had ever witnessed. Then came "Purple Rain."

Photo by Larry Marano

Before launching into Prince's iconic anthem, Scherzinger spoke movingly about the profound influence Prince had on her entire career and how his fearlessness, artistry, and refusal to be categorized shaped everything she became as a performer. Her guitarist then launched into a stunning solo tribute, channeling Prince through a soaring rendition of I Would Die 4 Uthat brought the Dreyfoos Hall audience to its feet.

The final set was pure celebration with "Show Off," "Buttons," "When I Grow Up," and "Don't Cha" ignited the room with infectious energy, closing an unforgettable gala on the highest possible note.