Nicole Scherzinger Teases New Music: ‘People Have a Pre-Existing Idea of Who I Am; I Want to Break Out of That Box’

variety.com:

Thania Garcia During an intimate two-night showcase at The Sun Rose in Hollywood on April 8 and 9, Nicole Scherzinger announced the long-awaited return of her solo music career — the forthcoming EP, “Warrior.”The multi-hyphenate presented the music accompanied by a live jazz band and with multiple outfit changes and showcased her vocals via musical theater numbers as well as a new track.The unreleased song — titled “Never Going Back” — references her own self-empowerment and standing strong for what you believe in.

It starts with a disclaimer, “This is not a cry for help,” and through her controlled vibrato, the song picks up in a chant, “This is a war cry for anyone who is ready to be seen, to be heard, to be everything that you were born to be.” It’s been nearly eight years since we’ve heard new solo material from the singer and television personality.

Scherzinger, formerly an Interscope artist, is not currently signed to a label.She chose to craft a theatrical experience for her return for specific reasons. “People have this pre-existing idea of who I am, and I want to break out of that box,” Scherzinger tells Variety. “It was important people get to see me in this intimate setting, to truly hear me, and experience my love and connection of music through singing. … to create a space for me where I can live out my full potential as an artist, without having to be defined by any style or genre of music.”Scherzinger’s first two numbers — seductive renditions of “I Put a Spell on You” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade” — wowed the small room of industry professionals and close friends of the star who she thanked for coming out to hear her “Sing my way through my insecurities and fears.”The jazzy showcase also featured.