Nicole Scherzinger dazzles in a sparkling backless dress at Cats press night after getting the seal of approval from original Grizabella Elaine Paige
She has been winning rave reviews from fans for her performance as Grizabella in the West End production of Cats but there was one very special audience member Nicole Scherzinger needed to impress on Thursday night.
And impress her she did as Nicole was spotted sharing a warm embrace with Elaine Paige, the original Grizabella, who, if her huge smile is anything to go by, was clearly a big fan of Nicole's performance.
Nicole looked utterly delighted to compare notes with Elaine before she later slipped into a sexy backless dress to celebrate at the afterparty.
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Passing the baton: The original Grizabella Elaine Paige gave Nicole Scherzinger the official seal of approval following her impressive performance in Cats on Thursday night
Dressed to impress: Nicole changed into a stunning backless gown to party the night away following her successful performance
Earlier this week, Nicole wowed the crowds with her performance as an insider revealed that the singer received 'a standing ovation' at the end of Tuesday's show.
A source told MailOnline: 'Nicole got a standing ovation at the end of the show and the biggest cheer of the night for her second rendition of Memory.
The insider added: 'She looked overcome with emotion at the curtain call. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber was there and seemed delighted'.
Party time: Nicole certainly earned the right to let her hair down after yet another stunning performance on stage
Racy: Nicole changed out of her Cats costume and into a racy backless dress as she prepared to party the night away
Support: Nicole was joined by her designer pal Matthew Williamson as she celebrated her big night
Winning fans all round: Director Trevor Nunn was also delighted with Nicole's performance and larked around with her after the show
Other members of the audience immediately took to Twitter to heap praise on the singer as one user wrote: 'Safe to say @NicoleScherzy absolutely nailed it in @CatsMusical whole cast fantastic but her voice. Power of a megaton bomb.. in a good way'.
Another wrote:' @CatsMusical: no words for how brilliant @NicoleScherzy was tonight. Please tell me Memory will be recorded and released. Phenomenal.
While one fan added: '@CatsMusical Wow! What an amazing experience! @NicoleScherzy was perfection as Grizabella! #goseeit'.
Proud: Andrew Lloyd Webber warmly greeted Nicole after her well received performance
The originals: Writer, star and director came together to watch Nicole perform in Cats
Nicole looked the part as she donned the bespoke costume award-winning designer John Napier created for her that's subtly different from the ones worn by the 75 actresses who've played the part before (including Paige, the original Glamour Cat).
The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make what is known as 'the Jellicle choice' and decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.
Nicole has been playing Grizabella the Glamour Cat since December 6 and recently told MailOnline: 'It's the part I was born to do. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Fierce feline: Nicole looked the part as she donned the bespoke costume award-winning designer John Napier created for her
Making it her own: The costumie is subtly different from the ones worn by the 75 actresses who’ve played the part before including Elaine Paige, the original Glamour Cat
Made for the role: The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make 'the Jellicle choice' to decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life
Confident: Nicole has been playing Grizabella the Glamour Cat since December 6 and recently told MailOnline, 'It’s the part I was born to do. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity'
She's a hit: Speaking on the press night of the show, a source told the Mailonline, ‘Nicole got a standing ovation at the end of the show and the biggest cheer of the night for her second rendition of Memory'
She continued: 'Grizabella's broken, and I know what that feels like, to be broken not only on the inside from personal relationships, but in many ways.
'She's been shunned and mistreated by society, and her people. I understand feeling like an outcast, feeling like an outsider, feeling like I don't fit in and wanting to be accepted.
The former X Factor judge noted how people often 'just see the glamour' when they look at her, and rarely delve deeper, to what lies beneath.
Showing her support: Lizzie Cundy arrived to the afterparty in a bright bandage dress
Leading lady: Elaine looked elegant in a wrap coat as she continued the celebrations at the post-performance bash
'Things aren't always what they seem. I think even when Grizabella was at her most glamorous, she had a darker side . . . and that's what led her astray and down the wrong path.'
The show took in a whopping £5 million in advance ticket sales alone at the box office.
And it seems as if Nicole's performance struck a chord with Paige, who appeared delighted with her.
Elaine, 66, was glamorous in a black embellished skirt and tailored jacket as she caught up with Nicole, who was still in costume.
Impressed: Rebecca Jackson and Jason Gardiner appeared to have enjoyed themselves at the show as they arrived at the party
All wrapped up: Cherida Langford and Arlene Phillips wrapped up in bulky coats as they braved the London chill
Party on: Anna Williamson was glamorous in a black jumpsuit as she mingled at the bash
The duo had a chat alone before being joined by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Nicole was clearly over the moon.
And after a successful press night it was time to party and Nicole made sure she was dressed to impress.
The popstar managed to successfully remove her stage make-up and swap it for smoky eyes and bright red lipstick.
But it was her dress which was the show-stopper, a floor-length embellished silver number which was backless apart from a few scraps of material.
Family affair: Alastair Lloyd Webber, Madeleine Lloyd Webber and William Lloyd Webber joined Andrew to celebrate
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2870882/Nicole-Scherzinger-dazzles-sparkling-backless-dress-Cats-press-night-getting-seal-approval-original-Grizabella-Elaine-Page.html#ixzz3Lg6F8MDI
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