The Sunset Blvd star recalled she had "always dreamed" of starring in musical theatre, and her nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical at this year's Tony Awards represented a wish come true.
"I couldn't be happier because this is what I've always dreamed of since I was a little girl," Nicole, 46, told Extra.
"To perform and to do theatre and musical theatre ever since I saw Miss Saigon, and this is over 30 years in the making."
The Pussycat Doll added she was "very grateful and happy" when she learned she was in the running, explaining she had experienced many rejections along the road to success.
"I think it was my director Jamie Lloyd that FaceTimed me from London, and like I said, I've come a long way from little Nicole and where I come from and very humble beginnings and I've gone through a lot of nos and a lot of rejections to get here," Nicole, who plays ageing star Norma Desmond in the Broadway musical, gushed.
"I think why I'm so grateful is I'm really proud of the show and the work that we're doing."
