Meanwhile | Nicole Scherzinger

Summary

The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Meanwhile | Nicole Scherzinger Release Date: December 1, 2024

---

Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delivers his signature blend of humor and sharp commentary, followed by an engaging interview with the multi-talented Nicole Scherzinger. The episode navigates through a series of amusing and thought-provoking news snippets before delving into Scherzinger’s exciting Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard.

---

Monologue and "Meanwhile" Segment

Stephen Colbert’s Monologue
Timestamp: [00:37]

Stephen Colbert opens the episode with his characteristic wit, humorously describing his creative process. He likens his monologue writing to preparing a gourmet meal:

“I spend most of my time right over there wandering the ki nu story forest hunting the most succulent news reindeer, which I then freeze to. Thinly slice the meat and gently braise it in Vallejo butter with allspice before serving it with droning holm lingonberry preserves and savon sai le sliced pickles to offer you the subtle yet satisfying finish.”
— Stephen Colbert [00:37]

This inventive analogy sets a playful tone for the episode, showcasing Colbert’s ability to combine absurdist humor with relatable commentary.

"Meanwhile" News Highlights
Timestamp: [00:37 – 05:29]

In the "Meanwhile" segment, Colbert presents a series of humorous news briefs, each delivered with his unique comedic flair. Key stories include:

1. Pan-European Forgery Network
   Timestamp: [01:15]
   Italian authorities uncover a forgery ring producing counterfeit artworks by Banksy, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Colbert humorously notes:

   “Experts became suspicious when they noticed that the horse in Picasso's Guernica had a speech bubble saying I caramba.”
   — Stephen Colbert [01:15]

2. Costco Butter Recall
   Timestamp: [02:00]
   Costco recalls £80,000 of butter due to labeling issues. Colbert jests:

   “It’s butter. It’s basically cigarettes that you can spread on an English muffin.”
   — Stephen Colbert [02:00]

3. Cheese Heists on the Rise
   Timestamp: [03:00]
   With cheese thefts increasing, Colbert quips about the elusive nature of stolen cheese:

   “Cheese is a master of disguise. It starts as a solid, then it melts into a liquid, and if you eat too much, a gas.”
   — Stephen Colbert [03:00]

4. College Football Bowl Game - Pop Tarts Bowl
   Timestamp: [04:00]
   Announcing the upcoming Pop Tarts Bowl, Colbert humorously speculates on the new mascots:

   “Could it be frosted man?”
   — Stephen Colbert [04:00]

5. French Teens Delaying First Sexual Experience
   Timestamp: [04:45]
   Highlighting a trend among French youth, Colbert delivers a comedic take on changing social behaviors:

   “Clearly, French teens want to wait. No, Camille, we are moving too fast. I am only 17.3.”
   — Stephen Colbert [04:45]

6. Stupid Art News - Duct-Taped Banana Valuation
   Timestamp: [05:15]
   Commenting on the art world's peculiarity, Colbert mocks the exorbitant valuation of a simple duct-taped banana:

   “This duct taped banana is now worth $1 million. Really? If you're going to do that, at least try to make it look like art.”
   — Stephen Colbert [05:15]

These segments collectively highlight Colbert’s ability to extract humor from a wide array of current events, keeping listeners entertained with his sharp observations and comedic timing.

---

Interview with Nicole Scherzinger

Guest Introduction
Timestamp: [06:09]

Following a brief interlude, the podcast welcomes Nicole Scherzinger, a platinum-selling singer, actress, and dancer, making her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Colbert exudes enthusiasm as he greets Scherzinger:

“Please welcome to the Late Show. Nicole Scherzinger, you're an absolute vision. Thanks for dolling up for.”
— Stephen Colbert [06:09]

Broadway Debut and Preparation
Timestamp: [06:36 – 09:54]

Scherzinger shares her excitement and dedication to her first Broadway role:

“Oh, Stephen, I have been waiting for this moment my entire life, and I've been working towards this moment my entire life. A lot of people don't know that I grew up in theater, and this is my first love.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [06:47]

Colbert praises her performance and preparation, leading to a humorous exchange about her multi-showday experience:

Stephen: “I got a chance to see you on Wednesday... Little bit of a spoiler here of how things end up at the end. That's you and me backstage afterwards.”
— Stephen Colbert [07:05]

Scherzinger responds with playful banter about their differing worlds:

“You look like we're in two different places. Like you're in Disney World and I'm at Jurassic Park or something. I'm going to eat you like a snack.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [07:25]

Performance Insights and Community Support
Timestamp: [08:14 – 11:20]

Discussing the demanding nature of her role, Scherzinger reveals her behind-the-scenes rituals:

“A lot of the times I'm at the very start of the show, I'm on stage just in the backstage in a chair. And that's where I do all my prayers and my meditation to just anchor me and to ground me.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [08:50]

She emphasizes the importance of community within Broadway, contrasting it with the competitive nature of the broader entertainment industry:

“The Broadway community is like the world's most talented humans. As your biggest supporters, they believe in you when you don't believe in yourself.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [10:58]

Colbert commends her for breaking into Broadway and her peers' supportive nature:

“It makes total sense. It makes 100% sense.”
— Stephen Colbert [11:20]

Influence of Prince and Artistic Philosophy
Timestamp: [12:20 – 14:31]

The conversation shifts to Scherzinger’s friendship with Prince and the lessons she gleaned from him:

“He always said, don't do things that you know you can already do. Do things that you haven't done yet. And that's why I'm here.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [12:22]

Colbert shares his admiration for Sondheim, connecting it to Scherzinger’s role:

“My favorite Sondheim song is Losing My Mind. Just like Norma Desmond loses her mind every night. Like I'm losing.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [14:17]

The interview concludes with mutual appreciation, highlighting Scherzinger’s anticipation to perform and Colbert’s support for her Broadway venture.

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert masterfully blends humor with heartfelt conversation. Colbert's incisive monologue and amusing news briefs set the stage for a compelling interview with Nicole Scherzinger, offering listeners an insightful look into her Broadway journey. Scherzinger’s passion for theater and her experiences transitioning from music to stage performance provide an inspiring narrative, enriched by Colbert’s engaging and supportive dialogue.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert [00:37]:
  “I spend most of my time right over there wandering the ki nu story forest hunting the most succulent news reindeer... That is my monologue.”

• Nicole Scherzinger [06:47]:
  “I have been waiting for this moment my entire life, and I've been working towards this moment my entire life.”

• Stephen Colbert [02:00]:
  “It’s butter. It’s basically cigarettes that you can spread on an English muffin.”

• Nicole Scherzinger [12:22]:
  “He always said, don't do things that you know you can already do. Do things that you haven't done yet. And that's why I'm here.”

---

Additional Information

Listeners can support Nicole Scherzinger by attending her performances in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway at the St. James Theater. For more content, visit The Late Show YouTube channel for exclusive clips and updates.

---

This summary provides an in-depth look at the key discussions and highlights from the episode, ensuring that even those who haven't listened can appreciate the humor, insights, and engaging conversation between Stephen Colbert and Nicole Scherzinger.

Transcript

[Advertisement Voice]

You may be tempted to skip this ad, but don't marketers want their audience to stick around? And with Paramount Ads Manager, you can advertise your business on the biggest shows on TV for 30 unskippable seconds. Run your ads in premium content on Paramount plus and over 15 major networks with hit shows, movies, sports and more, all on the biggest screen in the house. Put your business in show business with Paramount Ads manager. Go to adsmanager.paramount.com that's adsmanager.paramount.com to learn more.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Its the Late Show Poncho with Stephen Colbert.

[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome back everybody. Thank you so much for joining us. Steven has a seat, my friends. Thank you so much folks. If you watch this show, you know I spend most of my time right over there wandering the ki nu story forest hunting the most succulent news reindeer, which I then freeze to. Thinly slice the meat and gently braise it in Vallejo butter with allspice before serving it with droning holm lingonberry preserves and savon sai le sliced pickles to offer you the subtle yet satisfying finish. Poron carri stews. That is my monologue. But sometimes, just sometimes, folks, my bootleg hang glider snags on the phone wires above a wrecking yard where I scrape unidentifiable roadkill onto a discarded hubcap and let it dry over a burning car seat, then gnaw on the dusty vermin jerky of news. That is my segment. Meanwhile, that's a jolt. That's a jolt right to the old nips. Meanwhile, Italian police have uncovered a large scale pan European forgery network, making and selling fate artwork, including fake banksies Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Experts became suspicious when they noticed that the horse in Picasso's Guernica had a speech bubble saying I caramba. Meanwhile, Costco is being forced to recall £80,000 of butter because the label fails to mention it contains milk. Well, there's an easy fix right there. Instead of recalling the product, Costco should just repackage it as I can't believe you didn't know butter's made of milk. Seriously, the butter in question is the store brand's salted and unsalted sweet cream butter, which per Costco standards is available in stick block and Jacuzzi. To be clear, this recall wasn't Costco's idea. The FDA forced their hand saying that use of or exposure to the product may cause adverse health consequences. Yeah, it's butter. It's basically cigarettes that you can spread on an English muffin. Meanwhile, high profile cheese Heists are on the rise with one recent theft worth $12,800. Now, that amount of cheese, of course, is known by its collective noun, a girl's night of cheese. Authorities. Ladies love the cheese. Authorities suspect cheese is an attractive target because it's more difficult to trace than some other stolen items. As one expert explained, once it's in the kitchen, it disappears. It changes form. Yes, cheese is a master of disguise. It starts as a solid, then it melts into a liquid, and if you eat too much, a gas. Meanwhile, next month is the college football bowl game known as the Pop Tarts bowl, during which Kellogg's will debut three new mascots for their Pop Tart flavors. Frosted hot fudge sundae, Frosted wild berry, and a third mystery flavor. Could it be frosted man? Meanwhile, did we zoom in in rehearsal? We did not zoom in rehearsal. All right, you gotta give a girl a little warning over here. All right? Meanwhile, in sex news, the age at which French people are having sex for the first time is increasing and has gone from 17.3 to 17.7. Clearly, French teens want to wait. No, Camille, we are moving too fast. I am only 17.3. We are but children. Mo, wine. Meanwhile, in. Didn't see that coming. Dante, you surprised me. Surprised me over here. Meanwhile, in stupid art news, this duct taped banana is now worth $1 million. Really? If you're going to do that, at least try to make it look like art. As in my new priceless masterpiece, the Banana. Lisa. Okay. It's amazing. Look at that haunting smile. Look at that. Amazing. It's like the banana is always following you. $1 billion.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

More Late Show Pod show after this.

[Advertisement Voice]

This episode is brought to you by United Airlines. When you want to make the most of your vacation, book with United. They're an airline that cares about your travels as much as you do. United is transforming the flying experience with Bluetooth, connectivity, screens, power at every seat, and bigger overhead bins to help fit everyone's bag. And with their app, you can skip the bag check line, get live updates and more. Change the way you fly. Book your next trip [e-mail].

[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome back, everybody. Thanks, folks. Ladies and gentlemen, my next guest tonight is a platinum selling singer, actress and dancer who's making her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Please welcome to the Late Show. Nicole Scherzinger, you're an absolute vision. Thanks for dolling up for. That's so nice. Thank you. Okay, so Sunset Boulevard, it opened last Sunday, marking your Broadway debut. How are you feeling?

[Nicole Scherzinger]

How am I Feeling.

[Stephen Colbert]

How are you feeling?

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Oh, Stephen, I have been waiting for this moment my entire life, and I've been working towards this moment my entire life. I mean, I just. A lot of people don't know that I grew up and in theater, and this is my first love. And I'm just.

[Stephen Colbert]

My heart is. I can't believe that I've had to wait my entire life to see you in a Broadway play. No, I'm serious. You know, I got a chance to see you on Wednesday. I came to see you, and I got a chance to come back afterwards. Little bit of a spoiler here of how things end up at the end. That's you and me backstage afterwards. But, Stephen, thank you very much. Yes.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Stephen, you look like we're in two different places. Like you're in Disney World and I'm at Jurassic park or something. I'm going to eat you like a snack.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, one of the things that I said to you backstage was an absolute star in complete control of her instrument and the material and the audience. And now I want to see you in everything.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Oh, bless you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Really? I can't believe. I can't believe this is the first time that you've been on Broadway. I feel like the rest of us has been robbed that it's taking you this long.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

It's awesome. You know, it's divine timing. It's God's timing. It's this role, it's this story. It's my director, Jamie Lloyd, my composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber. It just. Yeah, the stars have aligned.

[Stephen Colbert]

And do you like. It was so nice to say hello. Cause that was your second show. Cause two show Wednesdays, that was your second show that day. And not only do you give everything. What an incredibly demanding performance it is, but people may not realize this, but you barely leave stage for a moment over the course of that musical. Even if someone else has got the center stage and has the lead of a song or the scenes happening between two people, having somebody else. You're looming in the background or sitting on a chair. What are you thinking in those moments? Are you thinking about dinner? What are you. I mean, you did this for five months in London.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

I know this is sometimes exactly. A lot of the times I'm at the very start of the show, a lot of people don't realize that I'm on stage just in the back upstage in a chair. And that's where I do all my prayers and my meditation to just anchor me and to ground me. And I literally pray every night for the cast, the crew, the production, the sound, the lights, the front of house, everyone in this theater for the entire theater to be covered. And then my. My papa is an archbishop, so he gave me a very special prayer as well. So I do that every night. And every time I go on stage, I do the sign of the cross.

[Stephen Colbert]

For protection and to bless Papa.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

My grandfather.

[Stephen Colbert]

Your grandfather. Grandfather's an archbishop in the Catholic Church.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

How do you. How.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

I think it's.

[Stephen Colbert]

How is. How is. How does he have children?

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Russian Orthodox.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. A little different. A little different. Yes, exactly. For sure. I thought we just made. I just wanted to make sure.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

And then he had 10 kids.

[Stephen Colbert]

There you go.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Did he have 10 kids? Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. That's extraordinary. Yeah. The show started on the West End. What's the difference, or is there any difference between a British theatrical audience and a New York, Like a London audience and a New York audience?

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Yeah, there's a huge difference. The British audience is very demure, very mindful, very respectful, very reserved. Right. But.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, in the show that I saw in New York, there was two showstoppers in the middle of the show.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Now cut to the Broadway audience.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

They are just, like, free as a bird. They want you to know how you are feeling. Right. Am I right? They want you to know how they are feeling, and they're free. And it's awesome, because it's more of an exchange. It's so reciprocal, and they give you so much.

[Stephen Colbert]

How about the theatrical community here in New York? Because, you know, of course, obviously, you've performed all over the United States, but this is the first time you've been in a Broadway community. So what about the people backstage? What about. What's it.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Honestly, it's the best community to be a part of. You know, obviously, in our industry, it's quite cutthroat and competitive at times, but the Broadway community is like, the world's most talented humans. As your biggest supporters, they believe in you when you don't believe in yourself. It's just been such a blessing to be embraced by the community here.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, and you coming in as a Broadway, at least, neophyte, and just tearing the roof off the place. Everyone's been nice about it.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Literally tearing the blood and everything out.

[Stephen Colbert]

Exactly.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Yeah. Everybody's been so supportive is the word. Like, they just want you to win and to. They just. Oh, they've got the same teeth and balls as you. Does that make sense? Like the same passion and hunger and heart and cojones?

[Stephen Colbert]

It makes total sense. It makes 100% sense. I learned that you were friends with one of the truly true greats, Prince, and I was curious what you learned from him because he, I don't think, was shy about his opinions and was such a incredibly well rounded artist.

[Advertisement Voice]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

What did you learn from him?

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Oh, my God. What didn't I learn from P. He? To just know him was to truly love him is such a blessing in my life. He actually came. He loved me in this space. He came to see me in Cats in the West End, so I know he would be so proud and he's with me while I'm doing Sunset. But he always said, don't do things that you know you can already do. Do things that you haven't done yet. And that's why I'm here. I never thought I would do this role. And he also loved. He said to me, you're an analog singer, Nicole. You're not a digital singer. You need to have huge, big orchestrations big enough for your voice. So thank you, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Don Blackman.

[Stephen Colbert]

Those are the impression that I had when I saw you. When you come out for the first time and you do your first number. That's one of the reasons why I want to hear you do everything, because your voice is so rich and it's so powerful and you have such great dynamic command of your voice that I don't think there's anything. Is there? I'm a huge Sondheim fan.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Yeah, me too.

[Stephen Colbert]

And I was lucky enough to interview him a few times, and I even got to do. He asked me to do Company. I did a part in Company and most terrifying thing I ever did, most terrifying thing I ever did was stand there with the New York Philharmonic in our last rehearsal and sing Sorry, Grateful. And right before my part came in, Sondheim came in and sat in the front row. Oh, and.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

But what did that take? It took teeth and balls, didn't it?

[Stephen Colbert]

It did, yes. It definitely felt. I was. I was panicked enough that I felt like someone was biting my balls.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Oh, bless. Do you have a.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you have your favorite Sondheim?

[Nicole Scherzinger]

Absolutely. My favorite Sondheim song is Losing My Mind. Just like Norma Desmond loses her mind every night. Like I'm losing.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you so much.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

I can't wait to sing for you again. You're awesome.

[Stephen Colbert]

Sunset Boulevard is on Broadway at the St. James Theater. Thank you for listening to the Late Show POD show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.

[Advertisement Voice]

Elsbeth is back. That's great news. Don't miss the show. Critics are calling smart.

[Stephen Colbert]

The NYPD was right to have you lead the investigation.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

I'm not leading the investigation.

[Stephen Colbert]

Right.

[Advertisement Voice]

Delightful. Hello there. And satisfying.

[Nicole Scherzinger]

The suspect murdered him.

[Stephen Colbert]

Elizabeth.

[Advertisement Voice]

Sorry, Elsbeth. New season now streaming on paramount. New episodes, CBS, Thursday, 10, nine Central. Paramount, Paramount, Paramount. Plus streaming movies, live sports and lots of new stuff, from Strange New Worlds to Under the Sea. Or watch the new series the Age of Sea.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let's go.

[Advertisement Voice]

Paramount, Paramount, Paramount. Plus a mountain of entertainment for us, from Fraser Dis to the NFL. You're streaming.

[Stephen Colbert]

Holland Got the Paramount plus with Showtime. Plan to start streaming now.