Speculation: Nicole Scherzinger in Wicked?

After performing in Rent directed by Neil Patrick Harris, Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger surprised many with her portrayal of Maureen Prescot. The role of Maureen is usually reserved for Broadway belters like Eden Espinosa and Glee's Idina Menzel, who originated the part on stage and reprised it for the film version.

I for one was not surprised at the level that Nicole performed. Before leading the Pussycat Dolls, she did various theater projects - like performed in Cabaret - and fronted the reality show girl group Eden's Crush. This chick has the vocal chops people.

With Wicked the movie coming into fruition, many had hoped that Idina Menzel would play Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West, another part she originated on stage. Many speculated that studio executives would find her too old for the part so Wicked fans started championing Lea Michelle, who plays Idina Menzels' daughter in Glee and has a striking resemblance to Idina, both physically, vocally and other things: They're both Broadway Singers. Lea also sang the show's Act 1 ender, "Defying Gravity" in an episode.

It looks like Nicole might be a good choice to play Elphaba as well. With the new Pussycat Dolls line-up, she might find herself too busy to film a movie musical, but she would be the easiest choice when Studio Executives are concerned. Nicole headlining Wicked would mean bringing in a new audience who probably know nothing about theater, but they love Nicole so they would naturally watch the movie. Nicole in Wicked might also alienate the fans of the stage version, but not enough to keep them away from the movie theaters.

This is just all speculation of course, but if Idina and Lea don't want to do the Wicked movie, Nicole looks up for the part. She'll just have to get rid of the skimpy Pussycat Dolls outfits and get used to wearing green skin, a black frock and a big ole' black pointy hat.