Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón: First Look Singing ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ at London Palladium

Rachel Zegler has been seen for the first time as Eva Perón in Evita on Tuesday as she performed Don’t Cry For Me Argentina on the London Palladium balcony. 

The actress, 23, who has been engulfed in controversy since the release of Disney’s ‘woke’ Snow White, is set to take to the stage this weekend in Jamie Lloyd’s new West End production.

And giving a first glimpse at her new role, Rachel stepped out on to the balcony wearing a blonde wig, which was styled in a neat waved up-do. 

The American star looked incredible in a strapless white gown and wore a huge dazzling necklace. 

Rachel flaunted her amazing voice as she belted out Madonna’s 1996 hit while looking over the balcony as a film crew captured her performance.

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Rachel is hoping her fortunes could see a career turn after Snow White like Nicole Scherzinger, who starred in director Jamie’s 2023 reimagined version of Sunset Boulevard, which won her plaudits and went to Broadway.

The West Side Story star will make her West End debut as Former First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron in the show, which debuted in 1978 and was written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Rachel will take to the stage at London’s Palladium from June until September 2025 in the acclaimed musical.

Following the announcement earlier this year, Rachel gushed: ‘Evita has been such an important musical to me since I was a little girl, when my dad and I would sing Don’t Cry for Me Argentina together on my back patio.

‘The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyd’s singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honour unlike any other. The stage has always felt like home to me, and I can’t wait to make my West End debut in such great company.’ 

Meanwhile Jamie said: ‘I am so excited to be collaborating with the brilliant Rachel Zegler on Evita. She is a phenomenal talent, and I am delighted she will be making her West End debut as the iconic Eva Perón’.

An official announcement for the show read: ‘Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Evita returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director Jamie Lloyd’.

‘Featuring an iconic score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me’.

‘Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation’s heart and divided its soul’.

Rachel is no stranger to musical theatre and starred in Stephen Spielberg’s Oscar winning adaption of West Side Story in 2021.

Other famous faces to take on the iconic role Evita include Patti Lupone, Elaine Paige as well as mega Madonna in the 1996 movie version. 

Rachel made a barbed comment about Broadway as she shared a series of snaps in honour of the Tony Awards 2025 on Sunday.

The Snow White star was snubbed for her Broadway debut in the revival of Romeo and Juliet in which she starred with Heartstopper’s Kit Connor.

Rachel shared a message for her fellow Broadway stars, adding that a turn on the Great White Way ‘is not for the faint of heart’.

‘I have the most respect for the people being honoured tonight – doing anything, especially a 2-3 hour marathon such as a Broadway musical or play,’ Rachel began.

‘It is not for the faint of heart, we are athletes in our own right and tonight is truly a celebration of all the hard work – both on stage and off – that goes on in these iconic spaces.’

She added, ‘I love my job so d**n much.’ 

Rachel missed out on a Best Actress nod, while Sadie Sink, Sarah Snook, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Laura Donnelly and Mia Farrow all earned recognition.