Nicole Scherzinger fought back tears as she delivered an emotional “Don’t give up” message upon winning her first Tony Award.
On Sunday, June 8, the 46-year-old American singer-songwriter and dancer secured the Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Broadway Musical award for her debut role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd.
Notably, this achievement immediately followed her performance of As If We Never Said Goodbye at the ceremony, which earned her a standing ovation at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Scherzinger began her heartfelt acceptance speech with a touch of humor, quipping, “I just have to thank God for carrying me every step of the way. I give you all the glory.”
The Heartbeat crooner went on to express her privilege at being recognized alongside fellow nominees such as Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP! The Musical), Jennifer Simard (Death Becomes Her), Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), and Audra McDonald (Gypsy), whom she lauded as “exceptional warrior women.”
She extended her gratitude to the Tony Awards “for making this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream come true” and also thanked her mother, who “gave everything up for me.”
Scherzinger concluded with a powerful message: “Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home at last. So if there is anyone who feels like they don’t belong or your time hasn’t come, don’t give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and light more than ever. This is a testament that love always wins.”
