Nicole Scherzinger fought back tears as she gave an emotional “Don’t give up” message while winning her first Tony Award.
On Sunday, June 8, the 46-year-old American singer-songwriter and dancer secured Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Broadway Musical debut for her role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd.
Notably, this win came right after she sang As If We Never Said Goodbye at the ceremony and received a standing ovation at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Scherzinger began her emotional acceptance speech by 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 admit that she considered it a privilege to be recognised with other nominees, such as Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP! The Musical), Jennifer Simard (Death Becomes Her), Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), and Audra McDonald (Gypsy), and called them “exceptional warrior women.”
She extended her gratitude to the Tony Awards “for making this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream come true” and voiced her thanks to her mother as well, as she “gave everything up for me.”
“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,” Scherzinger noted.
