Nicole Scherzinger won her first Tony Award for her show-stopping performance as Norma Desmond in the acclaimed revival of Sunset Blvd.
“First of all, I just have to thank God for carrying me every step of the way. I give you all the glory,” Scherzinger, 46, said in her acceptance speech on Sunday, June 8. “Y’all know this Broadway schedule is hardcore. I got to keep it real. … I’m so honored to be recognized alongside these exceptional warrior women in this category. I want to thank all of you.”
Scherzinger was nominated against Megan Hilty, Audra McDonald, Jasmine Amy Rogers and Jennifer Simard for the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical trophy.
“[I’m] so proud to represent,” Scherzinger gushed. “I want to thank my mom, who had me at 18 and gave everything up for me. My dad [and] my sister … who instilled in me an unshakable faith. My ohana, my family, all 5,000 of you. You know that I love you.”
Scherzinger further thanked her fiancé, Thom Evans, “who believes in me when I forget to believe in myself.”
As the former Pussycat Dolls singer broke down in tears, she also acknowledged her Sunset Blvd. team. (The show also won Best Revival of a Musical on Sunday.)
“Andrew Lloyd Webber, it’s happened. It’s been such an honor to create with you,” she added, before mentioning her onstage leading man. “Tom Francis, thank you for letting me sever your head every single night — and every performance. To our extraordinary cast, crew, producers, creatives, I’m forever grateful to you. We killed that matinee today, OK, literally. It’s no joke, this schedule!”
Scherzinger also profusely thanked the show’s director, Jamie Lloyd.
“You saw me when no one else did,” she said. “You’ve given us all new ways to dream, and you’ve changed my life forever. 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!”
The audience at Radio City Music Hall in New York City subsequently burst into raucous applause.
“So, if anyone out there who feels like they don’t belong, well, you’re time hasn’t come,” she tearfully added. “Don’t give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your light more than ever. This is a testament that love always win. Thank you so much.”
Scherzinger previously won the Olivier Award for her Sunset performance when the production played across the pond in London in 2024.
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