Filipino-American performer Nicole Scherzinger delivered an emotional speech after winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 2025 Tony Awards for her role in Sunset Blvd.
"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," she said during her acceptance speech.
She also took a moment to encourage dreamers to keep going, no matter the odds.
"If there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong or your time hasn't come up, don't give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever. This is a testament that love always wins," she stated.
The singer-actress also expressed her gratitude to God for this recent feat.
"I just have to thank God for carrying me every step of the way. I give You all the glory," Nicole remarked.
She also thanked Tony Awards and those who supported her journey: "I wanna thank all of you so much... for making this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl's dream come true, so proud to represent," she said.
In a recent interview with TIME Magazine, Nicole described starring in the musical show as "an unbelievable blessing and it's extremely rewarding beyond anything that I ever done."
She went on: "I feel like I'm finally living my purpose and my dream because I get to finally share all of me and who I truly am with the world right now in this role."
In Sunset Blvd., Nicole portrays Norma Desmond, a film star determined to reclaim the spotlight.
"I didn't want people to be judging Norma and scrutinizing her from the outside. Instead I wanted people to relate to Norma, and connect to Norma, and empathized with her, not just sympathized," Nicole shared on her approach to playing Norma.