Nicole Scherzinger Wins First Tony Award for Sunset Blvd., Says "Don't Give Up"

Published: June 9, 2025

Nicole Scherzinger felt the love at the 2025 Tony Awards. The former Pussycat Dolls singer won Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd.

In her emotional acceptance speech, Scherzinger began by thanking God and continued by saying she was honored to be recognized alongside her fellow nominees Megan Hilty, Audra McDonald, Jasmine Amy Rogers, and Jennifer Simard, whom she called "exceptional warrior women."

Scherzinger also thanked the Tony Awards "for making this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl's dream come true" and continued by giving gratitude to her mother, who she said had her at 18 and "gave everything up for me."

She then turned her attention to fiancé and former Scottish rugby player Thom Evans, whom she said "believes in me when I forget to believe in myself."

Scherzinger also thanked Sunset Blvd. composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, whom she said it has been an "honor" to work with, before concluding her tear-filled speech by sharing how monumental her role in the Broadway revival has been for her.

"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," Scherzinger said to the audience. "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."

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