Nicole Scherzinger admitted she felt like she “didn’t belong” when she was growing up as she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. The Tony Awards represent Broadway’s highest honor and most prestigious recognition in American theater.
The 46-year-old star – who shot to fame as a member of the Pussycat Dolls in the early 2000s – has been playing Norma Desmond in the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical Sunset Boulevard and as she won the Tony, she urged others to never “give up” on their dreams. Her transformation from pop star to acclaimed Broadway performer demonstrates the power of artistic reinvention and dedication to craft.
Scherzinger said, speaking live on stage at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday (08.06.25) night, “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.” Her emotional acceptance speech resonated deeply with audiences and fellow performers alike.
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The former X Factor judge – who previously won an Olivier Award for Best Actress when she played the role in London’s West End – fought off competition from Death Becomes Her stars Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, Audra McDonald for her role in Gypsy, Boop actress Jasmine Amy Rogers to collect the coveted prize. Winning both Tony and Olivier Awards establishes Scherzinger among an elite group of performers who have achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic.
Darren Criss, meanwhile, former Glee star received the Best Actor in a Musical accolade for his role in Maybe Happy Ending — which tells the story of two robots who find love – having fought off competition from Dead Outlaw’s Andrew Durand, Tom Francis in Sunset Boulevard, Jonathan Groff in Just In Time, JamesMonroe Iglehart for A Wonderful World and Jeremy Jordan for Floyd Collins. The innovative storyline of Maybe Happy Ending represents Broadway’s willingness to explore unconventional narratives and themes.
Maybe Happy Ending was also named Best Musical of the season, having gone up against The Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, and Operation Mincemeat, and Sunset Boulevard was awarded Best Musical Revival. The success of these diverse productions highlights the current vibrancy and variety within Broadway’s theatrical landscape.
The new musical was the big winner of the night, taking home six awards in total, also taking home Best Book, Best Direction, Best Original Score and Best Scenic Design in a Musical. This sweep demonstrates the production’s excellence across multiple creative disciplines and technical achievements.
Sarah Snook, when it comes to the plays currently open on The Great White Way, was named Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play following her star turn in The Picture of Dorian Gray, having been up against Sadie Sink for John Proctor is the Villain, LaTanya Richardson Jackson for Purpose, Mia Farrow for The Roommate, and Laura Donnelly for The Hills of California. Snook’s victory showcases the trend of television actors successfully transitioning to live theater.
George Clooney, what’s more, Hollywood star made his Broadway debut earlier this year with the leading role in Good Night and Good Luck, but he was beaten to the prize of Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play by Cole Escola for Oh, Mary. Clooney’s Broadway venture represents the ongoing appeal of stage work for established film and television stars seeking new creative challenges.
Scherzinger‘s triumph marks a significant milestone in her artistic evolution, proving that performers can successfully reinvent themselves across different entertainment mediums. Her journey from chart-topping pop sensation to Tony-winning Broadway star inspires artists everywhere to pursue their passions regardless of initial career paths.
The Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard has been celebrated for its stunning visual presentation and emotionally powerful performances. Critics have consistently praised Scherzinger‘s portrayal of the complex and demanding role of Norma Desmond, noting her ability to capture both the character’s vulnerability and commanding presence.
Her message of belonging and perseverance strikes a particularly resonant chord in today’s entertainment industry, where many performers struggle with imposter syndrome and feelings of not fitting traditional molds. The authenticity of her emotional response during the ceremony reflected genuine gratitude and humility that audiences found deeply moving and relatable.
