Nicole Scherzinger wins Tony Award for Best Leading Actress at Broadway ceremony

On June 8, 2025, Nicole Scherzinger made headlines as she accepted her first-ever Broadway accolade at the 78th Annual Tony Awards held in New York. The singer, best known as a member of the Pussycat Dolls, was awarded the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her stunning portrayal of Norma Desmond in the revival of Sunset Boulevard. In her emotional acceptance speech, Scherzinger expressed her long-standing feelings of not belonging and shared her gratitude for finally finding her place within the theatre community. She stated, 'You all have made me feel like I belong, and I have come home at last.' Scherzinger has had a successful career prior to this performance, but she admitted that this specific role was what she truly desired. In a pre-award interview with CBS News New York, she acknowledged the special connection that her character brings to audiences, stating, 'One of the biggest connections… is something that goes through my mind quite often when I'm on stage as Norma is saying, 'Where did the time go?' Having to deal with feeling discarded and disposable.' Her sentiments resonate deeply with the audience, as many find themselves grappling with similar feelings of inadequacy and the passage of time. The production of Sunset Boulevard that Scherzinger starred in was notably different from previous iterations, including the original 1994 production and the 1997 revival that featured Glenn Close. Scherzinger's character was depicted in a new light through a unique directorial vision by Jamie Lloyd, who encouraged creativity without boundaries. The show emphasized inclusion and support, with Scherzinger commenting that in the theatre community, there is 'no competition,' and that it serves as a space to celebrate everyone's talents. The revival not only earned Scherzinger the leading actress award but also won accolades for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Lighting Design, with a total of seven nominations overall. The entire experience has been transformative for Scherzinger, who admitted to feeling blessed for all the opportunities that have come her way. She emphasized the importance of making every performance feel special, stating, 'It's important for me to make every performance like it's my opening night and my closing night.' Her statement underscores the dedication and passion that performers bring to their craft, highlighting the emotional weight of live theatre. Ultimately, Scherzinger's journey to the Tony Awards exemplifies how dreams can be realized later in life, and her success story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring artists who may also feel as though they don’t belong.