In an inspiring acceptance speech, former “X Factor” judge and Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger gave all the glory to God for winning the Tony Award for Lead Actress in a Musical for “Sunset Boulevard,” telling the audience that God had carried her “every step of the way.”
For context, at the 78th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Nicole Scherzinger opened up about everything she had gone through to find success in the entertainment industry and spoke candidly about her “unshakable faith” in God, which she said was passed down to her by her father.
Beginning her speech, Scherzinger tearfully said, “First of all, I just have to thank God for carrying me every step of the way. I give You all the glory.” She added, “I’m honored to be recognized alongside these exceptional warrior women in this category.”
Continuing, the entertainer expressed gratitude to her mother, who she said “had me at 18 and gave everything up for me.” She went on, “My dad, my sister, my papa, who instilled in me an unshakable faith. My ohana — all 5,000 of you — you didn’t know I love you.”
Next, Scherzinger thanked her fiancé, who she said “believes in me when I forget to believe in myself.” She also thanked “Sunset Boulevard” composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, saying, “It happened, and it’s true. It has been such an honor to be able to create with you the past 15 years.”
Nearing the conclusion of her speech, Scherzinger told the crowd, “Listen, I’m almost done. 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.” In response, the crowd cheered, and Scherzinger added, “So if there’s anyone out there who feels like they don’t belong, or your time hasn’t come — don’t give up.”
Ending her speech, Scherzinger encouraged the crowd and those watching around the world to “just keep on giving and giving, because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever.” She added, “This is a testament that love always wins. Thank you so much. God bless you.”
Scherzinger has previously spoken candidly about her faith, telling The Independent in a 2013 interview, “This is such a tough industry, you know. To make it, you really have to sell your soul to the devil.” Scherzinger clarified, “I haven’t. That’s probably why I haven’t quite reached the top of the mountain. I mean, where’s my Tony Award, my Grammy, my Oscar? Why don’t I have any of those things yet?”
Watch Scherzinger’s speech:
Featured image credit: Nicole Scherzinger via X