Nicole Scherzinger Takes Tony As The Best Actress

Nicole Scherzinger took home the coveted Tony. The Pussycat Dolls star got the award for her electrifying performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

Scherzinger triumphed in a hotly contested race that included Broadway royalty Audra McDonald, nominated for her role in Gypsy. Nicole’s win capped a remarkable night for Sunset Boulevard, which also clinched Best Revival of a Musical.

“This is a testament that love always wins,” Nicole Scherzinger said in her emotional acceptance speech. The singer also received radiant onstage as cheers echoed from Tony’s watch parties across the country. Both Scherzinger and McDonald delivered emotional performances earlier in the night. Thus, they left the audience breathless and the judges with an impossible task.

Aside from the competition between the two, “Maybe Happy Ending“ walked away with the biggest haul. The show won Best Musical and six other top honors. Among them were awards for star Darren Criss and director Michael Arden. The vibrant “Buena Vista Social Club” followed closely behind, taking home four Tonys.

Meanwhile, on the red carpet, “Oh, Mary!” playwright and star Cole Escola made an unforgettable entrance. They dressed in a Wiederhoeft creation, paying tribute to Bernadette Peters’ iconic 1999 Tony look. Escola later snagged the Best Actor in a Play. The award was given for their role as a deliriously dramatic Mary Todd Lincoln, giving a speech that was equally heartfelt and hilarious. “Thank you to Teebo from Grindr,” they quipped; in a moment, Mary Todd herself would’ve applauded.

Nicole Scherzinger and The Rest of The Most Memorable Moments

Also, the host, Cynthia Erivo, opened the show by celebrating Broadway’s most profitable year. “Broadway is back,” she declared, and the night’s electric performances and emotional speeches proved her right.

While political statements were scarce, the spirit of resilience, inclusivity, and pride filled the room. Kara Young made history with her second consecutive Tony win. She won it this time for “Purpose,” becoming the first Black actor to achieve back-to-back wins. “Theatre is a safe, sacred space… it makes us united,” she said, her words landing like gospel in a divided world. Francis Jue, honored for his work in “Yellow Face,” delivered a stirring message for anyone feeling marginalized. “At its best, this community sees you.”

Also, across the Atlantic, the British invasion was led by Jak Malone, who reprised his Olivier-winning role in “Operation Mincemeat.” His soaring rendition of “Dear Bill” as the character Hester Leggatt was widely hailed as the night’s musical performance. “Thank you for believing in me—and in Hester,” Malone said, addressing a Broadway audience ready to challenge the gender binary and embrace new narratives.

And in a night of celebration, director Michael Arden summed up the mood best while accepting the award for Best Direction of a Musical. “If there are any queer people watching tonight, Happy Pride.” His words—delivered with a knowing smirk—offered a powerful reminder of theater’s unique ability to hold space for joy in even the darkest of times.

As the night came to a close, Cynthia Erivo brought the house down with a triumphant, reimagined version of Dreamgirls’ anthem. “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” It was a final, glittering crescendo to a night where Broadway’s brightest stars reminded us why the stage still matters.

And somewhere, theater lovers are still debating Nicole Scherzinger vs. Audra. Naturally.