Nicole Scherzinger Won

June 9, 2025
4:52 am

The race for Best Leading Actress in a Musical is over. The hardest fought race in recent Tony Awards memory, between Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Blvd.) and Audra McDonald (Gypsy), went to the newcomer. Scherzinger won for her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in the stark revival, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Scherzinger previously won the Olivier Award in London for her performance — though McDonald won the Drama Desk award for Best Leading Performance in a Musical. During the award show, both actresses tore down the house in solo numbers, with Scherzinger killing “As If We Never Said Goodbye” and McDonald absolutely slaying “Rose’s Turn.” The two divas — and extra special guest star Patti LuPone — went back and forth in the most exciting race of the season, with its ups (the performances) and downs (Scherzinger’s “engagement” with pro-Trump Instagram posts).

Scherzinger shook as she arrived on stage to give her acceptance speech. “First of all, I just have to thank God,” she began. “Look, y’all know this Broadway schedule is hardcore, I gots to keep it real … I am so proud to be honored to be recognized alongside these exceptional warrior women in this category, I wanna thank all of you.” Later, in the speech, she called out to Sunset composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, saying, “It’s happened, Andrew! It’s been such to be able to create with you over the past 15 years.” Previously, after Scherzinger dropped out of doing Cats on Broadway, Webber told The Economist Radio, “But never mind, there’ll be another girl on Broadway and Nicole will not get her Tony Award,” per The Guardian. Well, they made up and Scherzinger has her Tony.

The Pussycat Doll triumphed in Best Actress in a Musical over Audra McDonald.