Fil-Ams Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss win Tony Awards
Nicole Scherzinger and Darren Criss win Tony Awards. AP photos
Filipino American singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger, who continues to embrace her moment in the spotlight as a musical star, has officially added “Tony Award winner” to her résumé.
Scherzinger clinched “Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical” at the 2025 Tony Awards, held June 8 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.
Nicole Scherzinger poses in the press room with the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical for “Sunset Blvd.” during the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Meanwhile, Fil-Am actor Darren Criss also bagged the “Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical” and just like Scherzinger, the award was also his first Tony.
Darren Criss, winner of the awards for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical and best musical for “Maybe Happy Ending” poses in the press room during the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Scherzinger starred in Jamie Lloyd’s modern revival of “Sunset Boulevard,” while Criss led the musical “Maybe Happy Ending,” which he also produced.
“Helen J. Shen, I’m so proud of you and your Broadway debut for the books. This is where you belong,” he said, giving credits to his co-star.
In an Instagram post prior to the awards ceremony, Scherzinger shared how grateful she was for the love and support she has received for the show, writing, “Thank you so much to everyone for your love and for supporting our show. I will never take it for granted. You fuel and inspire my whole heart.”
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The role became a defining moment for the former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman, who just last year earned an Olivier Award for the same role in London’s West End, also under Lloyd’s direction.
In her acceptance speech, Scherzinger credited the director for seeing something in her that others hadn’t, saying he gave the cast new ways to dream and changed her life.
Scherzinger also delivered a tribute to her heritage and journey, saying, “I wanna thank all of you so much for making this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream come true. I’m so proud to present.”
Reflecting on her path, she opened up about years of feeling like an outsider. “Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong,” she shared. “But you all have made me feel like I belong, and I have come home, at last.”
She further urged them not to give up. She emphasized the importance of continuing to give wholeheartedly and reminded everyone that the world needs their love and light now more than ever.
Scherzinger’s win is especially notable considering the powerhouse competition. She won the award over theater legend Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony winner, for her performance in “Gypsy,” as well as Jennifer Simard and Megan Hilty (“Death Becomes Her”) and Jasmine Amy Rodgers (“Boop! The Musical”).
