Why nominee held up three-word sign to the crowd before Nicole Scherzinger's tearful Tony Award win

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Nicole Scherzinger has done it again.

After winning an Olivier Award for her West End debut in Cats last year, Scherzinger, 46, couldn't hide her emotions as she took home her first Tony Award on Sunday for her highly praised Broadway debut.

The former Pussycat Dolls singer was cast in Jamie Lloyd's reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard as Norma Desmond, winning the award for best leading actress in a musical for her performance.

READ MORE: All the stunning celebrity arrivals at the 2025 Tony Awards

Nicole Scherzinger

Scherzinger was up against some stiff competition for the gong, including both Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard for Death Becomes Her.

As the nominees waited for the winner to be announced, Simard could be seen holding up a sign that read "That Was Rude", prompting Hilty to hide a chuckle when she realised what was happening.

Watch the video above.

Some online shared their confusion around the moment, but it seems the sign was simply a reference to the duo's viral moment from the play, which has now become a commonly used sound on TikTok.

Tony Award nominees

The nominees weren't left to sit in anticipation for long as Scherzinger was soon announced as the winner, rushing to the stage to accept her award as audience members stood to applaud her.

As she reached the microphone, the singer could barely get a word out as she sobbed, only managing to ask the audience to sit down because "we only have 90 seconds".

As she choked back tears, Scherzinger reeled off a list of those she was thankful for.

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Stars hit the red carpet for 2025 Tony Awards

"I just have to thank God, for carrying me every step of the way," the began.

"I give you all the glory."

She went on to recognise the other women nominated in her category, referring to them all as "warrior women".

Nicole Scherzinger

"I want to thank all of you so much for making this little Hawaiian, Ukrainian, Filipino girl's dream come true; I'm so proud to represent," she said.

"I want to thank my mum, who had me at 18 and gave everything up for me."

Scherzinger shouted out her fiancé, Thom Evans, for always believing in her even when she struggled to herself.

READ MORE: Xena: Warrior Princess star Marise Wipani dies on her 61st birthday

When it came to director Jamie Lloyd, she added: "You saw in me what no one else did, you've given us all new ways to dream, and you have changed my life forever.

Nicole Scherzinger

"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.

"So, if there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong, or your time hasn't come, don't give up, just keep on giving and giving, because the world needs your light and your love now more than ever.

"This is a testament that love always wins."

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