Pinoy pride takes center stage: Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss and Marco Paguia make Tony awards history!

Dubai: Broadway's grandest night just got a vibrant shot of Filipino pride! The 2025 Tony Awards, held on Sunday, June 8th, at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, saw three incredible talents of Filipino descent, Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss and Marco Paguia, clinch top honors, etching their names into Broadway history and shining a brilliant spotlight on Filipino and Asian-American representation in the performing arts.

The phenomenal Nicole, beloved worldwide as the powerhouse lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls and a former X Factor judge, made an electrifying Broadway debut that culminated in a historic win! Nicole was crowned Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her breathtaking portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. This isn't just a career high; it's a defining moment for representation on the Great White Way.

With deep pride, Nicole embraced her Filipino heritage as she accepted her award. Her father, Alfonso Valiente, is Filipino, and she has always proudly embraced this part of her background, even sharing a viral TikTok performing the beloved Filipino karaoke anthem, "Hush, Hush," with the caption, "So proud to be Filipino."

An emotional Nicole expressed her profound gratitude to the Tony Awards, sharing how they helped "a little girl from Hawaiian, Ukrainian, and Filipino roots" realize her dream. "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," she movingly stated. Her powerful message resonated with aspiring artists everywhere: "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 love and your light now more than ever. This is a testament that love always wins."

Meanwhile, the incredibly versatile Darren, already an Emmy and Golden Globe winner, added a coveted Tony Award to his ever-growing list of accolades. His win for Maybe Happy Ending solidifies his status as one of Broadway's most dynamic and celebrated talents.

Darren's Filipino roots run deep through his mother, Cerina Bru, who was born in Cebu, Philippines, and boasts Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish ancestry. Though born and raised in the US, Darren has consistently embraced his multicultural background, speaking in numerous interviews about his strong connection to his Filipino heritage, particularly through cherished family traditions and, of course, delicious Filipino food!

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Darren dedicated his win to his wife, Mia, highlighting her incredible support in enabling him to pursue his Broadway dream while raising their two young children. "The real hero of this remarkable journey is my wife, Mia, who took a massive swing at allowing me to do this," he shared. "To allow this crazy upheaval in our life, to make this logistically possible, and to bear the brunt of raising two tiny friends under three, so that I could raise a singing robot at the Belasco Theatre eight times a week." He continued, "You're the very pedestal that upholds the shiny spinny bit in our lives, and your love and your support for me and our beautiful children, combined with the miracle of working on something as magical as Maybe Happy Ending, has been and will always be awarded enough."

Filipino-American musical powerhouse Marco Paguia brought the house down with not one, but two major wins for his work on the critically acclaimed musical Buena Vista Club!

Paguia clinched the Tony for Best Orchestrations, recognizing his masterful work in bringing to life the soul, rhythm, and heart of Havana. But that wasn’t all — as previously announced, a Special Tony Award was also presented to the incredible musicians behind the show’s live onstage band, a vibrant tribute to the legendary Buena Vista Social Club.

Set in Havana and spanning four decades, Buena Vista Club follows the journey of four Cuban musicians from the 1950s to the 1990s — and Marco Paguia was at the musical heart of it all. As the show’s music director, conductor, and onstage pianist, he didn't just shape the sound of the show — he lived it, night after night.

This moment is a proud celebration not only of Marco’s immense talent but also of Filipino excellence behind the scenes, helping shape the future of Broadway with passion, artistry, and unforgettable music. Bravo, Marco! Your rhythm is our revolution!

Nicole, Darren and Marco’s monumental wins at the 2025 Tony Awards are more than just personal triumphs; they represent a landmark night for Filipino representation on Broadway. Their achievements will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Filipino and Asian-American artists to chase their dreams, proving that the Broadway stage is a place where all roots can blossom into greatness! The entire Filipino community, both at home and across the diaspora, celebrates with immense pride their groundbreaking achievements!

Their triumphs send a resounding message: the Broadway stage is for everyone, and Filipino stories, voices, and excellence belong front and center.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there!

Other Filipino-American talents lit up the nominee list:

Conrad Ricamora — nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play for "Oh Mary"
Clint Ramos — nominated for Best Costume Design of a Musical for "Maybe Happy Ending"

Adding even more star power to this extraordinary night, legendary Filipina theater icon Lea Salonga — the first Asian to ever win a Tony for Best Lead Actress in a Musical — graced the ceremony as a presenter, bridging generations of trailblazing artistry.

Together, this dazzling constellation of Filipino talent marked a cultural and creative triumph — one that will inspire countless young Filipino and Asian-American artists to dream boldly, create fearlessly, and take their rightful place in the spotlight.

Mabuhay ang Filipino talent — Broadway will never be the same!