What did Cole Escola say about Nicole Scherzinger's Best Actress win at the 2025 Tony Awards? Comedian addresses controversy behind viral moment

Comedian and actor Cole Escola, who identifies as non-binary, clarified their reaction to Nicole Scherzinger’s Tony win. Scherzinger received the prestigious award for Best Actress in a Musical category. By the time the award was announced on the day, Escola was with the reporters.

However, as Nicole Scherzinger’s name was announced for the award, Cole Escola reacted, saying:

“Who is it? Nicole? Okay. Wow. The speculating is over. Wow. Four years. Four more years.”

They went on:

“I guess we will just kill time till Nicole gets here.”

Their comments from the day seem to have received criticism, and as such, Cole Escola took to their Instagram stories to clarify their intention behind the comment. They said:

“When I made that joke, when I said, you know, well four years, four more years, I meant it like well, she won. She is who we got for the next four years as if I think winning Best Lead Actress in a Musical is the same as winning a Presidential election.”

Cole Escola mentioned that people often tried to create rivalry between Broadway performers, which they found disappointing. They joked that the only issue they currently had was with Michael Arden, but didn’t want to share the details, hinting that more information would come out the next day.

Meanwhile, in her acceptance speech, Nicole Scherzinger said:

“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. If there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong or your time hasn't come, don't give up.”

What did Cole Escola and Nicole Scherzinger say following their Tony wins?

Cole Escola also bagged the Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Play. Rachel Smith from Entertainment Tonight asked them how wholesome the moment was for them. They felt like they had reached such a high point in their life that there was nowhere left to go, joking that the only next step might be death.

Smith mentioned that Cole Escola made history as the first non-binary person up for the Best Play nomination. When asked about the importance of this representation, they said:

“I guess I can't decide what it means for other people. I am only me so I can only see things through my own eyes. You can't really perceive the thing that you use to perceive. Sorry, I am getting philosophical.”

Speaking to E! News at the red carpet of the 2025 Tony Awards, Nicole Scherzinger was asked what the day meant to her. She shared that she was still feeling exhausted after performing in a matinee where she got emotional on stage.

She expressed her gratitude to God, believing that her faith carried her through difficult moments when she almost gave up. When asked about how it felt to finally be recognized for her talent, she explained that the entire experience had been healing for her.

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Nicole Scherzinger had often felt unfulfilled, knowing deep down she wasn’t reaching her full potential. This role, however, gave her the chance to pour her whole self into the work, and it changed her life.

She was especially grateful that it allowed her to connect with others in a meaningful, soulful way and possibly make a real difference in their lives.

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