Sheryl Lee Ralph, the star of “Abbott Elementary,” used her Emmy winning speech to remind the audience and viewers everywhere that she has amazing vocals.
Ralph sang “Endangered Species” by Dianne Reeves while performing on stage. Ralph received the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy for her portrayal of veteran instructor Barbara Howard.
She performed at the ceremony, raising the entire crowd to their feet with her song, “I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim’s song.” “I am an artist and a lady. And I am aware of my voice’s proper place.”
The outcome startled Ralph. She leaned on her co-star Tyler James Williams as he guided her to the stage after hearing her name called. She later gathered herself, sang a cappella, and gave a stirring victory speech.
To thunderous applause, she declared, “To everybody, who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, could come true — I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like.” “Striving appears like this. And never, ever give up on yourself.”
The actress praised her husband, Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, and their kids for their support, as well as “Abbott Elementary” creator and co-star Quinta Brunson.
Since the 1970s, Ralph has been involved in the entertainment industry, beginning with little TV roles before making her Broadway debut in the original 1981 production of “Dreamgirls,” for which she received a Tony nomination. Her first nomination for and victory at an Emmy.
This year’s Emmys presentation saw seven nominations for “Abbott Elementary.”