Sheryl Lee Ralph Belts a Beautiful Ballad After Her First Emmy Win
Sheryl Lee Ralph accepted her well-deserved Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy with a quick performance of Diane Reeves’ “Endangered Species.“
After a strong 45-year career, the original Dream Girl has won her first Emmy for her role as Barbara Howard in the ABC original Abbott Elementary. The mockumentary sitcom follows the daily routines of the students and teachers at an underprivileged predominantly Black elementary school in Philadelphia. This win is especially sweet due to the history of Abbott Elementary‘s creation as a series. Quinta Brunson created the series, a viral meme icon turned prime-time television writer. As a Black woman in a cut-throat industry, Brunson was able to use her platform to open a door for the Black television legend.
A glowing Quinta can be spotted in the audience cheering Ralph on as she accepts her award.
Immediately after the “because if you get a Quinta Brunson in your corner” moment from Sheryl Lee Ralph.
— Sarah McNeill Goswick (@BlueInThe212) September 13, 2022
Precisely. 🥹🥹🥹
Abbott Elementary is special. pic.twitter.com/TEvfq6Wii6
Ralph explained to the Los Angeles Times that she chose to sing “Endangered Species” because she believes she embodies the lyrics. She is an endangered species as a powerful woman and artist who knows where her voice belongs. However, she also sang it to inspire upcoming actors, artists, and kids to find their voice and put it where it belongs. Furthermore, the Emmy-winning actress wrapped up her speech with a word of encouragement and a peek into her road to victory. Certainly, her inspiring speech reached the minds of the Emmy crowd as they generously gave Ralph a standing ovation.
Jackee Harry, previously the only Black woman to have won Outstanding Supporting Actresses in a Comedy Series, shared her excitement for Sheryl’s win on Twitter.
.@thesherylralph’s had a remarkable career AND she’s one of the nicest people in Hollywood. Barbara Howard on #AbbottElementary is another fabulous character we’ve been fortunate to watch her breathe life into. 🙏🏾
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) September 13, 2022
Congrats, Sheryl & welcome to the club! #Emmys 🏆 #BlackGirlsRock pic.twitter.com/Tryb3DGig2
Many other Black television icons have recently sung Ralph’s praises for her accomplishment.
YESSSSSSSSS Sheryl Lee Ralph!!!!!!!!
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 13, 2022
Here at Glitter, we are proud of this living legend’s latest accomplishment. Stay tuned for further updates on this year’s Emmy Winners. Fans can watch Sheryl Lee Ralph’s emotional speech down below.
