Sheryl lee Ralph accepted her well-deserved Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy with a quick performance of Diane Reeves’

Chris Haston/NBC

FILM & TV

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."
Chris Haston/NBC

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.“

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."
Evans Vestal Ward/NBC

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.

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."
Evans Vestal Ward/NBC

A glowing Quinta can be spotted in the audience cheering Ralph on as she accepts her award. 

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.

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."
Chris Haston/NBC

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. 

Many other Black television icons have recently sung Ralph’s praises for her accomplishment. 

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.