Sheryl Lee Ralph Breaks Into Song After Historic Emmy Award Win

Sheryl Lee Ralph made history at the 2022 Emmy Awards and broke into song while accepting her award. Ralph, 65, is just the second Black woman to win an Emmy in the category of outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, after Jackee Harry, who won in 1987 for "227." After accepting the award for her role in "Abbott Elementary" from presenters Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers, Ralph sang a verse from jazz singer Diane Reeves' 1993 song "Endangered Species." "I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim song. I am a woman, I am an artist, and I know where my voice belongs."

After her song, Ralph got a standing ovation. She then gave a quick, inspirational acceptance speech. "To anyone who has ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn't wouldn't couldn't come true I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like, and don't you ever, ever give up on you," she said. "Because if you get a Quinta Bunson, if you get a husband like mine in your corner. If you get children like mine in your corner, and if you've got friends like everybody who voted for me, cheered for me, loved me, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Ralph's son, Etienne, posted a video on his TikTok before the award ceremony of his famous mom showing gratitude for everyone's support. He captioned the video, "A message from Mommy before she hits the red carpet at the #emmys2022. It’s her time!" 

Etienne also captured the moment her name was announced and posted the emotional video on TikTok. When her name was announced, Etienne and his sister Ivy-Victoria are heard screaming "yes" and "oh my God" over and over while jumping up and down in excitement. The video captioned, "I’ve envisioned this moment for my mother my whole entire life. We are so proud of you Mommy! @thesherylleeralph you are A WINNER!!!! @ivycoco and I are in our seats crying. #emmys2022," received tons of supportive and celebratory comments.

"amazing kids, with an amazing mom ❤️💙"

"Her speech was amazing...she is truly an ICON!! Soo happy for her!!"

"'Yes mommy' is about to make me cry congrats to y’all"

"The SPEECH WAS THE MIC DROP MOMENT FOR A ICON!!!!!!!!!"

"Love This!!! Iconic 'Yes mommy'🥰"

"This made me cry just as much as her speech!"

"Please know her words about believing in dreams reminded me not to give up 😭"

Actress Harry, the first Black woman to win an Emmy in the same category as Ralph, posted her excitement for the actress on Instagram. "Winning my Emmy was a career highlight, but it was also a lonely experience. For 35 years I’ve been the only black woman to win Outstanding Supporting Actresses in a Comedy Series. But that all changes tonight… and it’s come full circle!," she captioned her post. "The network originally wanted @thesherylleeralph to play Sandra on 227, but I got the part and won an Emmy for it. Now, Sheryl joins me as the 2nd black woman in this category and deservedly so! 🎉 I’m so exited for her Emmys win!

Sheryl’s had a remarkable career AND she’s one of the nicest people in Hollywood. Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary is another fabulous character we’ve been fortunate to watch her breathe life into. 🙏🏾

Congrats, Sheryl & welcome to the club! 🏆 #BlackGirlsRock #Emmys"