Entertainers around the world strive to share their talents, yet only a select few will ever grace such a globally televised stage. Even those who do—like Nicole Scherzinger, who won Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her role in Sunset Boulevard at the 2025 Tonys —began their journey performing without an audience, fueled by pure passion and commitment.

In her acceptance speech, Nicole expressed, “I finally feel like I belong.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many entertainers who have felt like outsiders, yet it is this very uniqueness that defines an artist.

Throughout history, artists like Van Gogh were unappreciated during their lifetimes, and Picasso faced initial misunderstanding and controversy when he began displaying his work. Francis Jue, in a tuxedo gifted by his mentor Alvin Ing, used his Tony win to honor generations of Asian artists who had been overlooked. These stories remind us that the path to recognition is often paved with challenges.

Consider the many authors who face rejection before finding a publisher willing to take a chance on them. As entertainers, we pour love into our craft long before receiving applause. We encounter rejection and solitude, yet these experiences reflect the world we live in, document history, reflect social truths and forge social change.

Artists are cultural leaders, shaping trends rather than merely following them. From unknown authors to groundbreaking performers like Alex Newell—the first openly nonbinary performer to win a Tony for playing a female role—it is without a doubt, we walk the roads less traveled.

It’s important to remember that external validation is not a prerequisite for self-reward. Now, this moment, is the time to celebrate your achievements and build confidence, as public recognition often follows private dedication. True belonging begins within. While applause is—let’s face it—incredibly gratifying, self-recognition, self-appreciation fuels the engine that drives you to create.

Entertainers—not all, as there are always exceptions—have stood in front of a mirror, practicing their award acceptance speech, envisioning the day their dreams will come true for as long as awards have been given. The beauty of this practice lies in the innocence of youth, where the feeling of achievement is so real, fueled by the imagination that anything is possible.

There’s no reason you can’t feel this today. Even if you’re not at an award ceremony, if you can create daily, you can reward yourself daily, creating feelings of acceptance, acknowledgment, and honoring your love for your art.

Every day, regardless of nominations or awards, celebrate the gift of living your art, because those moments of practice are life itself, your life. When challenges arise, reward yourself for your creativity and perseverance. When your work is acknowledged celebrate no matter how big or small the recognition. These moments of self-love will resonate with the universe, and no one can take away the joy you experience each and every day living and creating your art.

Remember, people are often rewarded for what they do in private. In the privacy of your own world, you are a GOAT—the Greatest Of All Time.

It’s impossible to talk about the 2025 Tony Awards without mentioning Theater Kid by Jeffrey Seller — which is exactly why it’s our next pick for the Entertainers Life Book Club. For me, this isn’t just an essential read for the Broadway community — it’s a must for every entertainer and artist, for every artistic passion.

Jeffrey Seller, the brilliant producer behind Rent and Hamilton, shares his story so openly, taking us from his childhood in Detroit all the way to the Broadway stage.