“Endangered Species” is a song from Dianne Reeves’ 1994 album Art & Survival. And Sheryl Lee Ralph part of the song when she received an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Sheryl Lee Ralph sings loud and proud.
After scoring a historic win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 74th Annual Emmy Awards. The 65-year-old actress opened her speech by singing “Endangered Species.”
Endangered Species, a song released by American vocal-jazz singer Dianne Reeves, was featured on Reeves’ 1994 album Art & Survival and included inspirational lyrics about staying strong, being authentic, and never giving up on who you are.
“I’m an endangered species, but I don’t sing sacrifice songs / I’m a woman, I’m an artist. And I know where my voice is / I know where my soul is, I know where I am.” Reeves, 65, sings on the track.
With Reeves, the song was also written by lyricist Jeanne Pisano.
A Reeves representative did not immediately respond to the news’s request for comment. At the 2022 Emmy Awards, Ralph won the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role at Abbott Elementary.
The industry veteran became the second black woman to win an Emmy in the category, after Jackie Harry, who won 227 in 1987.
After Ralph took the stage to receive an award from hosts Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers. Ralph stepped into Reeves’ song and sang a few words for emphasis. As the names of the people he wanted to thank appeared on the screen. Following the song – which garnered a standing ovation from the audience, including fellow nominees Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), Juno Temple (Ted Lasso). Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) and Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso) – Ralph delivers fast, emotional and inspiring speeches.
“Anyone who’s ever had a dream and thought their dream couldn’t come true. I’m here to tell you that seems to believe it,” said Ralph. “This is what the struggle is like, and never give up on yourself.”