Ralph, the daughter of late Jamaican fashion designer Ivy Ralph, took the Emmy Award for best supporting actress in a comedy series Monday night for her role as a religious kindergarten teacher on ABC's Abbott Elementary.
It's the first Emmy and first nomination for the 65-year-old Ralph, who was in tears and had to gather herself after accepting the trophy.
She opened her speech with a powerfully delivered a capella version of the song Endangered Species by Dianne Reeves.
"I am an endangered species, but I sing a victim's song. I am a woman, I am an artist, and I know where my voice belongs," Ralph belted.
Her win, and reaction, were hugely popular inside the Microsoft Theater.
"We love you!" a man shouted from the rear seats as she arrived on stage. Her acceptance speech was interrupted by cheers and multiple standing ovations.