Held at Radio City Music Hall, the 78th Tony Awards in 2025 were led by Oscar winner Cynthia Erivo, whose opening number “Sometimes All You Need Is a Song” set an uplifting tone for the night. As part of the 2025 Tony Awards celebration, appearances by Kristin Chenoweth, Adam Lambert, and Ariana DeBose added to the night’s spirit of inclusivity and grandeur. Erivo brought charm and sincerity to the stage, seamlessly blending humor and emotion—especially during a stirring duet of “Tomorrow” with Sara Bareilles during the In Memoriam tribute.
Hamilton Cast Reunites for a Powerful 10-Year Tribute
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was the emotional reunion of the original Hamilton cast. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and others returned in style, delivering a medley that included “My Shot,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” and “The Room Where It Happens.” Their coordinated all-black ensembles and sharp choreography captured the magic that made Hamilton a theatrical phenomenon a decade ago.
Figure 1: Nicole Scherzinger accepts the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical award for “Sunset Blvd.
Diversity Takes Center Stage in Major Wins
This year’s Tonys celebrated a new era of representation. Darren Criss became the first Asian American man to win Best Actor in a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, a deeply human South Korean musical exploring love between androids. The show swept six awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction. Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won Best Play, continuing its Pulitzer Prize-winning legacy with a nuanced story about a prominent Black political family. Kara Young made history as the first Black actor to win Tonys in back-to-back years.
Figure 2: Shen perform a number from “Maybe Happy Ending
Nicole Scherzinger Steals the Spotlight in Sunset Boulevard
Nicole Scherzinger delivered a haunting performance of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from Sunset Boulevard, capturing both the grandeur and sorrow of her character. Her win for Best Leading Actress in a Musical marked a career milestone, and her tearful speech acknowledged her Filipino, native Hawaiian, and Ukrainian heritage as well as her early love for musical theatre long before mainstream fame.
Emotional Speeches and Celebrated Legacies
Tony night was filled with heartfelt moments. Francis Jue, honored as Best Featured Actor for Yellow Face, wore a tuxedo passed down by the late Alvin Ing and gave an emotional tribute to the Asian American acting community. Harvey Fierstein received the Lifetime Achievement Award and called for more support of grassroots theatre. Celia Keenan-Bolger was recognized with the Isabelle Stevenson Award for her charitable work supporting artists in crisis, in memory of Gavin Creel.
Jonathan Groff Delivers a Vintage Showstopper
Jonathan Groff brought charisma and retro flair with a tribute to Bobby Darin, performing a medley of “Mack the Knife,” “That’s All,” and “Once in a Lifetime.” A spontaneous and humorous moment with Keanu Reeves mid-performance delighted the audience, reminding everyone of Broadway’s ability to combine artistry with lighthearted fun.
Comedy, Bloopers, and Viral Moments
The show wasn’t without its laughs. Sarah Paulson accidentally created a sound mishap with her gown’s mic during a presentation, drawing laughs with Jean Smart. Cole Escola, accepting a win for Oh, Mary!, gave a hilariously unexpected thank-you to “T Bone from Grindr,” which quickly went viral online.
Backlash Over Preshow Snubs and Digital Design Choices
Despite the triumphs, not all feedback was glowing. Several fans and theater professionals criticized the decision to move the Best Book and Best Score awards to the preshow, calling it a disrespect to foundational musical creators. Additionally, some digital set designs—particularly for Operation Mincemeat—were mocked for looking artificial and detracting from the performance.
A Night That Reinforced Broadway’s Power to Reflect and Inspire
The 2025 Tony Awards succeeded in showcasing a Broadway that is more inclusive, emotionally resonant, and artistically bold than ever. From barrier-breaking wins to heartfelt tributes and vibrant performances, the ceremony reminded audiences why live theatre continues to matter. With stars old and new taking center stage, this year’s Tonys didn’t just honor what Broadway has been—it offered a vision of what it can become.
