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Tony Awards 2025 Full Recap: Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss, Cole Escola and Anyone Who Watched Win Big

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10 months ago

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And I’m Telling You…

5 hr 6 min ago

Host Cynthia Erivo closed out the evening with a fun play on “And I’m Telling You” from Dreamgirls.

“And I’m telling you, I am going,” she began, before working in lyrics that honored many of the night’s big winners, including Purpose and Cole Escola.

She pretty much crushed her hosting duties. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

A Moment for the Fashion

5 hr 6 min ago

We can’t wrap up this epic evening without taking space for the incredible fashion all night long.

Sadie Sink, Brooke Shields and Leslie Odom Jr. were among PEOPLE’s best dressed, as were quite a few of the big winners.

See all the fashion highlights here.

‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Has a Definitely Happy Ending

5 hr 22 min ago

Nothing maybe about it: Maybe Happy Ending won big, taking home the last award of the night: best new musical!

“This is for all the audiences all over the world who came out and saw live theater this year,” producer Hunter Arnold said in his acceptance speech.

The show is still playing at the Belasco Theatre. Better get those tickets now if you haven’t already seen it.

Nicole Scherzinger Comes Out on Top

5 hr 29 min ago

Through her tears, Nicole Scherzinger thanked God for her win for best actress in a leading role in a musical for her turn as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

After thanking her family, Andrew Lloyd Webber, her costars and crew, the actress said, “Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home at last.”

“So if there’s anyone else here who feels like they don’t belong… don’t give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your life now more than ever. This is a testament that love always wins.”

Sunset Boulevard also won for best musical revival earlier in the evening. Scherzinger will remain in the show through July 13.

Nothing Robotic About Darren Criss Winning Big

5 hr 36 min ago

Presented by Ariana DeBose, the Tony Award for best actor in a leading role in a musical was given to Darren Criss for Maybe Happy Ending.

“What a night!” he began. “I have such immense pride to get to be part of this notably diverse and exquisite Broadway season this year.”

After celebrating his costar, Helen J. Shen, and fellow nominees, he added, “The real hero of this remarkable journey is my wife Mia, who took a massive swing in allowing me to do this and allow this crazy upheaval that it took to make this logistically possible, and for bearing the brunt of raising two tiny friends under three so that I could raise a singing robot. … You are the very pedestal that upholds the shiny spinny bit in our lives.”

He also thanked his late father Bill and brother Chuck.

Oprah Gets a Car!

5 hr 52 min ago

After Sunset Boulevard was named the best revival of a musical, host Cynthia Erivo visited her friend Danielle Brooks in the audience and suggested a Color Purple reunion sometime soon. Wondering who might help facilitate that, she stepped to the row in front of Brooks, where Oprah Winfrey was sitting on the aisle.

Erivo later revealed to Winfrey that a little surprise was waiting for her underneath her seat: a box of Junior Mints, a bag of Haribo gummy bears, and a red toy car. “You get a car!” Erivo exclaimed, and then revealed she’d been waiting to say that all night.

Audra McDonald Captivates the Crowd

6 hours ago

There’s a reason the race for best leading actress in a musical has been so widely discussed since even before the Tony nominations were announced — and it has nothing to do with Patti Lupone.

This past theater season was stacked with jaw-dropping performances, Audra McDonald and Nicole Scherzinger’s chief among them.

Earlier in the evening, Scherzinger brought the house down with her perforance from Sunset Boulevard, and Audra McDonald just did the same with her take on Gypsy — and both highlighted the stars’ skills by placing them solo on the stage.

McDonald has won 6 Tonys and has racked up 11 nominations.

Oh, Cole!

6 hr 16 min ago

Cole Escola won best performance by a leading actor in a play for their performance in Oh, Mary! and became the first nonbinary actor to win the category.

The actor plays an unhinged Mary Todd Lincoln as an alcoholic and wannabe cabaret singer.

“Julie Harris won a Tony for playing Mary Todd Lincoln!” Escola began. They went on to thank their fellow nominees: “It’s been a pleasure spending time with you over these warm salads at all these lunches.”

To wrap up, Escola listed their mom, cast, crew and producers, as well as a number of others and, lastly, “Tebo from Grindr and Amy Sedaris, who always reminds me how important she is to me, and she is.”

Cynthia Erivo and Sara Bareilles Give Tearful In Memoriam Performance

6 hr 27 min ago

After Oh, Mary! and Maybe Happy Ending picked up trophies for best direction (of a play and a musical, respectfully), Cynthia Erivo and Sara Bareilles came together to sing “Tomorrow” from Annie for the In Memoriam segment.

George Wendt, Gavin Creel, James Earl Jones, Dame Maggie Smith and Tony Roberts were among the beloved stars and theater luminaries honored.

Creel, a close friend and costar of Bareilles’, photo was the last shown. At the end of the performance, she and Erivo held each other, and when they separated, it was clear Bareilles was in tears.

Hamilton Doesn’t Throw Away Its Shot

6 hr 35 min ago

The much-anticipated 10th anniversary reunion performance by the original cast of Hamilton — including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo and so many others — did not disappoint.

Dressed in all black formalwear (well, except Jonathan Groff in a red jacket as the King), the cast performed a “mixtape” of the songs from the smash hit musical, and brought Radio City Music Hall (and the dwellers of this writer’s apartment) to their feet and, in some cases, to tears.

As many know, Odom will be stepping back into the role of Aaron Burr this fall. Something tells us this may have sold a few tickets to people wanting to experience the show all over again.

Eureka! It’s Date Night!

6 hr 49 min ago

Date night for Samuel L. Jackson, and his wife, Tony nominee LaTonya Richardson Jackson, meant looking gorgeous… and presenting the award for best revival of a play to Eureka Day.

Jeremy Jordan Gets to Move During ‘Floyd Collins’ Performance

6 hr 52 min ago

Jeremy Jordan led a performance of “The Ballad of Floyd Collins” and “The Call” from Floyd Collins — and he was finally freed from the cave!

In the show, his character winds up trapped in the cave, and the actor spends much of the show in a chair. So Tony watchers were given a treat of one of the highlights of the show, where Jordan performs stellar choreography.

Renowned fan of the show, Jesse Eisenberg, introduced the performance.

Fireflies Fill Radio City Music Hall

6 hr 52 min ago

Aging robots — played by Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen — brought the audience to Jeju Island to see the fireflies with their performance of “Never Fly Away” from Maybe Happy Ending.

The sweet peformance was a nice change of pace from all the whizz-bang of the other musical performances thus far.

‘Purpose’ Wins for Best Play

7 hr 9 min ago

After a stacked lineup of nominees, there can still only be one winner. And Purpose officially won the Tony for Best Play.

The family story is written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and the show is directed by Phylicia Rashad.

Cynthia Erivo: Short in Stature, Tall in Jokes

7 hr 13 min ago

Cynthia Erivo hasn’t just relied on her stellar voice throughout the night.

Introducing Jonathan Groff’s Just in Time performance, she chimed in from the balcony. “I’m up in the balcony because I adore a bit of balcony. I’m 5-foot-1, and it’s the best chance for me to get a clear view of the stage. … Everyone loves a balcony seat, except, as we learned this season, Abraham Lincoln. The balcony is also the best and safest place to see Jonathan Groff sing without getting spit on, if that’s not your thing. Please welcome a man who makes everyone wet.”

Later, she quipped about the number of cameras onstage during the shows this season — especially George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck — punctuated by a close-up of Erivo herself.

Natalie Venetia Belcon Is Having a Buena Night

7 hr 25 min ago

Natalie Venetia Belcon, who has starred in Rent and Avenue Q in the past, won for best featured actress in a musical for her role in Buena Vista Social Club.

After thanking much of cast and crew of her show, she said, “And the band, my obsession. Well, my second obsession. The first is Jason Momoa. Hi Jason, how you doing?”

At the tail end of her speech, Belcon began to get choked up as she added, “This is such an incredible honor.”

Nicole Scherzinger Gives Everyone the Chills

7 hr 37 min ago

After Kara Young picked up the win for best actress in a featured role in a play for her turn in Purpose (her second Tony win), Glenn Close took the stage to introduce a performance by nominee Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard.

And Scherzinger’s rendition of “With One Luck” brought the dang house down the same way she has been eight times a week in her show.

This woman is so much more than a Pussycat Doll, that much is clear.

Jonathan Groff Gives ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Performance, Especially for Keanu Reeves

7 hr 48 min ago

Nominee Jonathan Groff performed a medley of Bobby Darin songs from his bio-musical, Just in Time.

The performance had all the sparkle and sass as was to be expected from Groff — but it was extra special for Keanu Reeves.

At one point during the performance, Groff jumped onto the armrests of Reeves’ seat and sang with he actor’s head between his legs. Reeves didn’t seemed disappointed, and gamely laughed and made faces for the camera.

The Tonys Head South — in a Good Way

7 hr 52 min ago

Natalie Venetia Belcon and the cast of Buena Vista Social Club brought the Tonys to Cuba with a sizzling performance of “Candela.” The show has 10 nominations and has already won for Best Choreography and two others.

Shortly after the performance, Jak Malone won best featured actor in a musical for their performance in Operation Mincemeat: A New MusicalI

Francis Jue Wins for ‘Yellow Face’ in a Special Tux

8 hr 5 min ago

As Francis Jue picked up the win for best performance by a featured actor in a play for his role in Yellow Face, he was wearing a very special tuxedo handed down to him by actor Alvin Ing.

“He had it made for himself for the opening of Pacific Overtures on Broadway in 1976, and when he gave it to me 20 years ago, he told me he wanted me to wear it when I accepted my Tony Award,” Jue said.

As he concluded his powerful speech, he noted, “To those who don’t feel seen… I see you, and at its best, this community sees you.”

Megan Hilty Rocks the Costume Changes

8 hr 13 min ago

The first show performance of the night brought the energy — especially during Pride month. Megan Hilty and dancers from Death Becomes Her brought all the sparkle to the stage with “All the Gaze.”

The number, from the musical up for 10 awards (including Hilty’s nomination, naturally) features a series of mind-blowing magical costume changes — and Hilty pulled them off with elegance.

Sarah Snook Wins Best Actress in a Lead Role in a Play

8 hr 20 min ago

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter — yes, that is Bill and Ted! — presented the award for best leading actress in a play to Sarah Snook for her incredible turn in A Picture of Dorian Gray.

Snook admitted she was “intimidated” by all the talent in the room and went on to thank her team, the crew of her show and her husband.

Earlier in the evening, host Cynthia Erivo made a joke about Succession stars on Broadway, as Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong have also recently appeared.

Cynthia Erivo Holds Space with Oprah in Tonys Opening

8 hr 27 min ago

The Tonys kicked off with a slew of references to current and iconic shows — starting with host Cynthia Erivo’s homage to Annie with her red and white dress. After putting down her Tonys coffee mug (which appeared to still have the price tag on it), Erivo headed towards the stage, saying hello to a cardboard cutout of Andrew Lloyd Webber (which also happens in the current production of Sunset Boulevard) along the way.

As she made her way to the stage, producers pitched her ideas inspired by shows like The Music Man and this year’s Death Becomes Her, but she turned them down. And then she ran into Oprah Winfrey. Because of course!

After a moment of sharing her wisdom, Oprah offered her finger, and she and Erivo took a beat.

And then, finally, it was showtime! As she sang, “Sometimes all you need is a song!”

Harvey Fierstein Accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award

8 hr 38 min ago

Stepping onto the stage to receive the Lifetime Achievement, Harvey Fierstein was clearly emotional.

“If things had gone to plan, I would now be a retired art teacher,” he began. He continued to talk about his beginnings and launching Torch Song Trilogy in the 1980s at the beginning of the AIDS crisis. “It was a war that cost us much too dearly,” he continued. “I might never really understand how I survived those years.”

Fierstein grew emotional again as he wrapped up his speech. “When I bow, I bow to the audience with gratitude, knowing that without them I might as well be lip-syncing showtunes in my bedroom mirror. So I dedicate this award to the people in the dark and offer my most profound thanks to all of you.”

Sara Bareilles Gets Emotional Remembering Gavin Creel

8 hr 54 min ago

Sara Bareilles had the privilege of awarding Celia Keenan-Bolger the Isabelle Stevenson Award for philanthropy and, in doing so, remembered Keenan-Bolger’s close relationship with Broadway star Gavin Creel, who died of cancer in September at age 48.

Just speaking of the beloved actor, who won a Tony for his performance in Hello Dolly!, had the singer getting choked up.

As she accepted the award, Keenan-Bolger described working with Creel, “my co-conspirator and champion in this world.” Together they “held each other’s hands, fighting for marriage equality, volunteering for political campaigns, advocating with the New York Civil Liberties Union, [supporting] hospital workers through the pandemic and on and on and on.”

She proceeded to shout out the Gavin Creel Fellowship, which helps “young actors who don’t come from money to have support when they come to New York City.”

Glinda Times Two!

9 hr 9 min ago

Kristin Chenoweth and Megan Hilty, who both played Glinda on Wicked on Broadway, kicked off the evening with a special moment PEOPLE was lucky enough to witness.

As her SUV pulled up to the event, Chenoweth had her driver over to the red carpet to say hello to Hilty.

“You look beautiful!” Chenoweth shouted. 

Hilty is nominated for her role in Death Becomes Her.

The Phantom of the Tonys?

9 hr 28 min ago

The Phantom of the Opera may have closed on Broadway in early 2023, but he appeared to be alive and well on the red carpet at the Tonys.

Who is this really — and why did he show up this way? We’re working on that. But we can’t blame him for showing up to hear the music of the night.

The beloved show already has a revival in the works…

Red Hot Red Carpet

9 hr 35 min ago

Everyone at the Tonys is a winner — because, wow, do they look incredible on the red carpet!

Host Cynthia Erivo brought it with a stunning blush-toned dress and a look competed with her signature intricate manicure.

Check out all of the glittering red carpet arrivals photos here.

And So Act 1 Begins…

9 hr 47 min ago

Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry kicked off “Act 1” of the 2025 Tony Awards by swapping congratulations — for Goldsberry’s new album, which recently dropped, and Criss’s nomination for Maybe Happy Ending.

They’ll be presenting quite a few Tonys before the main show. Not surprisingly, Maybe Happy Ending received the first win of the night — for best book of a musical.

Check HERE for the full list of winners.

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Theatrical Excursion

10 hr 4 min ago

The cast of Hamilton isn’t the only reunion happening at the Tony Awards tonight. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter walked the red carpet together as well.

The pair famously starred in 1989’s Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, which they followed up with sequels in 1991 and 2020. Now the two actors are taking Broadway and costarring in a production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, with performances beginning this fall.

George and Amal Have Entered the Conversation

10 hr 18 min ago

George Clooney has arrived at the Tonys — and he has his wife, Amal Clooney, by his side. The two held hands and even kissed as they made their way down the red carpet at Radio City together!

The actor is nominated for best actor in a lead role in a play for Good Night, and Good Luck, which scored five total nominations.

And, making the date night even more special, Clooney’s hair is back to its usual hue after he dyed it for months for the role.

Cole Escola Honors a Legend

10 hr 37 min ago

Cole Escola, nominated for acting, producing and starring in the play Oh, Mary!, arrived at the Tonys in an intricate blue and silver corseted ball gown with a dramatic train and silver heels. They topped it off with a reddish brown curly-haired wig.

PEOPLE has learned that the look was inspired by Bernadette Peters’ dress when she won the Tony in 1999 for Annie Get Your Gun.

Lea Michele Arrives to Support Her BFF

10 hr 50 min ago

Lea Michele turned up the heat on the red carpet in a breathtaking, low-cut tuxedo dress with a pleated skirt. The Glee star is sure to be cheering extra loudly for her best friend and fellow Spring Awakening alum, Jonathan Groff, who is nominated for best actor in a leading role in a musical for his turn as Bobby Darin in Just in Time.

Tom Felton Has Phoned a Friend to Help Him Prepare for His Broadway Debut

10 hr 57 min ago

Tom Felton is stepping back into his Draco Malfoy shoes in November to play the adult version of the character in Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Thankfully, he has a familiar friend to offer him guidance.

“Quite ironically, luckily my old school chum Potter — [Daniel] Radcliffe — has done quite a bit of Broadway, so he’s holding my hand and certainly helping me through all the things there are to learn,” Felton tells PEOPLE and EW’s Patrick Gomez on the red carpet.

As for returning to the character, “I never saw myself having blond hair again,” Felton jokes. “He definitely pronounces ‘Potter’ the same way. What to let go of? I think his ego.”

Read more of Felton’s thoughts here.

The First Stars Have Hit the Red Carpet

11 hr 18 min ago

Jennifer Simard, who is nominated for best actress in a leading role in a musical for her performance as Helen Sharp in Death Becomes Her, was among the first stars to arrive on the red carpet outside Radio City Music Hall.

The show is up for an impressive 10 nominations, including best musical.

Hamilton‘s Daveed Diggs was also among the early arrivals, looking dapper in a sleek mint green tuxedo.



Read the full article here

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