Cynthia Erivo captivated audiences as the host of the 78th Annual Tony Awards on June 8, 2025, at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. The Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning performer opened the ceremony with a powerful original musical number that earned a standing ovation. Dressed in a sparkling red-and-white gown, Erivo sang “Sometimes All You Need Is a Song,” celebrating the transformative power of storytelling in theater. She was joined by a choir and Broadway stars such as Kristin Chenoweth and Adam Lambert, honoring the year’s top contenders, including Audra McDonald, George Clooney, and Sarah Snook.
The opening performance featured a backstage segment where Erivo, encouraged by Oprah Winfrey, made her way to the stage. The segment included nods to various Broadway shows, including “Wicked” and “Maybe Happy Ending.” Erivo and Winfrey recreated a symbolic finger-holding gesture reminiscent of a viral moment from the 2024 “Wicked” press tour, symbolizing empathy and connection.
Erivo, who won a Tony in 2016 for her role in “The Color Purple,” expressed pride in hosting the ceremony and paid homage to the theater community. Her hosting followed in the footsteps of notable predecessors, including Neil Patrick Harris and Hugh Jackman. This year’s Tony nominations featured several first-timers, including Clooney, Nicole Scherzinger, and Daniel Dae Kim.
In addition to hosting the Tonys, Erivo is set to reprise her role as Elphaba in “Wicked: For Good,” releasing November 21, 2025. The sequel to the 2024 Oscar-nominated film “Wicked” continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda, exploring the consequences of their earlier choices. Erivo co-wrote a new song for the film alongside composer Stephen Schwartz, adding depth to her character’s journey.
Erivo will also portray the lead in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl this summer, taking on the role of Jesus in a production directed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. The performance, running from August 1 to 3, will feature Adam Lambert as Judas and promises a high-energy, visually stunning rendition of the classic rock opera.
The 78th Tony Awards celebrated a particularly star-studded Broadway season, with productions like “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Death Becomes Her,” and “Maybe Happy Ending” leading with ten nominations each. Other notable nominees included Audra McDonald, who made history with her 11th career nomination for “Gypsy,” and Sarah Snook, recognized for her performance in “The Hills of California.”
Erivo’s dynamic hosting and heartfelt performances set the tone for a night that honored the resilience and creativity of the theater community. Her contributions, both on and off the stage, continue to inspire audiences and affirm her status as a leading figure in the performing arts.