Tony Awards 2025: best and worst moments from Broadway’s biggest night

Cynthia Erivo opens the 2025 Tony Awards with musical and hosting highlights

The 2025 Tony Awards began with host Cynthia Erivo performing the original song “Sometimes All You Need Is a Song.” The performance included appearances by Kristin Chenoweth, Adam Lambert, and Aaron Tveit, with the number transitioning from backstage to the main stage. Erivo’s performance highlighted her vocal range and Broadway presence while setting the tone for the evening.

Later in the broadcast, Erivo performed a reworked version of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls, marking the closing note of the ceremony. While the lyrics were modified to reflect the night’s events, the performance remained focused on Erivo’s vocal delivery.

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Erivo also participated in the “In Memoriam” tribute, performing “Tomorrow” from Annie alongside Sara Bareilles in memory of composer Charles Strouse. The segment included visuals of Broadway figures lost over the past year, concluding with Gavin Creel’s image.

Standout performances and milestones from the 78th Annual Tony Awards

Among the evening’s notable performances were Megan Hilty’s rendition of “Do It for the Gaze” from Death Becomes Her and Jonathan Groff’s medley of Bobby Darin hits from Just in Time. Both actors demonstrated their vocal versatility and stage command.

A 10th-anniversary performance by the original cast of Hamilton was also featured. Lin-Manuel Miranda and fellow cast members delivered a medley of the musical’s key songs. Their appearance emphasized the cultural impact the production has maintained since its debut.

Francis Jue’s win marked only the second time a male Asian American actor received a Tony, following B.D. Wong’s win in 1988. In his speech, Jue acknowledged the late mentor who gave him the tuxedo he wore to the ceremony.

Cole Escola became the first non-binary actor to win Best Actor in a Play. Their acceptance speech included a mention of Julie Harris’s prior win for portraying Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as a personal thank-you to a Grindr match.

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Nicole Scherzinger became the second Asian woman to win Best Actress in a Musical, joining Lea Salonga’s 1991 win. Darren Criss also made history as the first Asian American to win Best Actor in a Musical.

Technical challenges and mixed reactions during the ceremony

Sound quality was an issue throughout the Tony Awards broadcast. Microphone malfunctions affected presentations by Keanu Reeves and Charli D’Amelio. Musical performances, including those by Erivo, Groff, and Scherzinger, were also impacted by uneven sound mixing.

One controversial moment involved Erivo singing over winners to limit the length of their acceptance speeches. The use of “My Way” was intended as a humorous cue but received criticism for its tone.

An in-show advertisement by Darren Criss for Pure Leaf tea was also noted for its awkward delivery. Presented from backstage during a costume change, the segment aimed to merge sponsorship with performance but was generally not well received.

Broadway talent and representation receive wider recognition

The 2025 Tony Awards included recognition for longtime performers and broader representation in casting and awards. Audra McDonald and Nicole Scherzinger, both nominated for Best Actress in a Musical, delivered back-to-back performances. Scherzinger performed “As If We Never Said Goodbye” with minimal staging, while McDonald’s rendition of “Rose’s Turn” emphasized her acting range.

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The awards also marked progress in representation for Asian American performers, with three major wins in acting categories. These milestones reflected a broader push for inclusivity in Broadway casting and recognition.

Throughout the ceremony, the emphasis remained on performance, music, and the collaborative work of Broadway’s cast and crew. From debut musicals like Maybe Happy Ending to high-profile revivals like Gypsy and Sunset Boulevard, the 2025 season received a comprehensive spotlight.