The Tony Awards are set to shine even brighter this year, with Wicked star Cynthia Erivo stepping in as host for the 78th annual ceremony.
Announced by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing on Wednesday, Erivo will take over hosting duties from Ariana DeBose, who led the previous three ceremonies, including the writer-free 2023 awards during the WGA strike. The highly anticipated event will take place on June 8.
"I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor," Erivo said in a statement. "I look forward to guiding the theater community through a night of celebration, honoring the incredible performances we've witnessed this year. I hope to rise to the occasion."
A Tony winner herself, Erivo earned the award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2016 for her powerful performance as Celie in The Color Purple. Now, she’s just an Oscar away from achieving the coveted EGOT status, with a nomination this year for her role as Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation.
The hosting gig is also a moment of redemption for Wicked, which famously lost the Tony for Best Musical to Avenue Q in 2004—though original star Idina Menzel took home Best Actress honors that year.
Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theater Wing, and Jason Laks, President of the Broadway League, praised Erivo’s ability to connect audiences to musical theater. "Her talent defies gravity and boundaries, and we are beyond thrilled to welcome her home to Broadway," they said in a joint statement. "We hope audiences are ready to leap to their feet, cry tears of joy, and maybe even dance."
Erivo, known for her dramatic roles in Harriet, Genius: Aretha, and Widows, may bring a fresh tone to the ceremony, focusing more on musicality and inspiration than comedic hosting traditions.
CBS Vice President of Specials, Mackenzie Mitchell, expressed excitement about Erivo leading the evening: "With her deep roots in the theater community, her creativity, and captivating presence, she will deliver an unforgettable night celebrating Broadway’s best."
Nominations for the 2025 Tony Awards will be announced on May 1, with buzz already surrounding productions like Sunset Boulevard, starring Nicole Scherzinger, and Gypsy, featuring Audra McDonald.
Source: Entertainment Weekly