• Cynthia Erivo’s powerful performances and hosting set a high bar at the 2025 Tony Awards.
• Historic wins highlighted Asian-American talent, marking important milestones for Broadway diversity.
• Technical glitches and awkward moments tempered an otherwise memorable and star-studded night.

The Highs and Lows of the 2025 Tony Awards: A Night to Remember

The 78th annual Tony Awards unfolded Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall, delivering a blend of dazzling performances, heartfelt moments, and, yes, a few awkward missteps. This year’s ceremony captured the essence of Broadway’s 2024-2025 season with its mix of fresh musicals and bold revivals. While stars from film and television added glamour, it was ultimately the theater community—actors, dancers, and backstage crews—who truly shone. The night was a whirlwind of excitement, emotion, and some unexpected glitches. Let’s take a closer look at the standout moments that made this Tony Awards both memorable and, at times, frustrating.

Cynthia Erivo Sets the Stage Ablaze with a Show-Stopping Opener

From the very first moment, Cynthia Erivo, this year’s host and Broadway powerhouse, made it clear she was here to command the spotlight. Known for her stunning voice more than for comedy, Erivo nevertheless delivered a sharp and witty opening that kept the audience smiling. Her playful backstage stroll with a steadicam camera gave a charming behind-the-scenes peek before she launched into an original song, “Sometimes All You Need Is a Song.”

The number wasn’t just a vocal showcase; it was a celebration of Broadway’s blend with film and TV stars, name-dropping familiar faces while building to a thrilling finale. Joined by Broadway veterans Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, and Adam Lambert, Erivo’s soaring vocals brought down the house. She shattered expectations and set a high bar for the evening ahead.

A Historic Win: Francis Jue’s Triumph Shines a Light on Inclusion

Francis Jue’s Tony win marked a historic milestone. Becoming only the second Asian American male actor to take home a Tony trophy—after B.D. Wong’s 1988 victory—Jue’s achievement resonated deeply. His acceptance speech was a heartfelt tribute to the importance of community and representation in theater. But what truly touched the audience was his personal story: the tuxedo he wore was gifted two decades ago by a mentor who encouraged him to wear it to his own Tony win someday. That moment reminded everyone watching just how much dedication and patience lie behind Broadway’s brightest stars.

When Sound Goes Silent: A Technical Glitch Casts a Shadow

Despite the night’s many highlights, the broadcast was not without technical flaws. Sound problems plagued several moments, leaving viewers and attendees puzzled. Presenters Keanu Reeves and Charli D’Amelio stumbled through awkward mic malfunctions, while some musical performances, including Erivo’s opener, Jonathan Groff’s medley, and Nicole Scherzinger’s stirring number from Sunset Boulevard, suffered from odd mixing and inconsistent volume.

For an event that relies so heavily on perfect audio, these lapses felt jarring. Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment, joking that the sound technicians might have needed more time to run a proper check. The sound issues, unfortunately, put a damper on some of the night’s best moments.

Megan Hilty and Jonathan Groff: Broadway’s Dynamic Duo

Megan Hilty and Jonathan Groff reminded audiences why they are beloved fixtures of the Broadway stage. Hilty’s performance of “Do It for the Gaze” from Death Becomes Her was a tour de force, blending humor and powerful vocals with nods to legends like Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland. Meanwhile, Groff’s medley of Bobby Darin hits from Just in Time showcased his effortless charisma and vocal control.

Their performances proved why they are considered triple threats—actors who can sing, dance, and act with equal finesse. They gave the awards show moments of pure joy and genuine Broadway magic, reaffirming their place among the theatre elite.

When Celebrity Endorsements Miss the Mark

Not every moment landed smoothly, and one awkward low point was Darren Criss’s backstage commercial for Pure Leaf tea. While celebrity sponsorships are a staple of live shows, this particular plug felt forced and out of sync with the energy of the evening. Criss, a gifted performer, seemed caught mid-costume change and struggled to make the ad feel natural or engaging. Instead of delighting viewers, it sparked eye-rolls and online memes questioning how such a polished event could include such a clunky moment.

The Return of Hamilton: A Decade of Broadway Magic

One of the most anticipated parts of the night was the return of Hamilton—a show that revolutionized Broadway a decade ago. Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original cast transported the audience back to the musical’s groundbreaking energy with a vibrant medley of its most beloved songs.

Dressed elegantly in black velvet, the cast exuded both nostalgia and renewed vigor. Their performance reminded everyone why Hamilton captured the public’s imagination so powerfully and still feels relevant today. It was a heartfelt reminder that some shows truly define a generation.

The Cringe Moment: Erivo’s Attempt to Cut Speeches Short

Award shows often struggle with how to handle lengthy acceptance speeches, and the Tonys took an unusual approach this year. To try to speed things along, they played a recording of Cynthia Erivo singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” over some speeches that went on too long.

Instead of being clever or funny, the move felt awkward and even rude. Many viewers found it cringe-worthy, breaking the emotional connection and casting a shadow over what should have been proud moments for the winners. Sometimes a gentle instrumental background would have worked better. This misstep highlighted the fine line awards shows walk between keeping a live broadcast flowing and respecting artists’ achievements.

A Moving Tribute: The In Memoriam That Hit All the Right Notes

The In Memoriam segment is always a delicate balance, and this year’s Tony Awards delivered one of the most touching tributes in recent memory. Sara Bareilles and Cynthia Erivo joined forces to sing “Tomorrow” from Annie, capturing a hopeful yet mournful tone that fit the occasion perfectly.

The camera work beautifully blended images of those the theater community lost with intimate shots of the performers. Gavin Creel’s final solo note was especially poignant—a graceful and heartbreaking farewell that left many viewers wiping away tears. It was a moment of shared sorrow and respect that felt sincere and heartfelt.

A Groundbreaking Win: Cole Escola’s Historic Victory

In a night full of firsts, Cole Escola’s win for Best Actor in a Play marked a breakthrough for representation. Escola became the first non-binary actor to win a Tony in this category, making history on a stage that’s still working toward full inclusivity.

Their acceptance speech was unforgettable, starting with a nod to Julie Harris and her own legendary win for playing Mary Todd Lincoln, then moving into a lighthearted shout-out to someone from Grindr. The moment was a celebration of identity and authenticity, and it struck a chord with many fans who cheered this overdue milestone.

Divas Deliver: Audra McDonald and Nicole Scherzinger Shine

The competition for Best Actress in a Musical was fierce, with Audra McDonald and Nicole Scherzinger standing out as two incredible talents. Both treated the audience to powerful performances during the broadcast.

McDonald’s rendition of “Rose’s Turn” was raw and electric, displaying her immense acting skills alongside her vocal prowess. Scherzinger, meanwhile, brought a more understated elegance with “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” Although Scherzinger ultimately took home the Tony, both women were winners in the eyes of the fans, adding rich new chapters to Broadway’s storied history.

Asian American Artists Take Center Stage

Broadway has long struggled with diversity, especially when it comes to Asian American performers. This year, the Tonys finally spotlighted this community in a meaningful way. Nicole Scherzinger became only the second Asian woman to win Best Actress in a Musical since Lea Salonga’s historic 1991 win. Francis Jue and Darren Criss also made history with their wins in their respective acting categories.

These breakthroughs highlight a slow but crucial shift toward inclusion on Broadway. It’s a reminder that representation matters, not just for those on stage but for audiences hungry to see their own stories reflected in the spotlight.

Closing on a High Note: Erivo’s Powerful Finale

Cynthia Erivo returned to the stage at the end of the night, delivering a reimagined version of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. The updated lyrics reflected the themes of the evening—perseverance, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of theater.

Her vocal performance was breathtaking, a fitting bookend to a night filled with highs and lows. Erivo’s strength as a host lay in knowing her own talents and using them to lift the entire ceremony. As the curtain fell, it was clear this was a Tony Awards to remember—for both its moments of magic and its human imperfections.

Looking Ahead: What the 2025 Tonys Tell Us About Broadway’s Future

This year’s Tony Awards was a microcosm of Broadway itself—full of brilliance, breakthroughs, and growing pains. The spotlight on diversity and inclusion gave hope that the industry is evolving. Yet, the technical hiccups and awkward moments reminded us live events remain unpredictable.

Fans and theater professionals alike will look back at the 78th Tony Awards as a turning point. It celebrated the old and new, the tradition and change, and the immense talent that keeps Broadway alive. With the season ahead promising even more innovation, one thing is certain: Broadway’s heart beats strong, and its stories will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.