Cynthia Erivo has been announced as the host for the 2025 Tony Awards, scheduled for Sunday, June 8, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This marks the ceremony’s return to the iconic venue for the first time since 2022. The awards will be broadcast live to audiences on both coasts via CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Erivo stated, “I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor… I hope I can rise to the occasion.” This will be her inaugural hosting of the Tonys; she previously won an award in 2016 for her performance in The Color Purple. Notably, this will be the fifth consecutive year that a woman of color has taken the helm as host, following Ariana DeBose’s three-year stint and Audra McDonald’s hosting in 2021.
Erivo, 38, is currently starring in Wicked, which has achieved the status of the highest-grossing film adapted from a Broadway musical. She is also an Oscar nominee for her role in the film, although she faces stiff competition on March 2. There is speculation that both Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande might perform during the ceremony. Additionally, her accolades include a Grammy and a Daytime Emmy, both earned for her work related to The Color Purple.
Mackenzie Mitchell, VP of Specials at CBS, highlighted Erivo’s impressive connection to the theater community, stating, “Cynthia is a remarkable talent, and we are honored to have her host this year’s Tony Awards.”
The nominations for the upcoming Tony Awards will be announced on Thursday, May 1. This highly-anticipated event is produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, and White Cherry Entertainment, with Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss serving as executive producers.
Erivo’s hosting role is a promising development for the 2025 Tony Awards, signifying a celebration of talent and diversity in theater. With a strong history of recognizing outstanding performances, this year’s event is sure to be an inspiring night for the theater community.