Cynthia Erivo Casts a Spell, Conjures Standing Ovation as She Opens 2025 Tony Awards with Catchy Original Song

Published: June 9, 2025

The Wicked star honored the best of Broadway as host of the 78th Tony Awards at New York's Radio City Music Hall on June 8.

Cynthia Erivo Kicks Off the 2025 Tony Awards with a Spectacular Musical Number

Cynthia Erivo, 38, commanded the stage at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, kicking off the ceremony honoring the best of Broadway.

The sequence opened with a camera following Erivo out of her dressing room as she made her way to the stage and encountered Oprah Winfrey, who advised her, "Be yourself."

Wearing a glittery red dress with a white collar, Erivo then sang an original number with lyrics including, "It's our stories and our songs that let us soar." The actress was joined by an ensemble of robed choir members.

The musical moment honored many of this year's Tony contenders with shoutouts, including George Clooney, Kristin Chenoweth, and more.

Erivo is no stranger to the Tonys, having won a statuette in 2016 for her lead performance in a revival of The Color Purple, her Broadway debut.

The London-born actress previously starred on the West End in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, I Can't Sing, and Sister Act.

"I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor," Erivo said in a statement when her hosting gig was announced. "I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion."

Past Tony Award ceremony hosts include Neil Patrick Harris, Rosie O'Donnell, Hugh Jackman, and, for the last three years in a row, Ariana DeBose.

This year's Tony nominations, announced May 1, made first-time nominees out of George Clooney, Cole Escola, and more.

The Oscar-nominated Erivo will next return as Elphaba, Oz's Wicked Witch of the West, in Wicked: For Good, the second installment in director Jon M. Chu's two-part screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical costarring Ariana Grande. The sequel is in theaters Nov. 21. She can also be seen playing the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.

See PEOPLE's full coverage of the 78th annual Tony Awards, hosted by Erivo at New York City's Radio City Music Hall and airing on CBS and Paramount+.