Audra McDonald Brings the House Down with Gypsy Performance at 2025 Tony Awards Amid Patti LuPone Drama

Published: June 9, 2025

Audra McDonald performed an incredible rendition of "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy at the 2025 Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

The actress and singer, 54, currently stars as Mama Rose in the Broadway revival of the musical at the Majestic Theatre. Her performance earned her a record-making 11th Tony nomination, becoming the most-nominated performer of all time.

McDonald's performance came after fellow Broadway veteran Patti LuPone made headlines for her comments about the two not being friends in a May 26 New Yorker profile. LuPone, 76, slammed Broadway actress Kecia Lewis and told interviewer Michael Schulman that McDonald is "not a friend." Though she didn't elaborate on the history of their rift, the Agatha All Along star indicated to the outlet it was a long-ago rift.

LuPone apologized for her comments a day after more than 500 members of the Broadway community signed an open letter reprimanding her. "For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today," LuPone began her statement. "I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful."

McDonald herself addressed LuPone's comments about their friendship in an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, saying, "If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is."

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McDonald's performance at the Tony Awards came after LuPone's apology for her comments about their friendship.

While on the red carpet, McDonald steered clear of mentioning fellow Broadway legend Patti LuPone, whose recent comments in a May 26 New Yorker profile about the two not being that friendly made waves throughout Broadway and beyond.

LuPone, 76, slammed Broadway actress Kecia Lewis in the interview and told interviewer Michael Schulman that McDonald is "not a friend." Though she didn't elaborate on the history of their rift, the Agatha All Along star indicated to the outlet it was a long-ago rift.

For more on the 2025 Tony Awards, check out PEOPLE's full coverage.

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