Cynthia Erivo Opens 2025 Tony Awards With Ensemble Song At Radio City

Cynthia Erivo hosted the 78th Annual Tony Awards with a powerful opening performance of the song "Sometimes All You Need Is a Song," showcasing her Tony-winning talent and supported by Broadway Inspirational Voices and audience members including Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, and Adam Lambert. The show opened at Radio City Music Hall and featured a memorable backstage moment where Erivo and Oprah Winfrey recreated a viral finger-grabbing meme originally involving Erivo and Ariana Grande during the Wicked press tour. Erivo's performance paid tribute to the Broadway community, citing nominees such as George Clooney, Sarah Snook, and Denzel Washington, and highlighted the spirit of Broadway as a place of belonging. She wore a stunning red gown and encouraged audiences with lyrics emphasizing the power of storytelling and song, closing with the line, "When the world is looking gloomy, let that curtain rise." In addition to the musical tribute, the awards included notable moments like the first presenters, Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves, announcing Sarah Snook's win and previewing their upcoming Broadway revival of Waiting for Godot. The Tony Awards ceremony, rich with star power and heartfelt tributes, is available for streaming on Paramount+.