P!NK soared into Radio City Music Hall to kick off the 2026 Tony Awards in spectacular fashion.
The 79th Annual Tony Awards unfolded on June 7 at the landmark venue with the pop star as host. Schmigadoon! captured Best Musical while Liberation earned Best Play. Ragtime took Best Musical Revival.
The opening number delivered nonstop spectacle. P!NK arrived in Peter Pan attire before launching into an all-star version of “Lady Marmalade.” The sequence featured 170 performers, a Neil Patrick Harris cameo, June Squibb’s commanding presence, and Megan Thee Stallion arriving via “Two Strangers carrying some caaaaake.”
Layton Williams, a Titanique nominee, executed splits inside an Iceberg costume during P!NK’s verse. The number immediately entered Broadway lore with the line “Gitchie, gitchie Laurie Metcalf” circulating among attendees.
A tribute to Chicago marked the musical’s approach to its 30th year on Broadway. The jazz-focused performance spotlighted the show’s enduring legacy with current cast members. Additional highlights included intricate lighting designs and seamless transitions between segments that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. The production values reflected months of preparation by the creative team behind the ceremony.
AP News detailed P!NK’s high-energy hosting and the evening’s major wins. BroadwayDirect chronicled each musical sequence and surprise appearance. The New York Times noted the first-time victories for both Schmigadoon! and Liberation. Observers praised the balance of humor and heartfelt moments that defined the broadcast from start to finish.
These sequences combined technical precision with genuine theatrical joy. Viewers left Radio City Music Hall carrying the energy of a night defined by bold choices and collective celebration. The event showcased the vibrancy of live theater through memorable collaborations and unexpected twists that resonated with fans watching at home and in the venue alike.
