Wicked Star Cynthia Erivo to Cast Spell Over Tony Awards

Olivia Bennett, 2/20/2025Cynthia Erivo is set to host the 78th Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 8. With her impressive accolades and recent success in "Wicked," Erivo promises a night of celebration for Broadway's best performances, marking a spectacular return to the prestigious venue.

Erivo — whose commanding presence has bewitched audiences as Elphaba in the blockbuster "Wicked" — is proving that gravity can't hold her down. The multifaceted performer stands mere steps away from the coveted EGOT status, having already claimed Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards. Her current Oscar nomination for "Wicked" could complete the grand slam of entertainment accolades.

"I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor," Erivo declared in a statement that practically sparkles with anticipation. "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."

The choice of Erivo — taking the baton from three-time host Ariana DeBose — feels particularly poignant. Here's an artist who knows firsthand the electric thrill of Tony victory, having claimed Best Actress in a Musical in 2016 for her soul-stirring turn in "The Color Purple." That performance didn't just earn her theater's highest honor; it became the foundation of her impressive awards collection, sparking both Grammy and Emmy wins.

The ceremony's return to Radio City Music Hall signals more than just a change of address — it's a homecoming that the theater community has yearned for. After somewhat cramped affairs at the United Palace in 2023 and Lincoln Center in 2024, Broadway's biggest night will once again unfold in a space as grand as its ambitions.

For viewers at home, the spectacle will broadcast live on CBS — a partnership that's been going strong since 1978 — while streaming simultaneously on Paramount+. It's a modern approach to accessibility that mirrors Erivo's own ability to bridge classical theater tradition with contemporary star power.

Speaking of star power, Erivo's current moment couldn't be more incandescent. Fresh from her box office triumph in "Wicked," she's already filming its sequel, "Wicked: For Good," while juggling appearances in prestige television projects like "Poker Face." Her versatility — from portraying Aretha Franklin in "Genius: Aretha" to thrilling audiences in "The Outsider" — suggests this year's Tony Awards will be anything but conventional.

The ceremony itself promises to celebrate an eclectic Broadway season, with shows like "Death Becomes Her," "Romeo + Juliet," and "Tammy Faye" vying for nominations. With Erivo at the helm — an artist who understands both the gravitas and glamour of theater — the 78th Tony Awards seems poised to soar as high as a certain defying-gravity witch we've come to adore.

Broadway's glitziest night is about to get a serious injection of star power — and perhaps a dash of emerald sparkle — as Cynthia Erivo steps into the spotlight as host of the 78th Tony Awards. The Oscar-nominated "Wicked" star will take center stage at Radio City Music Hall on June 8, marking a triumphant return to Broadway's most prestigious venue after a two-year hiatus.Erivo — whose commanding presence has bewitched audiences as Elphaba in the blockbuster "Wicked" — is proving that gravity can't hold her down. The multifaceted performer stands mere steps away from the coveted EGOT status, having already claimed Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards. Her current Oscar nomination for "Wicked" could complete the grand slam of entertainment accolades."I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor," Erivo declared in a statement that practically sparkles with anticipation. "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."The choice of Erivo — taking the baton from three-time host Ariana DeBose — feels particularly poignant. Here's an artist who knows firsthand the electric thrill of Tony victory, having claimed Best Actress in a Musical in 2016 for her soul-stirring turn in "The Color Purple." That performance didn't just earn her theater's highest honor; it became the foundation of her impressive awards collection, sparking both Grammy and Emmy wins.The ceremony's return to Radio City Music Hall signals more than just a change of address — it's a homecoming that the theater community has yearned for. After somewhat cramped affairs at the United Palace in 2023 and Lincoln Center in 2024, Broadway's biggest night will once again unfold in a space as grand as its ambitions.For viewers at home, the spectacle will broadcast live on CBS — a partnership that's been going strong since 1978 — while streaming simultaneously on Paramount+. It's a modern approach to accessibility that mirrors Erivo's own ability to bridge classical theater tradition with contemporary star power.Speaking of star power, Erivo's current moment couldn't be more incandescent. Fresh from her box office triumph in "Wicked," she's already filming its sequel, "Wicked: For Good," while juggling appearances in prestige television projects like "Poker Face." Her versatility — from portraying Aretha Franklin in "Genius: Aretha" to thrilling audiences in "The Outsider" — suggests this year's Tony Awards will be anything but conventional.The ceremony itself promises to celebrate an eclectic Broadway season, with shows like "Death Becomes Her," "Romeo + Juliet," and "Tammy Faye" vying for nominations. With Erivo at the helm — an artist who understands both the gravitas and glamour of theater — the 78th Tony Awards seems poised to soar as high as a certain defying-gravity witch we've come to adore.