Tony Awards 2025 Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss, Cole Escola — and Theater Fans Everywhere — Celebrate a Night of Big Wins

In a dazzling evening that blended heart, humor, and history, the 2025 Tony Awards delivered a show to remember. With unforgettable performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and even a “Hamilton” cast reunion, the night celebrated not just theater’s best, but also the fans who’ve kept the art form thriving.

From the moment Cynthia Erivo took the stage as host, it was clear Broadway’s biggest night was in excellent hands. The Wicked star and 2016 Tony winner brought powerhouse vocals and whip-smart humor, guiding the ceremony with grace and energy.

This year’s winners list read like a who’s who of talent and breakthrough performances. Nicole Scherzinger earned rousing applause — and her first Tony — for her transformative role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, which also claimed Best Musical Revival. Fighting back tears, Scherzinger thanked Andrew Lloyd Webber, her cast and crew, and offered a heartfelt message to those who’ve ever felt like outsiders.

“Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong,” she said. “But you’ve made me feel like I’ve come home at last. Don’t give up. The world needs your love and your light now more than ever.”

Darren Criss, known for both stage and screen, took home Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending. His touching speech honored the show’s diverse cast, his fellow nominees, and especially his wife, Mia.

“She took a massive swing in allowing me to do this,” Criss said, acknowledging her strength in holding down their home life while he played a singing robot on stage. “You are the pedestal that upholds the shiny spinny bit in our lives.”

Cole Escola won for Oh, Mary!, and the beloved comedy-drama also took home major awards, cementing its place as one of the most original plays of the season.

Before the curtain even officially rose on the broadcast, Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry presented several awards during the “Act One” segment on Pluto TV. Among the early winners were Buena Vista Social Club, Maybe Happy Ending, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the 10th anniversary tribute to Hamilton. The original cast reunited for a powerful medley, reminding everyone of the show’s cultural impact and its enduring relevance.

Cynthia Erivo closed out the ceremony with a clever twist on Dreamgirls’ iconic number “And I’m Telling You (I’m Not Going),” rewriting the lyrics to celebrate the evening’s winners — including Purpose and Escola.

The fashion, too, was top-tier. Sadie Sink, Brooke Shields, and Leslie Odom Jr. turned heads on the red carpet and made PEOPLE’s best-dressed list, alongside several of the night’s victorious stars.

The evening ended with a bang as Maybe Happy Ending took home Best New Musical, a well-earned capstone to its standout run.

“This is for the audiences around the world who came out and supported live theater this year,” producer Hunter Arnold said. The show continues to run at the Belasco Theatre, and with buzz like this, tickets are sure to become even harder to snag.

The 2025 Tony Awards reminded the world that theater is alive, thriving, and more inclusive than ever — a night where stars shined, underdogs triumphed, and Broadway celebrated the power of storytelling on stage.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Tony Awards proved once again why Broadway holds a special place in the hearts of performers and audiences alike. From Nicole Scherzinger’s emotional triumph to Darren Criss’s heartfelt tribute to family, and Cole Escola’s comedic brilliance, the night was a celebration of talent, diversity, and resilience. With unforgettable performances, a stirring Hamilton reunion, and a powerful reminder of the importance of live theater, this year’s ceremony wasn’t just about the trophies — it was about connection, inspiration, and the magic that only the stage can bring. As the curtain falls on another spectacular season, one thing is certain: Broadway is back, bolder and brighter than ever.