Pink Hosts 79th Tony Awards with Daring Opener; Qween Jean Makes History
The 79th Tony Awards took place at Radio City Music Hall, marking the end of the 2025–26 Broadway season. Hosted by Pink, the night featured an opening medley and her sky-high performance of 'Defying Gravity' in a Tinker Bell costume with Neil Patrick Harris. Qween Jean became a trailblazer, winning Best Costume Design for "Cats: The Jellicle Ball." John Lithgow secured his third Tony for his role as Roald Dahl in "Giant." Bess Wohl highlighted the gap since the last female American playwright won Best Play. "Schmigadoon!" was honored as Best New Musical, with Lorne Michaels emphasizing the night's joyful spirit.
Key facts
- 79th Annual Tony Awards held at Radio City Music Hall.
- Pink hosted, opening with 'Leading Lady Marmalade' featuring Lea Michele, Megan Thee Stallion, June Squibb, and Dylan Mulvaney.
- Pink performed 'Defying Gravity' suspended midair in a Tinker Bell costume holding Neil Patrick Harris.
- Qween Jean became first openly trans person to win a Tony Award (Best Costume Design for Cats: The Jellicle Ball).
- John Lithgow won Best Lead Actor in a Play for Giant, his third Tony, first won 53 years ago.
- Bess Wohl noted almost 40 years since an American woman playwright won Best Play (Wendy Wasserstein, 1989).
- Caissie Levy and Joshua Henry won Tonys for Ragtime.
- Schmigadoon! won Best New Musical; Lorne Michaels produced.
- Pre-show hosted by Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess.
- Cole Escola wore Christopher John Rogers; Maya Rudolph wore Chanel.
Entities
Artists
- Pink
- Lea Michele
- Megan Thee Stallion
- June Squibb
- Dylan Mulvaney
- Neil Patrick Harris
- Qween Jean
- John Lithgow
- Roald Dahl
- Bess Wohl
- Wendy Wasserstein
- Caissie Levy
- Joshua Henry
- Lorne Michaels
- Laura Benanti
- Tituss Burgess
- Cole Escola
- Maya Rudolph
- Alex Newell
- Kara Young
- Stephanie Hsu
- Luke Evans
- Fran Tomas
- David Burtka
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Anna Wintour
- Nicholas Christopher
- David Storey
Institutions
- Tony Awards
- Radio City Music Hall
- Baccarat Dewars Speakeasy
- Chanel
- Christopher John Rogers
- Prada
- Vogue
Locations
- New York City
- United States