Pop star singer Pink made a memorable debut as host of the 2026 Tony Awards on Sunday night.
The 46 year old singer opened the ceremony with a lively and entertaining performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The event was broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. Pink opening act quickly brought excitement and laughter to the audience. More than 170 theatre performers took part in the large scale production.
Pink embraced her role as a first time host by joking about her lack of Broadway experience. The opening number was written by award winning songwriters Ben-Pasek, Justin Paul, and Mark Sonnenblick. Dressed as Peter Pan, Pink began the performance flying above the stage while singing “I’m Flying” from the classic 1954 musical.
The performance took a humorous turn when actor Neil Patrick Harris appeared on stage. Harris questioned Pink’s unusual opening idea.
Pink admitted she felt nervous because she had never performed on Broadway before. She also joked that some people might wonder why she was chosen to host the event.
As the show continued, Pink performed songs from famous musicals and shared several funny moments with Harris. He eventually encouraged her to stop worrying and simply enjoy the night.
The energy increased when dozens of Broadway stars joined Pink on stage. Together, they performed a special version of “Lady Marmalade,” one of Pink’s most famous songs. The lyrics were changed to celebrate her role as the evening’s leading lady.
Many well-known theatre performers took part in the number. The stage was filled with cast members from popular productions, including “The Lost Boys”, “Schmigadoon!”, “Titaníque”, “Chess”, “Ragtime”, and “The Rocky Horror Show”.
The audience also enjoyed several surprise appearances. Actress June Squibb, who is 96 years old and the oldest acting nominee in Tony Awards history, received a huge reaction from the crowd. Lea Michele also joined the performance and made a light hearted joke about missing out on nominations this season.
One of the biggest surprises came from rapper Megan Thee Stallion. She recently made her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. During the song, she appeared on stage and excited the audience with her unexpected cameo.
Hosting the Tony Awards marked a major achievement for Pink, whose real name is Alecia Moore. When her hosting role was announced in April, she described it as a lifelong honor. She also praised theatre actors, calling them some of the hardest working people in the entertainment industry.
After the spectacular opening performance, the 2026 Tony Awards continued with a night full of entertainment. The ceremony featured performances from nominated shows and special anniversary tributes to beloved Broadway classics, including The Book of Mormon, Chicago, A Chorus Line, and Rent.
