Cynthia Erivo Tony Award Moments We're Still Talking About

The stars gathered in New York City on Sunday, June 8, for the highly anticipated 2025 Tony Awards, marking a triumphant return to the Big Apple. The night was a dazzling celebration of theater, honoring the best productions and performances from the past season.

Host Cynthia Erivo brought an electric energy to the ceremony, blending humor, style and powerhouse vocals. Her quick wit had the audience roaring with laughter, as she playfully roasted everyone from Oprah Winfrey to George Clooney, while also showcasing her incredible singing talent.

Here are five unforgettable moments from the star-studded evening.

1. Cynthia Erivo Gives Oprah A Car

At one point during the night, Erivo, 38, delighted the audience by surprising Oprah Winfrey, 71, with a miniature toy car—a playful nod to the iconic 2004 Oprah Winfrey Show episode where Oprah gifted 276 audience members brand-new Pontiac G6 sedans.

As Winfrey pulled the toy car and a pack of gummy bears from her gift bag, Erivo nonchalantly quipped, “You get a car,” sending the crowd into a fit of laughter. “I’ve been waiting all night to do that,” Erivo admitted, grinning.

2. Nicole Scherzinger’s Show-Stopping Performance

Former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger stunned the audience with a breathtaking rendition of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from Sunset Blvd. The performance left the crowd in awe, and soon after, Scherzinger took home her very first Tony Award. She was honored with Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond, a faded movie star longing for a Hollywood comeback, in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Sunset Blvd.

3. Audra McDonald Shut Down The Tonys With “Rose’s Return” Performance

The most Tony-nominated performer in history, Audra McDonald reminded everyone why she’s a living legend with her passionate and powerful performance of “Rose’s Return” from Gypsy. The audience responded with a roaring standing ovation, clearly in awe of McDonald’s unmatched talent and stage presence.

4. Cynthia Erivo Performed With A Beautiful Choir And A Few Celebs, Too

Backed by a stunning choir, Erivo kicked off the evening with a remarkable opening number that showcased her vocal prowess. At one point, she ran through the crowd, playfully enlisting the help of fellow stars like Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, and Adam Lambert to join her in song.

Lambert, in particular, left the internet buzzing with his soulful, emotional vocal runs. The moment was a perfect example of the camaraderie and magic that make the Tony Awards so unforgettable.

5. Actress Kara Young Makes History With Second Consecutive Tony Win

On Sunday night, Kara Young made history by winning her second Tony Award for Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, this time for her compelling portrayal of Aziza, a social worker from Harlem, in Purpose. Her win not only marked a personal triumph but also made her the first Black performer to claim a Tony Award for two consecutive years.

Young has been nominated for four years in a row, with her first victory coming in 2024 for her role in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.

Did you watch The Tony Awards on Sunday? Tell us about your favorite moment in the comments section.

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