Posted: 4/9/26 at 8:33pm
Some of these comments are WILD. I cannot believe they booked Pink! IMO, way more exciting than Erivo, DeBose, Cheno, etc. and definitely way more famous - an actual household name. She went to the BCEFA flea market this past year with her daughter and has definitely expressed loving theatre. Plus - the video she put out today was hilarious. I cannot wait to see her host!!
Posted: 4/9/26 at 8:35pm
Ensemble1698878795 said: "
They’re attempting to increase viewership. A host like Cynthia is great but she doesn’t intrigue the masses who aren’t devoted theatre goers like us. They hardly know who she is, if at all. P!NK is somebody with credibility and mass appeal who can get the ratings up. That’s the entire reason behind this decision."
I know what they're trying to do. Pink is not a hot topic right now. They would've beenbetter with Bob the Drag Queen or a Housewife. Those are names trending with younger viewers and have more followers. This is simply an odd choice."
P!nk is a worldwide name who has solid millions of albums. STFU about her not being "known" or "HOT TOPIC".
Posted: 4/9/26 at 9:21pm
I would like to know who these idiot haters would prefer to host the Tony Awards. All idiot haters please respond. Please be specific.
Updated On: 4/10/26 at 09:21 PM
Posted: 4/9/26 at 11:02pm
P!nk is a worldwide name who has solid millions of albums. STFU about her not being "known" or "HOT TOPIC"."
Selling millions of albums doesn’t make you relevant today. Cynthia had Wicked acclaim. There was a topical draw. I love Pink. Doesn’t meant she’s the kind of person people want to see HOST and she’s not someone people have been actively talking about.
Just bc one doesn’t think she’s the best draw for a theater award show doesn’t make us haters. Grow up people.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 1:17am
Ensemble1698878795 said: "
P!nk is a worldwide name who has solid millions of albums. STFU about her not being "known" or "HOT TOPIC"."
Selling millions of albums doesn’t make you relevant today. Cynthia had Wicked acclaim. There was a topical draw. I love Pink. Doesn’t meant she’s the kind of person people want to see HOST and she’s not someone people have been actively talking about.
Just bc one doesn’t think she’s the best draw for a theater award show doesn’t make us haters. Grow up people."
And "WICKED acclaim" doesn't make you relevant today either. What's your point?
Posted: 4/10/26 at 1:22am
Ensemble1698878795 said: "
P!nk is a worldwide name who has solid millions of albums. STFU about her not being "known" or "HOT TOPIC"."
Selling millions of albums doesn’t make you relevant today. Cynthia had Wicked acclaim. There was a topical draw. I love Pink. Doesn’t meant she’s the kind of person people want to see HOST and she’s not someone people have been actively talking about.
Just bc one doesn’t think she’s the best draw for a theater award show doesn’t make us haters. Grow up people.
"
You telling people to grow up at the end of this rant made me lol. First of all, Cynthia Erivo is nowhere near as big at Pink is or was or ever has been, lol. Yes, Erivo had a moment with Wicked—because she was Elphaba. But Pink is exciting *because she’s Pink*
Second—who would you choose? Is Pink the BEST draw? No, of course not. I’m sure they’d get—I don’t know—Sabrina Carpenter or Ariana Grande if they could. But you realize they need to court somebody who is a fit for the job, AND wants to do it AND is available…right? OH—and they need to be able to afford the person.
Pink is a HUGE name. She sells out stadiums. Her music is still recognizable across generations and is used in two currently running shows. Who would you pick? And are you sure they’d say yes?
Updated On: 4/10/26 at 01:22 AM
Posted: 4/10/26 at 2:12am
BroadwayGirl107 said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "
P!nk is a worldwide name who has solid millions of albums. STFU about her not being "known" or "HOT TOPIC"."
Selling millions of albums doesn’t make you relevant today. Cynthia had Wicked acclaim. There was a topical draw. I love Pink. Doesn’t meant she’s the kind of person people want to see HOST and she’s not someone people have been actively talking about.
Just bc one doesn’t think she’s the best draw for a theater award show doesn’t make us haters. Grow up people.
"
You telling people to grow up at the end of this rant made me lol. First of all, Cynthia Erivo is nowhere near as big at Pink is or was or ever has been, lol. Yes, Erivo had a moment with Wicked—because she was Elphaba. But Pink is exciting *because she’s Pink*
Second—who would you choose? Is Pink the BEST draw? No, of course not. I’m sure they’d get—I don’t know—Sabrina Carpenter or Ariana Grande if they could. But you realize they need to court somebody who is a fit for the job, AND wants to do it AND is available…right? OH—and they need to be able to afford the person.
Pink is a HUGE name. She sells out stadiums. Her music is still recognizable across generations and is used in two currently running shows. Who would you pick? And are you sure they’d say yes?
Let’s wait for the ratings since everyone on this board is so knowledgeable. Cynthia had worldwide relevancy bc Wicked was everywhere. Pink selling out stadiums does not equal to her fans watching the TONY awards. It’s two different markets…. Theater does not matter to most of the people who see Pink in concert. A film might different. A theater award show, not so much.
But hey, I hope to be proven wrong. The majority of the theater people I know find this very random and uninteresting. We’re allowed to disagree. Her as a host matches the quality of new musicals this season, so have it!
Posted: 4/10/26 at 7:18am
Cynthia had worldwide relevancy bc Wicked was everywhere.
Precisely - WAS and HAD. As was evident with WICKED: For Good, the WICKED spark fizzled quickly. WICKED: Part 1 created an electric buzz and the extensive press coverage was exciting as was the film. The Academy Awards embraced it with numerous nominations though it only won one (Best Costume Design). By the time WICKED: For Good started up with its press coverage and countless star-studded premieres, no one cared anymore. The Grande/Erivo sisters-for-life schtick was now seen as creepy and awkward and WICKED was tired. Erivo is so 2024 now.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 7:29am
Playbill say "the 2025 Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, achieved a six-year viewership high with 4.85 million viewers on CBS, a 38% increase from 2024."
Seems like a big deal, but I agree with others that she likely would not attract anywhere near that level of interest this year.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 7:43am
I don't know about you, but the one pop writer besides Billy Joel that I've always wanted to create a Broadway musical is Pink. I hope this means she's somewhat interested in doing that.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 8:03am
"Ensemble1698878795 said: "
Let’s wait for the ratings since everyone on this board is so knowledgeable. Cynthia had worldwide relevancy bc Wicked was everywhere. Pink selling out stadiums does not equal to her fans watching the TONY awards. It’s two different markets…. Theater does not matter to most of the people who see Pink in concert. A film mightdifferent. A theater award show, not so much.
But hey, I hope to be proven wrong. The majority of the theater people I knowfind this very random and uninteresting. We’re allowed to disagree. Her as a host matches the quality of new musicals this season, so have it!
"
I love that you just completely ignored the question: who would you be instead? Erivo turned the gig down—now what? Who would be your choice tha isolate of a name than Pink?
Posted: 4/10/26 at 8:13am
BrodyFosse123 said: "WICKED: Part 1 created an electric buzz and the extensive press coverage was exciting as was the film. The Academy Awards embraced it with numerous nominations though it only won one (Best Costume Design)."
Actually, the first Wicked movie won 2 Oscars. The other being Best Production Design.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 8:31am
Ensemble1698878795 said: "BroadwayGirl107 said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "
P!nk is a worldwide name who has solid millions of albums. STFU about her not being "known" or "HOT TOPIC"."
Selling millions of albums doesn’t make you relevant today. Cynthia had Wicked acclaim. There was a topical draw. I love Pink. Doesn’t meant she’s the kind of person people want to see HOST and she’s not someone people have been actively talking about.
Just bc one doesn’t think she’s the best draw for a theater award show doesn’t make us haters. Grow up people.
"
You telling people to grow up at the end of this rant made me lol. First of all, Cynthia Erivo is nowhere near as big at Pink is or was or ever has been, lol. Yes, Erivo had a moment with Wicked—because she was Elphaba. But Pink is exciting *because she’s Pink*
Second—who would you choose? Is Pink the BEST draw? No, of course not. I’m sure they’d get—I don’t know—Sabrina Carpenter or Ariana Grande if they could. But you realize they need to court somebody who is a fit for the job, AND wants to do it AND is available…right? OH—and they need to be able to afford the person.
Pink is a HUGE name. She sells out stadiums. Her music is still recognizable across generations and is used in two currently running shows. Who would you pick? And are you sure they’d say yes?
Let’s wait for the ratings since everyone on this board is so knowledgeable. Cynthia had worldwide relevancy bc Wicked was everywhere. Pink selling out stadiums does not equal to her fans watching the TONY awards. It’s two different markets…. Theater does not matter to most of the people who see Pink in concert. A film mightdifferent. A theater award show, not so much.
But hey, I hope to be proven wrong. The majority of the theater people I knowfind this very random and uninteresting. We’re allowed to disagree. Her as a host matches the quality of new musicals this season, so have it!
I agree with your points completely. Wicked movie was big deal and Cynthia hosting was a great move. Like you said, Pink can sell out stadiums but how does that translate to people who may watch the Tony Awards show. I thought somebody like Sarah Bareilles would be good idea if available. She is a pop star and is also known for her writing the Broadway musical "Waitress". In addition, she is writing new musical which should open in 2027. I think selecting her makes more sense than Pink but guess we will find out in June.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:04am
Sarah Bareilles hosted with Josh Groban in 2018, and I thought they were terrific. And one of the reasons they were terrific was simply likability. Both come off as uncomplicated, self effacing and likable. The hosts who are best remembered share that quality. It is a quality that Pink clearly possesses, and frankly, Erivo does not. I find her distractingly self absorbed and cold. There are some pretty big Broadway stars who I find annoying in a setting like this one, so I don't want to appear to be singling her out. I just think there are plenty of other people who are a better fit for this gig. Pink is off the charts on likability, so I'm interested in seeing how this works out. Let's face it. The hard core theater folks would tune in even if the host was a random image on an iPad. The network is trying to generate additional viewership and that may or may not work with Pink. I expect her to be warm, and funny, and enthusiastic because that is who she is. And that's a pretty good start.
Updated On: 4/10/26 at 10:04 AM
Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:16am
Precisely - WAS and HAD. As was evident with WICKED: For Good, the WICKED spark fizzled quickly. WICKED: Part 1 created an electric buzz and the extensive press coverage was exciting as was the film. The Academy Awards embraced it with numerous nominations though it only won one (Best Costume Design). By the time WICKED: For Good started upwith its press coverage and countless star-studded premieres, no one cared anymore. The Grande/Erivo sisters-for-life schtick was now seen as creepy and awkward and WICKED was tired. Erivo is so 2024 now."
Intelligence is hard to come by on this thread. I am not saying Erivo should be hosting this year! I’m saying that she hosted at a time where she was culturally relevant. This is not a debate about Wicked. 🙄 What has Pink done as of late that will draw in viewership? Thats my question.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:19am
I love that you just completely ignored the question: who would you be instead? Erivo turned the gig down—now what? Who would be your choice tha isolate of a name than Pink?
I love that I answered that question much earlier in the thread and you didn’t read. I mean Elton John (Broadway composer and music legend), Sheryl Lee Ralph ( original Dreamgirl and Abbott), Bob the Drag Queen. All I’m looking for is a direct correlation to the theater somehow. I understand they need to be a star larger than the theater alone. Pink is perplexing to me.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:27am
Could a 69-year-old movie musical ('Funny Face' ) inspire the Tonys to 'Think Pink'? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiS-hvQUbDE
Updated On: 4/10/26 at 10:27 AM
Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:51am
Very excited for this! Not a traditional Broadway name by any means, but she’s lately positioned herself adjacent to Broadway and I could see her either being in or writing a show in the near future.
I also love the idea of the Tony’s switching over to YouTube. Network TV isn’t as accessible anymore.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 11:05am
Ensemble1698878795 said: "
I love that you just completely ignored the question: who would you be instead? Erivo turned the gig down—now what? Who would be your choice tha isolate of a name than Pink?
I love that I answered that question much earlier in the thread and you didn’t read. I mean Elton John (Broadway composer and music legend), Sheryl Lee Ralph ( original Dreamgirl and Abbott), Bob the Drag Queen. All I’m looking for is a direct correlation to the theater somehow. I understand they need to be a star larger than the theater alone. Pink is perplexing to me.
"
You think nearly 80 year old Elton John and nearly 70 year old Sheryl Lee Ralph is going to want to do this? Lmao.
I don’t know who Bob the Drag queen is—and neither do most people. In most cases you can have someone who is genuinely a big name or Broadway adjacent—both is rare. It’s great when it’s happened.
Pink is a huge name and has been showing interest in Broadway. Maybe you’re the one who needs to grow up and see how it goes, and then realize you have I idea what goes into making an event like this happen.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 11:21am
THDavis said: "I also love the idea of the Tonys switching over to YouTube. Network TV isn’t as accessible anymore."
I previously mentioned in a separate thread that the Tonys airing on YouTube (or some other streaming service) could potentially lead to less restrictions than they normally would have on a regular broadcast network. Like possibly having all categories presented on one telecast instead of having a separate televised pre-show.
Updated On: 4/10/26 at 11:21 AM
Posted: 4/10/26 at 3:10pm
Pink is a huge name and has been showing interest in Broadway. Maybe you’re the one who needs to grow up and see how it goes, and then realize you have I idea what goes into making an event like this happen."
You not knowing who Bob the Drag Queen is makes you completely unworthy of a discourse around who would draw contemporary eyeballs. Bob was just on Broadway and on Traitors last season. Many more people have seen Bob as of late than Pink. Please hush.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 4:35pm
Ensemble1698878795 said: "
Pink is a huge name and has been showing interest in Broadway. Maybe you’re the one who needs to grow up and see how it goes, and then realize you have I idea what goes into making an event like this happen."
You not knowing who Bob the Drag Queen is makes you completely unworthy of a discourse around who would draw contemporary eyeballs. Bob was just on Broadway and on Traitors last season. Many more people have seen Bob as of late than Pink. Please hush."
Oh please. Bob the Drag Queen is practically irrelevant and he stunk up the stage BIG TIME in Moulin Rouge. He could barely project or remember his lines. Awful.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 9:53pm
Matt Rogers said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "
Pink is a huge name and has been showing interest in Broadway. Maybe you’re the one who needs to grow up and see how it goes, and then realize you have I idea what goes into making an event like this happen."
You not knowing who Bob the Drag Queen is makes you completely unworthy of a discourse around who would draw contemporary eyeballs. Bob was just on Broadway and on Traitors last season. Many more people have seen Bob as of late than Pink. Please hush."
Oh please. Bob the Drag Queen is practically irrelevant and he stunk up the stage BIG TIME in Moulin Rouge. He could barely project or remember his lines. Awful."
But Pink was so good in her Broadway show, right?! oh wait… she’s never done one! She’s a Broadway fan just like you. Moulin Rogue stinks up its own stage, don’t blame that on him.
The ratings will have the final say. I strongly predict they won’t be higher than Cynthia’s. We will see.
Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:58pm
Jeffrey Karasarides said: "THDavis said: "I also love the idea of the Tonys switching over to YouTube. Network TV isn’t as accessible anymore."
I previously mentioned in a separate thread that the Tonys airing on YouTube (or someother streaming service) could potentially lead to less restrictions than they normally would have on a regularbroadcast network. Like possibly having all categories presented on one telecast instead of having a separate televised pre-show."
What matters most to the Broadway League is getting the highest licensing fee for the telecast. They will sacrifice airing some awards if they get a high fee and keep the awards a reasonable length for normal viewers while airing performances to sell tickets.
Posted: 4/11/26 at 5:57am
BrodyFosse123 said: "Cynthia had worldwide relevancy bc Wicked was everywhere.
Precisely - WAS and HAD. As was evident with WICKED: For Good, the WICKED spark fizzled quickly. WICKED: Part 1 created an electric buzz and the extensive press coverage was exciting as was the film. The Academy Awards embraced it with numerous nominations though it only won one (Best Costume Design). By the time WICKED: For Good started upwith its press coverage and countless star-studded premieres, no one cared anymore. The Grande/Erivo sisters-for-life schtick was now seen as creepy and awkward and WICKED was tired. Erivo is so 2024 now."
Her stint in 'Dracula' also appears to be slowing down in terms of popularity, look at the amount of tickets available for both Saturday shows today (peak time of the week). The terrible word of mouth around her remembering lines hasn't helped. And yes, as you said there appears to be a large backlash around her/Cynthia antics.
It seems that Cynthia may need a bit of a PR revival because it does feel things haven't gone where they should be. It is amazing how quickly the public can get off someone (see also, Timothee C)
.jpg?format=auto&width=365)
