Top 20 Greatest Tonys Host Performances

#20: “And I Am Telling You (I Am Going)”

“78th Tony Awards” (2025)

Fresh from soaring as Elphaba in “Wicked,” Cynthia Erivo took the 2025 Tony Awards stage and instantly reminded us why, when you have a voice like that, there’s really little else you need. Her opening number was amazing, yes, but it was her show-closing rendition of “And I Am Telling You (I Am Going)” that truly brought the house down. Erivo commanded the room with humor, heart, and a performance that felt like a Broadway time capsule in the making. This was the kind of moment that makes the Tonys legendary: a world-class artist, a legendary song, and a reminder that sometimes all you need is a spotlight and a voice that won’t quit.

#19: A Medley

“64th Tony Awards” (2010)

Sean Hayes kicked off the 2010 Tony Awards with a bang, proving he was much more than a sitcom star by delivering a high-octane opening that showcased his classical training. Seated at the piano, Hayes launched into a whirlwind of instantly recognizable melodies, flexing classical chops that would one day help him snag his own Tony. He was soon joined by the cast of “Million Dollar Quartet,” for a rollicking take on “Blue Suede Shoes.” Hayes and Levi Kreis traded places at the piano with seamless showmanship, never missing a beat. And this was just the start of a medley that became a love letter to the season’s biggest hits.

#18: “Started Out on Stage”

“54th Tony Awards” (2000)

Before they were household names on TV, stars like Megan Mullally, Jesse L. Martin, and Jane Krakowski were treading the boards, and this year’s host, Rosie O’Donnell, made sure the world remembered it. Channeling the electric pulse of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Rosie’s opening number was a love letter to Broadway’s role as the ultimate star factory. This wasn’t about name-dropping; it was a celebration of roots, grit, and the sheer joy of live performance, bridging together TV and theatre’s best and brightest. Rosie’s infectious pride and brassy delivery made the whole night feel like a Broadway block party as she unapologetically championed theater as the true training ground for greatness.

#17: A Host Off

“65th Tony Awards” (2011)

When you put two of the Tony Awards’ most decorated hosts on stage together, there’s bound to be a little tension. So how do two triple threats duel it out? A Host off, of course. Trading verses and dance moves, these two Broadway vets turned their friendly rivalry into a full-blown musical duel, riffing on their careers and peppering the stage with inside-theater jokes. The choreography was electric, the banter pitch-perfect, and the whole thing felt like a love letter to Broadway’s competitive camaraderie. We’re still holding out hope for the year they finally co-host, because that’s the double act we deserve. It would be legen… please don’t make us wait for it…dary.

#16: “Broadway Songs We’ve Never Done, and Never Will”

“49th Tony Awards” (1995)

Before “Miscast” became a Broadway staple, Nathan Lane and Gregory Hines set the gold standard for role-swapping hilarity at the “49th Tony Awards.” The duo tore through a medley of songs from roles usually reserved for Broadway’s leading ladies. Watching Lane match Hines step-for-step was pure joy, a testament to their versatility and showmanship. The chemistry between these two legends was off the charts, and their playful subversion of casting norms made for a performance that still feels ahead of its time. This was Broadway at its most joyful and irreverent. We sure had a real good time watching them, and it’s clear they’re having a blast too!

#15: “This Party’s for You”

“77th Tony Awards” (2024)

Ariana DeBose officially kicked off the 2024 ceremony with “This Party’s for You,” an opening that felt like a vibrant showstopping gala. The three-time host, who also co-choreographed and produced the number, brought a magnetic energy, turning the theater into a pulsating celebration of musical theater. The choreography was a razor-sharp blend of contemporary movement and Broadway flair, showcasing her incredible athleticism. It was a bold shift in tone that emphasized inclusion and joy over stuffy tradition. DeBose’s performance proved that the future of hosting is about making the audience feel like they are part of the celebration. She really did the thing.

#14: “What If Life Were More Like Theatre?”

“66th Tony Awards” (2012)

Neil Patrick Harris is the undisputed king of Tony openings, and his 2012 turn was pure theater kid wish fulfillment. Teaming up with stars like Amanda Seyfried, Patti LuPone, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, NPH asked the question every musical fan has pondered: What if real life played out like a Broadway show? The result was a high-concept, flawlessly staged number that celebrated the glorious absurdity of the stage. A world where even your most mundane routine could be brightened up with jazz hands. Harris’s infectious enthusiasm and showmanship made the fantasy feel real, and honestly, who among us hasn’t dreamed of living life with a full ensemble in tow?

#13: “One Night Only”

“58th Tony Awards” (2004)

If there’s “One Night Only” every year that gets theater fans buzzing, it’s the Tony Awards! Joined by cast members from “Hairspray,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Caroline or Change,” Jackman brought a joyous celebration of the biggest night on the industry’s calendar. And of course, since this is Radio City Music Hall, what would a performance be without the Rockettes and an epic kickline? It’s a high-energy performance that reminds audiences why there’s really nothing quite like the bright lights of Broadway. From cheeky puppet cameos to a stage that becomes packed with the season’s brightest stars, the whole thing feels like the best kind of dream.

#12: “This One’s for You,” (an “Ode to the Losers”)

“72nd Tony Awards” (2018)

You know, for a group that makes up the majority, the nominees who go home empty-handed aren’t celebrated nearly enough. Luckily, this year’s hosts know exactly how that feels so decided it was time to give that group its long-deserved flowers. The lyrics are clever and self-aware, poking fun at their own careers while honoring the resilience of their peers. This performance stood out for its humility and its genuine connection to the theater community’s shared experience. It’s a classy, moving, and surprisingly funny way to start the night that feels entirely personal to this partnership, proving that sometimes the biggest winners aren’t the ones with the trophies.

#11: “Live!”

“73rd Tony Awards” (2019)

When James Corden returned to host the 2019 Tonys, he made a case for live theater itself. “Live!’ was a turbo-charged anthem that pitted the magic of Broadway against the convenience of streaming, with Corden leading a whirlwind of set changes, cameos, and incredible choreography. The lyrics were sharp and witty, name-checking everything from Netflix to binge culture, but always circling back to the irreplaceable thrill of a live audience. Corden barely paused for breath as he sprinted across the stage, rallying the crowd for a night that promised pure, unfiltered excitement. He doesn’t need to tell us twice; there really is nothing like being in the room where it happens.

#10: “Celebrate Broadway”

“47th Tony Awards” (1993)

The definition of musical royalty, Liza Minnelli has not only received four Tony Awards, but also hosted the ceremony in 1993. This was an especially significant year as it honored the 100th anniversary of theatre in Times Square. This opening number is a celebration of Broadway in the purest sense, commencing with a sensational solo from Barry Bostwick. Once Minelli storms onto the stage, though, she steals the whole show. Along the way, the ensemble references a series of Broadway classics any diehard musical fan will appreciate. Uniting the casts of “Cats,” “Guys and Dolls,” and numerous others, we couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate a century of singing and dancing.

#9: “Broadway Divas”

“52nd Tony Awards” (1998)

Host Rosie O’Donnell wasn’t the only Broadway diva who lit up the stage in 1998. Along with the dancers from “Chicago,” Rosie takes us on a trip down memory lane as we revisit some of the most legendary performances throughout Tony history. Making impeccable use of a rotating stage, we transition between three solo acts. First up is Patti LuPone singing “Don't Cry for Me Argentina” from “Evita.” Jennifer Holliday brings down the house with “And I Am Telling You” from “Dreamgirls.” Things then take a bittersweet turn as Betty Buckley serenades the audiences with “Memory” from “Cats.” As a grand finale, the three Tony winners join Rosie for an ensemble piece unlike any other.

#8: “The Show Must Go On”/ “Comedy Tonight”

“50th Tony Awards” (1996)

Celebrating the Tony Awards’ 50th birthday, this ceremony opens with a very special announcement from the Phantom of the Opera himself. Liza Minnelli and Bernadette Peters then take to the stage with a number appropriately titled “The Show Must Go On.” Their rousing duet eventually evolves into a full-blown chorus with some of the biggest names in all of Broadway, including James Earl Jones, John Lithgow, and Bea Arthur. The second half of the opening shifts to host Nathan Lane and the cast of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” singing “Comedy Tonight.” That same evening, Lane would win the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.

#7: “Take Me to Broadway”

“68th Tony Awards” (2014)

For his fourth time as host, Hugh Jackman borrowed a page from Bobby Van in the 1953 film, “Small Town Girl,” hopping his way through Radio City Music Hall. You wouldn’t think hopping up and down would be anything special, but Jackman bounces around with the same level of enthusiasm as Tigger on a trampoline. In addition to hopping, he also shows off his jump rope skills while also taking the time to converse with his fellow thespians. Jackman only briefly stands still during an elevator ride with Neil Patrick Harris. As Jackman makes it back to the stage, we’re reminded that his singing chops are only matched by his gifts as a physical actor.

#6: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”/ “Camelot” / “I Could Have Danced All Night”

“45th Tony Awards” (1991)

Another Broadway great, Julie Andrews, has hosted the Tony Awards a total of three times. After moving us to tears with a performance of “Send in the Clowns” in 1984, Andrews returned several years later to revisit some of her greatest hits. Andrews had previously accumulated two Tony nominations for her performances as Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” and Queen Guinevere in “Camelot.” It’s only fitting that she dominated the stage with renditions of “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “Camelot,” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” This performance slowly transitions from being small and humorous to grand and dignified, showing off Andrews’ full range as a singer and leaving the audience wanting more.

#5: “This Could Be You”

“70th Tony Awards” (2016)

As a seasoned Broadway actor and the man behind “Carpool Karaoke,” it was only a matter of time until James Corden hosted the Tony Awards. The English comedian didn’t disappoint in 2016 when he opened the show with this inspiring number. Reminiscing about his early love for theatre, Corden speaks to every young kid who dreams of being on Broadway. The number has a certain childlike wonder that captures the sensation of watching a musical for the very first time. It also reminds us that shows like “Les Misérables” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and “The Lion King” are more than just entertainment. They’re beacons of inspiration for generations of theatre lovers to come.

#4: “It’s Not Just For Gays Anymore”

“65th Tony Awards” (2011)

The 2011 ceremony was full of highlights, including the aforementioned duet between host Neil Patrick Harris and his best frenemy, Hugh Jackman . However, nothing could outshine this Primetime Emmy-winning opening number, which forever diminishes the stereotype that Broadway shows are only for gay people. Enlisting the casts of “Catch Me If You Can,” “Sister Act,” “The Book of Mormon,” and “Anything Goes,” Harris demonstrates just how varied musicals have become, appealing to a wide range of audiences . He gets backup from celebrities like Stephen Colbert, Brooke Shields, and Bobby Cannavale as well. While also poking fun at his own sexual orientation, Harris delivers a marvelous performance that’s guaranteed to delight everyone- no matter their sexual preference!

#3: “Everything’s Coming up Roses”

“43rd Tony Awards” (1989)

Angela Lansbury hosted the Tony Awards a record-breaking five times and her opening performance at the 1989 ceremony just might’ve been her finest moment. Lansbury kicked things off with a rendition of “Everything's Coming up Roses” from “Gypsy.” She had previously performed this iconic number in 1974 on Broadway and she once again hit it out of the park with charisma, charm, and passion. Compared to some of the other entries on our list, this performance isn’t especially extravagant in terms of choreography or production value. Sometimes to make the crowd go wild, though, all you need is a show-stopping song and a pitch perfect voice.

#2: “Not the Boy Next Door”

“58th Tony Awards” (2004)

In addition to hosting the Tonys in 2004, Hugh Jackman also took home an award for his performance in “The Boy from Oz.” On top of that, Jackman’s hosting duties that year would later win him a Primetime Emmy for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. Jackman’s success at both of these award shows can be best summed up through his stimulating rendition of “Not the Boy Next Door.” Portraying real life singer-songwriter Peter Allen, Jackman turns in one of the most energetic performances ever to grace the stage. Singing, dancing, playing the piano, and working off Sarah Jessica Parker, Jackman proves that there’s nothing he can’t do.

#1: “Bigger!”

“67th Tony Awards” (2013)

After already hosting three times, it looked like NPH couldn’t possibly top himself. The Primetime Emmy-winning “Bigger!” more than lives up to its name, however. With music by Tom Kitt of “Next to Normal” and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda of “Hamilton,” this number has everything… and we mean everything! In addition to musicals like “Once,” “Kinky Boots,” and “Matilda,” Harris makes some legendary references to “How I Met Your Mother” and Tom Hooper’s “Les Misérables.” He even works Mike Tyson into the mix. The ensemble, which includes performers young and old, give 110%. With a giant Tony Award at the center of it all, this number blew the roof off Radio City Music Hall.

If host performances were a Tony category, who would be your winner? Let us know in the comments