Highlighting Ariana DeBose’s Top Moments as Host of the 2024 Tony Awards
Ariana DeBose started the 2024 Tony Awards with a dance-filled opening number celebrating this year’s nominees and their journey to Broadway.
“This party’s for you,” DeBose sang to the nominees during the performance, which she choreographed with Julius Anthony Rubio. DeBose is also producing this year’s ceremony.
Wearing a gold, striped sparkly dress with a matching hairpiece, DeBose encouraged first-time nominees to “make some noise.”
The performance opened with a close-up on a “Broadway Times” newspaper with the headline “SHE’S BACK!!!” featuring DeBose. She sang about the struggles and hard work that go into pursuing a career in theater.
DeBose concluded her performance on a riser resembling the Tony award, ending with a dramatic fall backward.
DeBose proceeded with her monologue, acknowledging the numerous shows of the Broadway season.
“I’m a busy queen, but y’all exhaust me,” DeBose humorously remarked before emphasizing the importance of theater in reflecting society’s realities.
DeBose highlighted the transformative power of theater in inspiring change and uniting diverse audiences.
This marks DeBose’s third time hosting the Tonys, following the previous years amidst various challenges.
DeBose returned after a commercial break with a humorous reference to her BAFTA rap.
Later, she honored female directing nominees and paid tribute to the late Chita Rivera, showcasing her iconic role in “West Side Story.”
The 2024 Tony Awards aired from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, with nominees such as Stereophonic and Hell’s Kitchen leading in nominations.
For a list of winners and red carpet photos from the 2024 Tony Awards, visit the official website.