Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar-nominated star of the blockbuster movie-musical Wicked, will host this year’s Tony Awards. The ceremony is set to broadcast from Radio City Music Hall in New York on Sunday, June 8. The award show will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ beginning at 8 pm ET.
“I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,” Erivo said in a statement, per Billboard. “I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.” Adds Mackenzie Mitchell, VP of specials at CBS, “Cynthia is a remarkable talent and with her deep roots in the theater community, we are honored to have her host this year’s Tony Awards on CBS.”
Before becoming the star of Wicked, Erivo spent years on the stage, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Celie in The Color Purple. The star was previously nominated for two Oscars in 2019 for Best Actress and for Best Original Song, both from the film Harriet. Additionally, Erivo has won a Grammy and a Daytime Emmy.
Though theater fans may be eager to see Erivo back on the Broadway stage outside of the Tony Awards, her future lies elsewhere. Erivo recently announced she’ll appear this summer as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at The Hollywood Bowl. And Erivo and co-star Ariana Grande have the second chapter, Wicked: For Good, to look forward to as well. Erivo herself said as much in December when rumors circulated that the pair may take their roles to Broadway. “Neither one of us has time. We have anther film to put out,” the actor told Deadline. “And also there are other ladies who need the chance. We’ve had our chance. I’ve had my chance, and I’m very grateful for it. Doing that would feel a little bit selfish. I understand where the idea comes from, but we’ve done it. We had this [the film].” Before long, they’ll have another one too.
Order Wicked: The Soundtrack now.
