New York — The 2025 Tony Awards captivated audiences with a blend of star power, unexpected outcomes, and thrilling performances that kept theater enthusiasts guessing throughout the evening. Honoring the best of Broadway, this year’s ceremony featured unforgettable appearances, including Cynthia Erivo and Oprah Winfrey, as well as a much-anticipated reunion of the cast from “Hamilton.”

In a surprising turn, Nicole Scherzinger clinched the Best Actress in a Musical award for her performance in “Sunset Boulevard,” a category that many had expected to be won by Audra McDonald, a favorite for her role in “Gypsy.” Scherzinger’s victory marked a notable comeback after a mishap involving social media that some believed might have tainted her reputation among voters. Ultimately, her work stood out in a fiercely competitive field, leaving McDonald and others empty-handed.

“Gypsy,” featuring McDonald in a poignant portrayal of Mama Rose, was largely considered a favorite for multiple awards. Despite strong performances and critical acclaim, the production fell short, as “Sunset Boulevard” overshadowed it by winning top honors for both Best Musical Revival and Best Actress. Meanwhile, McDonald missed out on her seventh Tony, a milestone that seemed within reach.

Another anticipated contender, the musical adaptation of “Death Becomes Her,” faced a disappointing night. Despite receiving rave reviews and garnering ten nominations, the show managed to secure only one trophy for its costume designer, Paul Tazewell. This outcome left many in the audience shocked, especially as other musicals, like “Maybe Happy Ending,” garnered six awards, including Best Musical.

In a surprising twist, Darren Criss claimed the Best Actor in a Musical award for his role in “Maybe Happy Ending,” overshadowing Jonathan Groff, a strong favorite for his performance in “Just in Time.” Criss, known for his previous Broadway engagements, won acclaim for his unique portrayal as a robot in a futuristic romance, solidifying his status as a Broadway regular.

The ceremony also stood out for its fast-paced format, engaging viewers with back-to-back performances right from the start. The event kicked off with standout moments, including Sarah Snook’s captivating turn in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” followed by strong showings from other nominated productions. Notably, the award for Best Play was awarded to Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Purpose” by 9:30 p.m., highlighting a dynamic pacing that kept the energy high throughout the night.

However, the night was not without its share of omissions. The dark comedy “Dead Outlaw,” which had generated buzz prior to the nominations, walked away with no awards despite being nominated for seven Tonys. This outcome left many scratching their heads as the show had received critical acclaim during its Off Broadway run.

Additionally, in the category for Best Revival of a Play, “Yellow Face,” a piece addressing vital themes of race and representation, was anticipated to win. Instead, “Eureka Day,” a comedic exploration of parental discord over vaccination policy, took home the honor. While “Yellow Face” did earn a Tony for Frances Jue, its absence from the top spot was felt by many.

In a unique twist for a live awards ceremony, viewers were treated to a live advertisement featuring Criss backstage. The ad for Pure Leaf bottled teas created a fresh take on commercial breaks, providing a personalized touch that successfully captured audience attention while promoting the show and its performers.

As the evening unfolded, the nomination and award outcomes provided plenty of fodder for discussion and debate within the theater community. Ultimately, the 2025 Tony Awards once again demonstrated Broadway’s ability to surprise and entertain, showcasing not only celebrated performances but also the unpredictable nature of the awards season.