The 2025 Tony Awards lit up Radio City Music Hall on June 8, celebrating a night of laughter and tears, from Nicole Scherzinger’s heartfelt win to a memorable shoutout by Cole Escola to a Grindr hookup.

As Broadway's finest gathered to toast their achievements, the night saw Nicole Scherzinger capturing Best Actress in a Musical for 'Sunset Blvd.' while Darren Criss took home Best Actor for 'Maybe Happy Ending.' But it wasn't just the awards that stole the show; a performance marking 'Hamilton's' 10th anniversary had audiences on their feet, and Escola’s humorous thanks to a past hookup reminded everyone that the real drama often happens offstage. With a viewership of 3.5 million tuning in, the ceremony proved that even in the midst of emotional speeches and touching tributes—like Harvey Fierstein's Lifetime Achievement Award—there's always room for a little cheeky fun.

The evening kicked off with Cynthia Erivo gracefully hosting the ceremony, setting a tone of elegance and lightheartedness. She deftly navigated through the glittering array of performers and attendees, each more glamorous than the last. The atmosphere was palpable with anticipation as the stars took their seats, likely hoping their chosen outfits wouldn’t lead to a wardrobe malfunction of 'Les Misérables' proportions.

With 'Maybe Happy Ending' emerging victorious as Best Musical, the audience cheered for the little show that could. Michael Arden’s direction reenforced the idea that spectacular can come in many forms, and the fact that Darren Criss won Best Actor while still looking like he just rolled out of bed made it all the more charming. 'I’m just really glad I remembered to put on pants,' Criss joked in his acceptance speech, proving he was still just a regular Joe beneath all the glitz.

Scherzinger's emotional moment echoed through Radio City Music Hall as she dedicated her win to anyone who had ever questioned their worth. It was the kind of speech that tugged at heartstrings, even those belonging to onlookers oblivious to the layers of mascara running down their cheeks. Coincidentally, it also reminded everyone that performing in high heels requires skills comparable to a Cirque du Soleil act—one misstep and it’s curtains.

As the night progressed, the drama of the awards continued to unfold. The Best Play honor was awarded to 'Purpose,' satisfying the existential philosophers in the audience. Meanwhile, the Revival categories offered their own dose of theatre magic. 'Sunset Blvd.' snatched the Best Revival of a Musical award, while 'Eureka Day' did the same for plays, possibly hinting that everything old indeed becomes golden again—especially if you slap fresh paint on it.

Alice Falls and Good Grief! What a night for our featured roles! Kara Young won Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for her performance in 'Purpose,' while Cole Escola took home the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play award for 'Oh, Mary!' with a speech that would likely make his mother blush. It's unusual to see gratitude expressed towards a hookup, but Escola seemed undeterred. 'I love you! Wherever you are!' he exclaimed, effectively making every single audience member check their Grindr notifications post-ceremony.

Turning to the features, Natalie Venetia Belcon earned accolades for her role in 'Buena Vista Social Club.' In a separate but equally impressive feat, Jak Malone trumpeted his victory for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, proving he could steal the spotlight even while wearing a name that sounds more like a state capital than a Broadway star.

The evening was not only about awards. The highlight undoubtedly included a star-studded performance celebrating 'Hamilton's' tenth anniversary. Lin-Manuel Miranda and original cast members gave the audience a rousing trip down memory lane, reminding everyone why they queued for hours (or days) for tickets. Even those few who showed up solely for the virtual red carpet found themselves tapping their feet along.

Visiting the slightly less glamorous side of acceptance speeches, the night’s emotional moments came with humor interwoven. Winning proved bittersweet, especially for those like Francis Jue, who won Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for 'Yellow Face,' and Sarah Snook, awarded Best Actress for 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' The balance of gravitas and wit turned every speech into the Broadway version of a stand-up special.

The culmination of the evening, besides the cheers and applause, was undoubtedly Harvey Fierstein receiving the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. His presence was, as always, larger than life; if you didn’t know better, you might think he was the grand marshal of Parade Day. His acceptance speech was a masterclass in showmanship, where every quip landed like a well-timed curtain drop, and honestly, it was just lovely to see someone honored for not just their body of work but for their irreplaceable presence on the scene.

As the credits rolled on the 2025 Tony Awards, one thing remained clear. The night gleamed not only with awards but also with the vibrance of the community—proof that no matter how contentious the race, laughter, artistry, and the occasional cheeky remark have an undeniable place on Broadway. After all, what would theatre be without a dash of humor to balance out the bittersweet tales of life, love, and a few regrettable Grindr escapades?