Pink hosts – On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the 79th Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City turned into a full-throated Chicago lovefest, with Pink hosting and performing alongside past Broadway stars including Whitney Leavitt, Queen Latifah, Jesse Tyler Ferguson,
For a moment on the Tony Awards stage, it wasn’t about trophies—it was about returning to the rhythm of Chicago.
On Sunday. June 7. 2026. the 79th annual Tony Awards rolled into Radio City Music Hall in New York City with a 30th anniversary celebration for the beloved musical. Past Chicago stars came out to perform during the awards show. bringing “all that jazz” back to Broadway as the evening marked three decades since the original production opened in June 1975 and closed in August 1977.
Whitney Leavitt. Julianne Hough. Pink. Queen Latifah. Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Alex Newell. Adrienne Warren. Dylan Mulvaney and more took the stage with multiple performances tied to the show’s legacy. Queen Latifah. who played Matron “Mama” Morton in the 2022 film adaptation of the hit play. delivered a theatrical introduction before bringing the Broadway stars forward.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, frrom one mother hen to another, the Keeper of the Keys, the Countess of the Clink, the Mistress of Murderer’s Row, Matron Mama Morton,” she said, setting the tone for the tribute.
Leavitt also stepped into Pink’s spotlight during the night’s hosting moments. Leavitt joined host Pink for a musical monologue, helping to sing a cover of “Lady Marmalade” from Moulin Rouge with other leading ladies of Broadway.
The tribute wasn’t just a celebration of performances—it was a celebration of impact. Chicago is currently the longest-running show on Broadway and holds records for the longest-running musical revival and the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. In 1997. the show won six Tony Awards. including Best Revival of a Musical. Best Actor in a Musical for James Naughton. Best Actress in a Musical for Bebe Neuwirth. Best Direction of a Musical for Walter Bobbie. Best Choreography for Ann Reinking. and Best Lighting Design for Ken Billington.
Many of the tribute performers have direct ties to Chicago’s recent stage runs. Leavitt. 33. starred as Roxie Hart in the Broadway production from February to May. with her run breaking a box office record for the musical’s highest weekly gross in its history. Alex Newell, 33, previously portrayed Matron “Mama” Morton in the Broadway revival, with their stint running from November 2025 to January.
Latifah’s connection runs even wider. She played Matron “Mama” Morton in the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago. and the following year earned an Oscar nomination for her performance—though her co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones ultimately won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Velma Kelly.
Ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, Pink previewed what fans could expect. In a Billboard interview published on Wednesday. June 3. Pink quipped. “The first thing I had to do was see if my hips worked. and they do … sort of. ” adding. “It’s not something I ever thought I’d do. and now that I’m doing it it’s really fun.” She said. “It’s gonna be a medley. I’m doing … something!. And it’s gonna be amazing!. I’m, like, living out my childhood dreams right now.”.
The same night, Chicago wasn’t the only milestone getting its turn in the spotlight. The original cast of The Book of Mormon—including Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Rory O’Malley, and Nikki M. James—reunited to perform in honor of the show’s 15th anniversary. Rachel Zegler delivered a special tribute to A Chorus Line for its 50th anniversary, while Leslie Odom Jr. sang “Without You” from Rent to mark the production’s 30th anniversary.
The ceremony also featured performances from this year’s Tony-nominated musicals: The Lost Boys, Schmigadoon!, Titaníque, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Ragtime, and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show.
Tony Awards 2026 Pink Chicago musical Radio City Music Hall Queen Latifah Whitney Leavitt Broadway tribute Lady Marmalade Matron Mama Morton Dylan Mulvaney Alex Newell