Celebrating triumph: Nicole Scherzinger and Cole Escola take top honours at the 2025 Tony Awards

In a night filled with emotional moments and stunning performances, the Tony Awards shone brightly once again, marking a triumphant return for Broadway.

Among the night's highlights was the win of Nicole Scherzinger, who took home the prestigious award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her captivating portrayal in "Sunset Boulevard".

This victory was especially sweet as it came at the expense of six-time winner Audra McDonald, a Broadway star renowned for her commanding performances, particularly in "Gypsy".

Tears flowed as Scherzinger shared a heartfelt moment with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber onstage after her win.

"It’s happened, Andrew!" she said.

Scherzinger added: "I always felt like I didn’t belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong, and I have come home at last ... So if there is anyone who feels like they don’t belong or your time hasn’t come, don’t give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and light more than ever."

The accolades didn’t stop there; "Sunset Boulevard" also nabbed awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Lighting Design.

Webber noted, "It’s just fantastic for me to see the old shows rethought and reworked."

The evening was also historic for Cole Escola, who emerged as the first non-binary winner of the Leading Actor in a Play award for their remarkable performance as an alcoholic Mary Todd Lincoln in the comedy "Oh, Mary!", a production Escola also wrote.

Escola beat George Clooney, whose adaptation of "Good Night, and Good Luck" went home empty-handed.

Director Sam Pinkleton of "Oh, Mary!" joined the celebration, winning best direction of a play, triumphing over Sam Mendes. 

The ceremony, hosted by Tony-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, opened with a vibrant musical performance that featured the Broadway Inspirational Voices and a special appearance by Oprah Winfrey.

In her opening speech, Erivo celebrated the resilience of theatre, sharing, "Broadway is officially back", following a record-breaking season that yielded an astounding US$1.89 billion at the box office.

The evening also included a stirring in memoriam tribute, where Erivo and singer-songwriter and musician Sara Bareilles delivered a moving rendition of "Tomorrow" from "Annie", honouring the memories of legendary stage stars such as Quincy Jones, Gavin Creel, Maggie Smith and James Earl Jones.

The Tony Award 2025 took place in New York City on Sunday, June 8, with Broadway’s biggest and best stars turning out for the prestigious event.