Pink Brings Broadway to Life With Star-Studded Tony Awards Opening Number

Pink made a theatrical splash as the host of the 2026 Tony Awards, launching the Sunday evening ceremony at Radio City Music Hall in New York with an ambitious opening production.

The 46-year-old performer took the stage in a character-driven sequence that drew from classic Broadway repertoire, beginning with a musical theatre standard. The opening number, crafted by Tony-winning songwriting team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, incorporated a reimagined take on the celebrated Moulin Rouge! number, complete with fresh lyrics tailored for the occasion.

Pink's opening featured an ensemble of more than 170 Broadway talent spanning multiple generations. The lineup included Neil Patrick Harris, who engaged in dialogue with Pink about her hosting duties. When Harris questioned what she was doing, Pink explained her motivation: "I want to show how much I love theater, even though I haven't been on Broadway. I'm concerned that people will be like, 'Why is Pink hosting the Tonys?' I want to show them how thrilled I am to be here!"

The segment also showcased Shoshana Bean, Dylan Mulvaney—who appeared in her Zidler costume from her recent Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical—and Megan Thee Stallion in the same role.

The production incorporated musical passages from beloved stage classics before transitioning into its centerpiece parody, which encouraged the lead performer to embrace her role as a "leading Lady Marmalade."

Pink returned later in the evening for an additional performance as part of the Chicago 30th Anniversary celebration. Following an introduction by Queen Latifah and a rendition from Alex Newell, Pink delivered a rendition of "All That Jazz."

Megan Thee Stallion also made an appearance during the broadcast to present the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical award, which was won by Shoshana Bean for her work in The Lost Boys.