P!nk brought theatrical grandeur and star power to the 79th Annual Tony Awards last night, opening the ceremony with a spectacular rendition of “Lady Marmalade” at Radio City Music Hall. The singer, who also hosted the prestigious theatre awards show, performed the iconic 2001 Moulin Rouge track with an group of theatre performers, including Dylan Mulvaney, Shoshana Bean, and rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The high-energy opening number included special appearances from acclaimed performers such as Lea Michele and June Squibb, with P!nk cleverly reworking the lyrics to honour the night’s guests and embody the theatrical spirit of the theatre’s premier event.
A Brilliant Tribute to Theatre Music
The opening number functioned as a demonstration of theatrical reinvention, reimagining the beloved Labelle song into a celebration of Broadway itself. P!nk’s commitment to rewriting the lyrics expressly for the occasion demonstrated her commitment to honouring the theatre community, with dedicated mentions to distinguished audience members including Lesley Manville, Rose Byrne, and Carrie Coon. The performance blended playful wit with sincere admiration for the craft, reflecting the heart of what makes Broadway’s yearly event so compelling. By anchoring the opening in a iconic musical theatre piece, the production crew ensured that even those unacquainted with the original song would understand its cultural importance.
The collective nature of the performance emphasised the interconnected world of entertainment, where film, music, and theatre collide in surprising ways. “Lady Marmalade” itself carries this tradition—originally performed by Labelle in 1974, it was reimagined in 2001 by P!nk, Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, and Mya for the Moulin Rouge film, securing a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals. By bringing together Broadway’s most accomplished performers together with a hip-hop artist, the Tonys proved that musical theatre continues to be a essential, evolving art form capable of engaging audiences across various genres and different generations.
- Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean provided outstanding Broadway vocals
- Lea Michele’s cameo delivered the poignant line about artistic integrity
- June Squibb received a spotlight moment honouring veteran performers
- Megan Thee Stallion reworked Lil’ Kim’s signature rap section
Megan Thee Stallion’s Victorious Comeback
From Hospital Bed to Broadway Stage
Megan Thee Stallion’s appearance at the Tony Awards marked a remarkable return for the rapper, who had been forced to curtail her celebrated run in Moulin Rouge! The Musical in the early spring. Following a hospitalisation in late April, Megan revealed that her final performance as Zidler, the proprietor and master of ceremonies of the Moulin Rouge, would occur on 1 May—reducing her initially planned run which was set to conclude on 17 May. Her attendance at Radio City Music Hall several weeks after showcased both her resilience and her steadfast commitment to the theatre world that had embraced her.
The choice to showcase Megan prominently in the opening number served as a poignant acknowledgment of her impact on Broadway during her shortened time. Rather than allowing her health challenge to diminish her part in the evening’s festivities, the production team ensured she stayed a central figure in the impressive show. Her interpretation of Lil’ Kim’s iconic rap verse from the original “Lady Marmalade” provided a powerful moment that celebrated both her artistic talent and her resolve to return to the stage, even as she recovered from a difficult time.
Beyond her impressive opening performance, Megan’s evening at the Tonys included additional responsibilities when she later took to the stage to present the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical. This two-part role—both performer and presenter—highlighted her prominent standing within the Broadway community and suggested that her time away from work had not weakened the industry’s confidence in her abilities. Her presence throughout the evening served as an inspiring narrative thread, reminding audiences that theatre demands not just talent, but also courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Evolution of an Legendary Track
“Lady Marmalade” has enjoyed a remarkable journey from its original incarnation as a classic 1974 disco track by Labelle. The song’s reinvention in that year for the film Moulin Rouge represented a transformative moment in pop music history. The collaboration between P!nk, Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, and Mya collaborated on a fresh, dynamic version that captured the elegance and energy of the film’s bohemian setting. The track turned into a cultural sensation, commanding radio airwaves and cementing itself as one of the defining songs of the early years of the 2000s. Its success transcended age divides, introducing the classic composition to audiences who might never have encountered the original Labelle recording.
The decision to feature “Lady Marmalade” as the centrepiece of the Tony Awards opening show demonstrated the song’s enduring relevance to theatre-goers. By reworking the lyrics to allude to Broadway personalities and the awards ceremony itself, the production team honoured both the song’s legacy and its deep link to theatrical spectacle. The rendition functioned as a tribute of how popular music and theatre intersect, with P!nk’s performance demonstrating that particular tracks go beyond their original format and become platforms for artistic reinvention. The Tony Awards opening showcased how a quarter-century-old recording could still captivate viewers when delivered with new vitality and Broadway polish.
| Year | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Original release by Labelle as a disco classic |
| 2001 | Recorded for Moulin Rouge film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor |
| 2002 | Won Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals |
| 2026 | Featured as opening number at the 79th Annual Tony Awards |
Stellar Cast and Notable Highlights
The inaugural performance brought together an impressive constellation of Broadway and entertainment talent, converting the stage at Radio City Music Hall into a tribute of stage excellence. Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean provided powerful vocal support alongside P!nk, whilst the performance included cameos from acclaimed actresses including Lesley Manville, Rose Byrne, and Carrie Coon, whose names were woven into the reimagined lyrics. June Squibb seized her moment in the spotlight, whilst Megan Thee Stallion performed a spectacular rap verse that honoured Lil’ Kim’s legendary contribution to the original 2001 recording. The meticulously arranged sequence demonstrated the producers’ dedication to celebrating both the song’s pop heritage and Broadway’s collective talent.
- Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean delivered harmonious vocals across the entire show
- Lesley Manville, Rose Byrne, and Carrie Coon got bespoke lyrical mentions
- June Squibb earned a featured moment during the elaborate production number
- Megan Thee Stallion executed Lil’ Kim’s original rap section with contemporary flair
- The ensemble cast represented Broadway’s diversity and theatrical excellence
Lea Michele’s Heartfelt Involvement
Amongst the night’s most emotionally resonant highlights came when Lea Michele stepped forward to deliver a compelling line that captured the heart of Broadway’s character. Her declaration, “We don’t do it for the awards,” resonated deeply with audiences and performers alike, articulating the core drive that propels theatrical performers. The cameo appearance highlighted a key reality about the world of theatre: whilst accolades and recognition hold significance, the genuine passion for performance and storytelling stands foremost. Michele’s involvement in the opening sequence functioned as a touching testament that Broadway’s greatest gift lies in the transformative power of live theatre.