P!nk, Megan Thee Stallion Ignite Tony Awards with "Leading Lady Marmalade" Extravaganza
The 2026 Tony Awards kicked off with an unforgettable bang, as host P!nk brought a star-studded "Leading Lady Marmalade" parody to the Radio City Music Hall stage. Joined by Megan Thee Stallion, Lea Michele, and a host of Broadway lum...
The 79th Annual Tony Awards began with a spectacular flourish, orchestrated by host P!nk, who spun onto the Radio City Music Hall stage in a whimsical Peter Pan costume. Her mission? To deliver an opener as "Broadway" as possible, despite her own pop roots.
"I just wanna show how much I love theater even though I’ve never been on Broadway," she confessed to a wondering Neil Patrick Harris, who assured her, "But you’re P!nk, you can do anything." This playful exchange set the stage for a night of self-aware glamour.
True to her word, P!nk then launched into a dazzling remake of the 2001 supergroup hit, "Lady Marmalade." Reimagined as "Leading Lady Marmalade," the performance was a vibrant tribute to Broadway's finest, infused with the original's iconic sass.
The energy surged as Megan Thee Stallion, fresh from her run in Moulin Rouge, joined P!nk on stage. Dressed in her Zidler costume, Megan delivered a show-stopping rendition of Lil' Kim's rap, seamlessly blending her signature flow with the theatrical grandeur of the evening.
The "gitchie, gitchie" chorus saw P!nk spotlighting various Broadway talents, but it was the unexpected cameos that truly stole the show. Lea Michele, though not nominated this year, made a memorable appearance to belt out Christina Aguilera's iconic high note, cleverly swapping the lyric for a fitting, "We don’t do it for the awards."
Even 2026's oldest acting nominee, June Squibb, seated front and center, had her moment in the spotlight. When the mic turned her way, the acclaimed actress quipped to the tune of "Mocha Chocolata, ya-ya," "All the parts I’ve played, I’ve slayed ’em." It was a scene-stealing line delivered with perfect comedic timing.
The stage was a kaleidoscope of talent, backed by a full ensemble that included familiar faces like Broadway's Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean. The vibrant choreography and star power culminated in P!nk's soaring declaration, "Welcome to the Tony Awards!"
In the days leading up to the ceremony, P!nk had teased a "wild" opening, sharing her one caveat: "immediately as soon as I step onto the stage, I have to make fun of myself, and make it absolutely just about fun and celebrating everyone." Her performance was a masterclass in delivering on that promise, proving that even a pop icon can embrace the spirit of Broadway with humor and heart.
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