P!nk delivered theatrical grandeur and star power to the 79th Annual Tony Awards last night, launching the show with a stunning performance 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, featuring Dylan Mulvaney, Shoshana Bean, and rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The energetic opening performance included surprise cameos from acclaimed performers such as Lea Michele and June Squibb, with P!nk ingeniously reimagining the lyrics to celebrate the evening’s attendees and embody the theatrical spirit of Broadway’s biggest night.
A Brilliant Tribute to Theatre Music
The opening number functioned as a demonstration of theatrical reinvention, reimagining the iconic Labelle track into a tribute to Broadway itself. P!nk’s commitment to rewriting the lyrics specifically for the event showcased her devotion to respecting the theatre community, with personalised shout-outs to notable guests such as Lesley Manville, Rose Byrne, and Carrie Coon. The performance combined irreverent humour with authentic respect for the craft, embodying the heart of what makes Broadway’s annual celebration so compelling. By anchoring the opening in a beloved musical theatre standard, the production crew guaranteed that even those unacquainted with the original number would appreciate its cultural importance.
The collaborative nature of the performance emphasised the intertwined world of entertainment, where film, music, and theatre intersect in unexpected ways. “Lady Marmalade” itself carries this heritage—originally recorded by Labelle in 1974, it was reimagined in 2001 by P!nk, Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, and Mya for the Moulin Rouge film, earning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals. By bringing together Broadway’s most accomplished performers with a hip-hop performer, the Tonys proved that musical theatre continues to be a vital, changing art form capable of engaging audiences across different genres and generations.
- Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean delivered Broadway vocal excellence
- Lea Michele’s cameo delivered the touching moment about creative authenticity
- June Squibb enjoyed a featured performance honouring seasoned artists
- Megan Thee Stallion reworked Lil’ Kim’s signature rap section
Megan Thee Stallion’s Triumphant Return
From Hospital Bed to Broadway Stage
Megan Thee Stallion’s presence at the Tony Awards marked a notable comeback for the artist, who had been obliged to cut short her celebrated run in Moulin Rouge! The Musical earlier this spring. After a hospital stay in April, Megan revealed that her final performance as Zidler, the owner and MC of the Moulin Rouge, would take place on 1 May—reducing her initially planned run which was scheduled to end on 17 May. Her presence at Radio City Music Hall just weeks later demonstrated both her strength and her steadfast commitment to the theatre world that had embraced her.
The decision to feature Megan prominently in the opening number represented a meaningful recognition of her contributions to Broadway during her shortened time. Rather than letting her health setback to reduce her part in the night’s celebrations, the producers ensured she remained a key presence in the impressive show. Her rendition of Lil’ Kim’s iconic rap verse from the original “Lady Marmalade” delivered a powerful moment that celebrated both her artistry and her determination to return to the stage, even as she bounced back from a challenging period.
Beyond her show-stopping opening performance, Megan’s evening at the Tonys continued with additional responsibilities when she subsequently appeared on 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 hospitalisation had not diminished 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 resilience in the face of adversity.
The Evolution of an Iconic Hit
“The track ‘Lady Marmalade'” has enjoyed a remarkable trajectory since its initial release as a classic 1974 disco track by Labelle. The song’s reinvention in 2001 for the film Moulin Rouge marked a transformative moment in pop music history. P!nk, Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, and Mya collaborated on a vibrant new recording that captured the glamour and exuberance of the movie’s bohemian atmosphere. The song became a cultural sensation, commanding radio airwaves and establishing itself as among the defining songs of the early years of the 2000s. Its popularity transcended generational boundaries, bringing the timeless piece to listeners who may never have heard Labelle’s original version.
The decision to feature “Lady Marmalade” as the centrepiece of the Tony Awards opening show illustrated the song’s lasting significance to theatrical audiences. By adapting the words to reference Broadway figures and the awards ceremony itself, the producers celebrated both the song’s heritage and its deep link to theatre spectacle. The performance served as a tribute of how popular music and theatre intersect, with P!nk’s rendition demonstrating that certain songs go beyond their original format and serve as vehicles for creative reimagining. The Tony Awards opening illustrated how a 25-year-old track could continue to engage audiences when delivered with fresh energy and theatrical refinement.
| 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 |
Star-Studded Ensemble and Notable Highlights
The inaugural performance assembled an impressive constellation of Broadway and theatrical talent, converting the stage at Radio City Music Hall into a tribute of theatrical excellence. Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean delivered strong vocal contributions alongside P!nk, whilst the performance featured 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 delivered a spectacular rap verse that honoured Lil’ Kim’s iconic contribution to the original 2001 recording. The meticulously arranged sequence showcased the producers’ dedication to celebrating both the song’s pop heritage and Broadway’s collective talent.
- Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean provided vocal harmonies across the entire show
- Lesley Manville, Rose Byrne, and Carrie Coon were given custom lyrical shout-outs
- June Squibb earned a featured moment in the intricate production sequence
- Megan Thee Stallion executed Lil’ Kim’s original rap section with contemporary flair
- The ensemble cast represented Broadway’s multicultural strength and performance quality
Lea Michele’s Poignant Involvement
Amongst the night’s most emotionally resonant moments came when Lea Michele came forward to deliver a compelling line that captured the essence of Broadway’s spirit. Her declaration, “We don’t do it for the awards,” resonated deeply with audiences and performers alike, expressing the fundamental motivation that propels theatrical performers. The cameo appearance highlighted a central truth about the entertainment industry: whilst accolades and recognition matter greatly, the genuine passion for theatrical performance remains paramount. Michele’s involvement in the opening number served as a poignant reminder that Broadway’s greatest gift lies in the transformative power of live theatre.