Pink Teases Tony Awards Hosting Plans: ‘There Will Be Stunts, and Not Just for Me’

The announcement that Grammy-winning pop superstar Pink would host the 79th Tony Awards this Sunday sparked two immediate reactions from the public: first, would she perform aerial stunts, and second, why was she chosen? The singer, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore and who has sold over 60 million albums worldwide, revealed during a press event on Tuesday that she initially shared the same confusion. "When they called, I thought, 'Why me? I've never even been on Broadway,' which is probably the collective eye roll I felt," she told Variety with a laugh. However, the producers explained their reasoning bluntly: "Because we want more viewership." Pink responded enthusiastically, "Great! I have a purpose! I'm your guy!" The event will take place at New York's Radio City Music Hall, a legendary venue that has hosted the Tony Awards numerous times since 1997 and seats over 6,000 people.

Regarding the inevitable question about high-flying stunts, Pink remained coy but hinted at dramatic elements. "Everyone always expects me to fly, so I literally walk into every building like, 'Where can I hang from? What's strong enough?'" she told another interviewer. The venue's team reportedly told her to "calm down, it's Radio City," but she teased, "I'm doing some things!" She confirmed there will be "many, many, many costume changes" and stunts involving not just herself but potentially another performer she hopes to recruit. Comedian Amber Ruffin, known for her work on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and as a writer for "Bigfoot," is helping craft the script. The opening number, a seven-and-a-half-minute sequence, was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the duo behind "Dear Evan Hansen," "La La Land," and "The Greatest Showman." Pink described it as "raucous and wild and ridiculous," featuring 170 people on stage and allowing her to "make fun of myself right away, which was my one rule."

Despite not being an obvious choice, Pink's connection to theater runs deep. She recalled that her mother, an ER nurse, would save money annually to take her to Broadway shows. "It was my favorite night with my mom every year. We saw 'Phantom of the Opera,' 'Les Miz,' 'La Cage aux Folles.' I wanted to be Cosette by the time I was nine," she shared. Her songs are currently featured in two Broadway productions: "Raise Your Glass" in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" and "Fuckin' Perfect" in "& Juliet." Before accepting the hosting gig, she sought permission from her 14-year-old daughter, Willow, who dreams of a Broadway career. "She's very serious about it, and this is her lane," Pink explained. "If you don't want me to do this, I'm not doing it." Willow was supportive but declined to join her mother onstage, citing concerns about being labeled a "nepo-baby." Pink added, "I have been trying to convince Willow to be in a show with me for years, but she has to do her own thing."

This year's Tony Awards race features prominent names like Lea Michele ("Chess"), Joshua Henry ("Ragtime"), Lesley Manville ("Oedipus"), and John Lithgow ("Giant"). Pink has seen many nominated shows, praising "Ragtime" for its powerful staging and "Bigfoot" as her personal favorite, despite its inappropriate humor for children. She also mentioned enjoying "Lost Boys" and "Beaches," but admitted she still needs to catch up on "Schmigadoon" and "Titanique." Beyond the Tonys, Pink recently guest-hosted "The Kelly Clarkson Show," sparking speculation about a permanent talk show. "I'd never say never! I like connecting with people and getting the truth out of them," she said, before joking about reviving "The Gong Show." The ceremony will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on June 7 at 8 p.m. EST, offering a unique blend of Broadway prestige and pop star charisma.