Ariana DeBose once again proved her undeniable star power at the 2025 Tony Awards, held on June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. While she did not host this year’s ceremony, DeBose captivated audiences with a show-stopping performance alongside her original Hamilton castmates, marking the musical’s 10th anniversary. This blog post dives into her standout moment, her history with the Tony Awards, and why she remains a Broadway icon.
A Show-Stopping Hamilton Reunion
The 2025 Tony Awards featured a special medley performance by the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, including Ariana DeBose, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, and others. This reunion celebrated the groundbreaking musical’s 10-year milestone since its Broadway debut in 2015. DeBose, who was part of the ensemble in both the off-Broadway and Broadway productions, shone brightly in the performance, reminding fans of her roots as a dynamic performer.
Social media buzzed with praise for DeBose’s contribution. One X post captured the sentiment perfectly: “Watching Ariana DeBose perform w/ the Hamilton cast tonight really did my heart so much joy because she was ensemble and 10 years later she’s one of the most recognized because her career has had so much trajectory in that time.” Her seamless blend of dance, vocals, and stage presence highlighted why she’s a celebrated figure in theater.
Ariana DeBose’s Tony Awards Legacy
While DeBose took the stage as a performer in 2025, she’s no stranger to the Tony Awards spotlight. She hosted the ceremony for three consecutive years (2022–2024), earning widespread acclaim for her charisma, choreography, and ability to engage audiences. In 2024, she not only hosted but also produced and co-choreographed the opening number, which paid tribute to the Broadway season’s nominees with a dance-heavy spectacle.
Her 2023 hosting gig was particularly notable, as she navigated an unscripted show due to the Writers Guild of America strike, opening with a wordless, dance-driven performance that showcased her versatility. DeBose’s Broadway credentials also include a 2018 Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
From Broadway to Hollywood and Back
DeBose’s career trajectory is a testament to her talent. She first gained prominence on Broadway with roles in Hamilton, Pippin, Motown: The Musical, and A Bronx Tale. Her breakout film role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story earned her an Academy Award, making her the first openly queer Afro Latina to win an Oscar. This achievement, coupled with her Broadway roots, has solidified her as a bridge between theater and film.
At the 2025 Tony Awards, DeBose also presented an award, appearing alongside a star-studded lineup of presenters like Oprah, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kelli O’Hara. Her presence, both as a performer and presenter, underscored her deep connection to the theater community.
Why Ariana DeBose Shines
DeBose’s ability to captivate audiences stems from her triple-threat skills—singing, dancing, and acting—honed through years of stage work. Her 2025 Tony Awards performance was a reminder of her ensemble days in Hamilton, where she laid the foundation for her meteoric rise. Fans on X noted her evolution, with one post stating, “Ariana DeBose ganadora del Oscar en el número de Hamilton en los Tony Awards en el ENSAMBLE, bravo.”
Her commitment to Broadway extends beyond performing. In 2024, she expressed a desire to return to the stage in a larger capacity, hinting that her third time hosting might be her last for a while to focus on acting roles. This dedication to her craft makes her a beloved figure in the theater world.
The 2025 Tony Awards Highlights
The 78th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, celebrated the 2024–2025 Broadway season with performances from nominated shows like Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Sunset Boulevard. Hamilton’s anniversary performance, featuring DeBose, was a standout moment, blending nostalgia with the vibrancy of live theater. The ceremony aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, with a pre-show on Pluto TV hosted by Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry.
Final Thoughts
Ariana DeBose’s performance at the 2025 Tony Awards was a powerful reminder of her Broadway roots and her ability to light up any stage. From her Hamilton days to her Oscar-winning turn in West Side Story, DeBose continues to inspire as a performer and advocate for the theater community. Her 10th-anniversary Hamilton reunion was a highlight of the evening, cementing her status as a Broadway star who consistently “does the thing.”
Stay tuned for more updates on Ariana DeBose’s next moves, whether on stage, screen, or beyond!
