Audra McDonald, a Broadway legend, took center stage at the 2025 Tony Awards with a stunning performance from Gypsy, where she stars as Mama Rose. Despite not winning the Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical award, her record-breaking 11th Tony nomination solidified her as the most-nominated performer in Tony history. The night, however, was not without its share of drama, as Oprah Winfrey’s subtle shade toward Patti LuPone sparked buzz among theater fans. Here’s a breakdown of McDonald’s moment and the controversy that lit up the 78th Annual Tony Awards.
Audra McDonald’s Historic Gypsy Performance
On June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall, Audra McDonald delivered a show-stopping rendition of “Rose’s Turn” from the Broadway revival of Gypsy, directed by George C. Wolfe. This production marks the first time a Black actress has played Mama Rose on Broadway, a role previously portrayed by icons like Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, and Patti LuPone. McDonald’s performance earned her a record-making 11th Tony nomination, surpassing all other performers in history. She already holds six Tony Awards, more than any other actor, making her a true titan of the stage.
The Gypsy revival itself received five nominations, including for McDonald’s co-stars Joy Woods and Danny Burstein. McDonald’s portrayal, inspired by a suggestion from the late actor Gavin Creel to approach the role through a Black lens, has been praised for its fresh perspective and emotional depth. While she didn’t take home the Tony—Nicole Scherzinger won for Sunset Blvd.—her performance left audiences in awe and reinforced her unparalleled legacy.
The Patti LuPone Controversy
The 2025 Tony Awards were overshadowed by a brewing Broadway feud involving Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, and Kecia Lewis. In a May 26 New Yorker profile, LuPone made headlines with controversial remarks about her fellow Broadway stars. She referred to Lewis, a Tony winner for Hell’s Kitchen, as a “bitch” and questioned her status as a Broadway veteran, inaccurately claiming Lewis had only seven Broadway credits (she has ten). When asked about McDonald’s Gypsy performance—a role LuPone won a Tony for in 2008—she stared silently for 15 seconds before saying, “What a beautiful day.” LuPone also declared McDonald “not a friend,” hinting at a long-ago rift.
The backlash was swift. Over 500 Broadway performers, including Tony winners like James Monroe Iglehart and Maleah Joi Moon, signed an open letter on May 30, condemning LuPone’s comments as “degrading,” “misogynistic,” and “racialized disrespect.” The letter called for her to be disinvited from the Tony Awards, citing her remarks as bullying and harmful to the theater community’s values of equity and respect.
LuPone issued an apology on Instagram on May 31, expressing regret for her “flippant and emotional responses” and specifically apologizing for her “demeaning and disrespectful” words about Lewis. She also expressed a desire to personally apologize to both Lewis and McDonald. However, she did not attend the Tony Awards, fueling speculation about her absence.
Oprah Winfrey’s Subtle Shade
During the Tony Awards broadcast, Oprah Winfrey, presenting the Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical award, made a pointed comment that set social media ablaze. “Our celebration of this astounding year in live theater turns to the women whose work sparked lively conversations among theater fans,” she said, pausing for a knowing look that drew laughs from the audience. Many interpreted this as a dig at LuPone’s controversy, with posts on X calling it “shade” and praising Oprah’s sly delivery. Some even noted a possible Beyoncé reference, tying her words to “American Requiem.”
McDonald’s Response and Grace
Audra McDonald, known for her diplomatic demeanor, addressed the controversy with grace. In a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle King, she said she was unaware of any rift with LuPone, noting they hadn’t seen each other in about 11 years due to their busy lives. “That’s something you’d have to ask Patti about,” McDonald stated, choosing not to fuel the drama. Her focus remained on her historic Gypsy role and her commitment to uplifting the theater community, as evidenced by her founding role in Black Theatre United, which combats racism in the industry.
Why This Matters
The 2025 Tony Awards highlighted both McDonald’s artistry and the broader conversation about respect and accountability in theater. LuPone’s comments and absence, paired with Oprah’s quip, underscored the community’s sensitivity to issues of race, legacy, and professionalism. McDonald’s performance, however, rose above the fray, proving why she remains a beloved figure in Broadway history.
For theater fans, this moment is a reminder of the passion and complexity within the industry. As Gypsy continues its run at the Majestic Theatre, tickets are available for those eager to witness McDonald’s groundbreaking portrayal firsthand.
