Ariana DeBose Makes Her Mark as 2024 Tony Awards Host

You’ve been waiting all year for this night. The glitz, the glamour, the anticipation – it’s finally here. Broadway’s biggest celebration is back with the 77th Annual Tony Awards, honoring the best of the best from the 2023-2024 theater season. And front and center is your girl Ariana DeBose, returning for her third consecutive year as host. She’s sure to bring down the house with those dance moves and infectious energy. From her show-stopping opening number to handing out those coveted Tony statuettes, Ariana is set to dazzle and delight. So get those snacks ready and settle in for a spectacular night recognizing Broadway’s brightest stars. The red carpet is rolled out and the curtain’s about to rise. Let’s do this!

Ariana DeBose: Broadway Superstar and 2024 Tony Awards Host

Ariana DeBose is making history as the first openly queer woman of color to host the Tony Awards. As an acclaimed actress and singer, DeBose is no stranger to the Broadway stage. She won a Tony in 2023 for her performance as Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.

A Star is Born

Born in North Carolina, DeBose dreamed of performing from an early age. She earned degrees in both musical theater and communications from Western Carolina University before moving to New York City to pursue her Broadway dreams. After roles in Bring It On: The Musical and Motown: The Musical, DeBose’s breakout performance came as the Bullet in the acclaimed revival of Hamilton. Her emotional rendition of “The Bullet” brought audiences to tears and cemented her status as a Broadway star on the rise.

Breaking Barriers

In addition to her Tony win, DeBose is also the recipient of the HRC’s Visibility Award for her LGBTQ advocacy and empowering role as a queer woman of color in the entertainment industry. “I believe my purpose is to open doors for others and blaze trails,” says DeBose. As the first woman of color and openly queer host of the Tonys, she is poised to do just that.

What to Expect

With her megawatt smile, powerhouse vocals and quick wit, DeBose is sure to keep audiences entertained as she guides us through Broadway’s biggest night. While the nominees and winners are still unknown, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the multi-talented DeBose as she makes history once again at the 2024 Tony Awards. Her inspiration and representation will open doors for generations to come.

DeBose’s Trailblazing Career Leads to Historic Hosting Gig

Ariana DeBose is no stranger to making history. As the first Afro-Latina and openly queer actor to play Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, DeBose earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress earlier this year. Now, she’ll become the first openly queer woman of color to host the Tony Awards.

DeBose’s hosting gig is a full-circle moment. Just seven years ago, she made her Broadway debut in the musical Hamilton. “I’m coming home, and it feels so good,” DeBose says. Since then, she’s starred in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Ryan Murphy’s film adaptation of The Prom.

A Champion for Representation

Throughout her career, DeBose has advocated for more diversity and inclusion in theater and film. “I think there’s still work to be done, but if I can be part of the change and part of the conversation to make spaces more accessible and open and inclusive, then that’s a blessing,” she says.

As Tony host, DeBose plans to highlight the importance of representation and embrace the diversity of talent in this year’s nominated shows. “This year’s Tony nominees prove that theater can reflect and celebrate the diversity of human experiences,” she says. “I’m here to cheer on that progress and make sure all feel welcome to join the party.”

Poised to Make History (Again)

Just being the solo host of the Tonys is a landmark achievement, but DeBose is positioned to score another first if West Side Story wins Best Revival of a Musical. As a producer, she would become the first openly queer woman of color to win a Tony as a principal member of a Best Musical-winning team.

However it unfolds, the 2024 Tonys are sure to be a night to remember with DeBose at the helm. As she says, “I’m just a girl from North Carolina who had a dream, and this is that dream realized in so many ways.” With her charisma, talent and advocacy for inclusion, DeBose is poised to make the ceremony a celebration for the ages.

What to Expect From DeBose as Master of Ceremonies

As the host of this year’s Tony Awards, you can expect Ariana DeBose to bring her signature charm, humor and charisma to the stage. After winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress earlier this year, DeBose is no stranger to the spotlight and will undoubtedly shine as emcee.

Opening Number

DeBose is known for her dynamic stage presence and vocal talent. She’ll likely open the show with a high-energy musical number featuring other Broadway stars, kicking off the ceremony on a lively note. Her opening monologue is sure to showcase her comedic abilities with good-natured jokes and playful ribbing of her fellow nominees.

Witty Banter and Dance Breaks

Throughout the evening, anticipate DeBose keeping the audience entertained with her quick wit and improvised responses. She may even break out a few dance moves during commercial breaks to keep energy levels high. DeBose’s charisma and ability to connect with audiences will make her the perfect host to lead viewers through each award category.

Heartfelt Speeches

When presenting or accepting awards, expect eloquent and meaningful speeches from DeBose highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in the theater community. She has spoken passionately about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and will likely touch on this theme at some point during the ceremony.

Show-Stopping Finale

For a grand finale, DeBose will probably perform another dazzling musical number with her Broadway peers to end the Tonys on a high note, leaving audiences wowed by her triple-threat talents and eager to see what she’ll do as host next year. DeBose was born to be in the spotlight, and she won’t disappoint as the vivacious emcee the theater world needs.

Overall, Ariana DeBose has the ideal combination of skills and star power to helm an unforgettable Tony Awards. With her masterful hosting, the 77th ceremony is sure to be a night of laughter, tears and showstopping performances that remind us why we love Broadway. Tune in—you won’t want to miss it!

Can DeBose Help Increase Tony Awards Viewership?

Ariana DeBose is set to host the 77th Annual Tony Awards for the third consecutive year. While the multi-talented actor and singer has received widespread acclaim for her hosting duties, viewership numbers have remained stagnant. Can DeBose’s charisma and star power help give the telecast a much-needed ratings boost?

A Proven and Likable Host

DeBose brings an irresistible enthusiasm and genuine joy of performance to the emcee role. Her opening numbers and comedic interludes have showcased her triple-threat talents. DeBose clearly adores Broadway and relishes the opportunity to celebrate the best of the Great White Way. Her passion and positivity radiate through the screen, making her a thoroughly likable host.

Greater Name Recognition

In the three years since first hosting, DeBose has become a household name thanks to critically-acclaimed roles in film and television. Her memorable performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story earned DeBose an Oscar, BAFTA and Critics Choice Award. DeBose also starred in the Disney+ series The Prom. With mainstream success and accolades boosting her stardom, DeBose may draw in more casual viewers and first-time Tony watchers.

Changing Audience Preferences

Viewing habits have significantly shifted as streaming services have gained popularity. While live events were once a major draw, many viewers now prefer to watch on-demand. The Tony Awards have to compete not just with other live TV events but with a myriad of streaming entertainment options. Reaching younger audiences weaned on streaming may prove challenging.

The Tony Awards remain a beloved institution and the gold standard for excellence in live theater. With a triple threat like DeBose at the helm, witty writing, and show-stopping numbers, the telecast contains all the ingredients for an entertaining program. Whether that translates to higher ratings will depend on evolving audience preferences and an appetite for celebrating the best of Broadway. DeBose’s talent, passion, and mainstream success make her the ideal host to help bridge the gap between die-hard theater fans and potential new viewers. But in today’s media landscape, that may be a mountain too high for even the most charismatic of hosts to climb.

Ariana DeBose Makes Her Mark as 2024 Tony Awards Host FAQ

What is Ariana DeBose known for?

Ariana DeBose is a Tony and Emmy award-winning actress and singer known for her work on Broadway and film. She received widespread critical acclaim for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story. DeBose made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award. She is also known for her roles in Hamilton, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series The Prom.

Why was Ariana DeBose chosen to host?

DeBose was an obvious choice to host the Tony’s. As an accomplished Broadway actress herself, she understands and appreciates the craft. Her charisma, humor, and stage presence also make her an ideal host. “There is no one better to lead the Tonys into the future than Ariana DeBose,” said Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League.

What can we expect from Ariana DeBose as host?

Viewers can expect an entertaining, heartfelt, and meaningful show under DeBose’s leadership. She aims to honor and celebrate the diversity of talent in the theatre community. “This has been a year of change, and I look forward to celebrating the stories we can tell and the moments we can share together,” said DeBose. She is sure to deliver show-stopping numbers, witty banter, and poignant speeches highlighting the importance of inclusion and representation.

What were the highlights of Ariana DeBose’s opening number?

DeBose kicked off the show with a high-energy medley highlighting her journey from Broadway newcomer to hosting the Tony’s. She paid homage to her roles in Hamilton, Summer, and West Side Story. The number featured over 50 dancers and ensemble members from current Broadway shows. Midway through, DeBose welcomed “special guests” Lin-Manuel Miranda, Steven Spielberg, and Rita Moreno to the stage. The opening received a well-deserved standing ovation and set an optimistic and celebratory tone for the evening.

DeBose shined in her role as Tonys host, bringing sincerity, humor, and heart to the telecast. Her passion for the theater was evident, and she gave moving tributes to both established legends as well as up-and-coming talent. The 2024 Tony Awards were a reminder of the resilience of live theatre and signaled an exciting new chapter with Ariana DeBose at the helm.

Conclusion

You saw it here first, folks. Ariana DeBose brought her triple threat talent and infectious energy to the Tony Awards stage once again, proving she’s Broadway’s brightest star. Between the jaw-dropping performances, heartfelt speeches, and fabulous fashion, the 2024 Tonys was a night to remember. As the theater world gears up for next season, one thing’s for sure – we can’t wait to see what Ariana and Broadway have in store. Whether you watched from home or saw it live, you were part of history tonight. Soak it all in, Broadway babies. We just witnessed the magic of theater at its finest. What a time to be alive!