Watch Megan Thee Stallion, P!NK Perform ‘Lady Marmalade’ at Tonys
P!nk opened this year’s Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall with a high-energy rendition of “Lady Marmalade,” joined by a cast of Broadway performers including Megan Thee Stallion, Lea Michele, Dylan Mulvaney, and Shoshana Bean. The performance served as a theatrical centerpiece for the evening, which P!nk hosted alongside former host Neil Patrick Harris.
Did You Know? The 2001 version of “Lady Marmalade,” recorded by P!nk, Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, and Mya for the Moulin Rouge film, earned the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
The Significance of the Opening Number
The performance functioned as both an homage to the 2001 Moulin Rouge film and a meta-commentary on the awards show itself. P!nk, initially appearing on wires in a Peter Pan costume, pivoted to the musical number to ensure the broadcast felt authentically “Broadway.” The staging featured lyrical adjustments that highlighted attendees such as Lesley Manville, Rose Byrne, and Carrie Coon, while Lea Michele delivered a standout line, “We don’t do it for the awards.”
Context Surrounding Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion’s involvement was particularly notable given her recent departure from the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The rapper had been performing as the owner and MC, Zidler, but was forced to exit the production early following a hospitalization. While she was originally scheduled to remain in the role until May 17, she announced her final performance would occur on May 1. Her return to the stage to present an award later in the evening signaled a continued professional connection to the theater community despite her medical exit.
Expert Insight: The inclusion of performers like Megan Thee Stallion and the deliberate lyrical nods to Broadway luminaries suggest a strategic effort by the production to bridge the gap between mainstream pop culture and the theater industry. By integrating a performer who recently faced a public, health-related exit from a Broadway run, the awards ceremony effectively turned a personal challenge into a moment of stage solidarity.
What May Happen Next
Following this high-profile appearance, it is possible that future Tony Awards will continue to lean into cross-genre collaborations to broaden the show’s appeal. Given the positive reception of the Moulin Rouge-themed opener, producers may look to similar film-to-stage adaptations for future host-led performances. Furthermore, the industry may see more instances of pop artists transitioning into Broadway roles, provided their schedules and health allow for the rigorous demands of a theater run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performed in the opening number with P!nk?
The performance featured Megan Thee Stallion, Lea Michele, Dylan Mulvaney, Shoshana Bean, and June Squibb.
Why did Megan Thee Stallion leave the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge?
She was forced to exit her run early following a hospitalization, leading to an earlier-than-planned final performance on May 1.
What song did P!nk perform to open the show?
P!nk performed “Lady Marmalade,” the 2001 track she originally recorded for the film Moulin Rouge.
Do you think the integration of pop stars into Broadway-themed opening numbers successfully attracts new audiences to the Tony Awards?