The reworked Moulin Rouge musical number also featured Lea Michele, Dylan Mulvaney, June Squibb, and Shoshana Bean
P!nk opened the Tony Awards last night with a star-studded performance of “Lady Marmalade,” her 2001 number from Moulin Rouge. The singer, who also hosted the awards show, was joined by Megan Thee Stallion, who recently exited her run in the Broadway production of the musical early.
P!nk kicked off the annual theater awards show, held at Radio City Music Hall, alongside former Tonys host Neil Patrick Harris. The singer initially appeared on wires as Peter Pan, but Harris quickly suggested she try something else. “I’m worried some people will wonder why P!nk is hosting the Tonys,” she said. “I just want to make sure everyone knows I’m thrilled to be here and I want my opener to be as ‘Broadway’ as possible.”
She then launched into a rendition of “Lady Marmalade” with the help of multiple Broadway performers, including Dylan Mulvaney and Shoshana Bean. P!nk changed up the lyrics to reflect the event, calling out attendees like Lesley Manville, Rose Byrne, and Carrie Coon. Lea Michele made a cameo to belt, “We don’t do it for the awards,” and June Squibb also got a moment in the spotlight. After some fanfare, Megan stepped in to rework Lil’ Kim’s rap from the original.
P!nk, Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, and Mya recorded a new version of Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” in 2001 for the film Moulin Rouge, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. The track won the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
Megan Thee Stallion’s appearance was notable as she was forced to exit her run in Moulin Rouge! The Musical early following a hospitalization. In late April, the rapper announced that her final performance as Moulin Rouge’s owner and MC, Zidler, would be on May 1. Megan was originally slated to stay with the production until May 17.
Megan returned to Tonys stage later in the evening to present the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical.