Pink opened the 2026 [2] Tony Awards with a rendition of "Lady Marmalade" featuring a large ensemble of performers.

The opening number served as a tribute to Broadway's community of leading ladies. By blending a contemporary pop hit with a massive theatrical cast, the performance aimed to launch the ceremony with a celebration of the industry's diverse talent.

The performance included cameo appearances by Megan Thee Stallion and Lea Michele [1]. These stars joined a group of approximately 170 Broadway performers [1] who filled the stage for the musical number. The production reimagined the Grammy-winning cover of "Lady Marmalade," which was originally released in 2001 [2].

Organizers designed the segment to highlight the collaborative nature of the theater world. The scale of the production, incorporating nearly 200 people on stage, emphasized the collective effort of the Broadway community. The choice of a high-tempo track was intended to set a celebratory tone for the remainder of the evening's awards presentations.

While the performance was widely viewed, reports on the specific guest list varied. Some sources highlighted the presence of Lea Michele [1], while others focused on the contribution of Megan Thee Stallion and the larger ensemble of theater stars [2]. Regardless of the specific cameos, the production remained the focal point of the night's early proceedings.

“Pink opened the 2026 Tony Awards with a rendition of "Lady Marmalade"”

The scale of the opening number reflects a trend in award ceremonies to prioritize high-production 'spectacle' to drive viewership and social media engagement. By integrating a massive number of industry professionals into a single performance, the Tony Awards emphasized a message of communal strength and inclusivity within the New York theater scene.