Top 30 Best Tony Award Performances of All Time

The Tony Awards bring Broadway to the small screen. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the greatest musical performances at the annual Tony awards ceremony. Our countdown includes "Gypsy," "Cats," "Company," and more! Which of these Tony performances lives rent-free in YOUR head? Tell us in the comments!

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#TonyAwards #Tonys #Musicals #Broadway #Performances

[BlueJeanBaby]

What's even more amazing is that Jennifer Holliday did that 8 times a week.👑

[alldownhill]

And I am telling you was the only suitable #1! The sheer power coming from Jennifer Holliday has just not been seen on the Tony’s stage since!

[mindytillapaugh]

When I saw "The Lion King" performance on the Tony Awards - I cried....as I had never seen anything so amazing in my life ! It took me 6 months, but I FINALLY got tickets to the show, and saw the ORIGINAL cast ! It was one of the highlights of my life....I have seen the show in numerous venues getting an aisle seat for the FULL opening number experience! Julie Taymoor is a GENIUS !

[krystalvazquez]

I wish Deaf West’s performance of Spring Awakening was on this list. I love going back to the video every once in a while.

[emmaevans]

Fabulous compilation! AND Michal Crawford held his final note for 23 seconds! He breaks my heart every single time ❤

[corvus]

Raul Esparza's performance should have been ranked much higher
Number one had to be Jennifer Holliday

[denisehicksbrown]

Number one EARNED it's spot and was the most memorable Tony's moment for me as someone who watches every year!

[Mimi]

Thank you for including Let it Burn! It’s unfortunate that Paradise Square didn’t do well, but Joaquina’s performance was amazing and definitely deserved a spot

[HeatherKirksey-lsgk]

Thank you for reminding us about the true beauty and power of musical theater. It doesn't matter that I would make different choices in some places; what matters is that all these performances and so many countless others hit us in our feels, uplift us, and remind us of the importance of art and performance. Not to mention they give all weirdo theater kids a reminder that there's a place in the world for us.

[naughtscrossstitches]

I hadn't heard number one until this but the moment she started singing I got goose bumps. Not even salty that it knocked my favourites back a bit further!

[jkrfan]

Raise your hand if you’re still salty Raul Esparza didn’t win the Tony for company

[kylejohnson]

You all did a commendable job compiling a list made up of the most iconic performances of the last 80 years. Not an easy feat at all, be well done. I can’t really argue with any choice. Bernadette Peter’s performance as Mama Rose lives rent free in my head.

[tallsobay]

I came here to make sure you got it right for the #1 spot, and you did

[britneymiles]

I was excited to even catch a glimpse of Heather Headley. However, I wish she had the opportunity to sing any of the songs from Aida at the Tony Awards. It is one of my favorite musicals. I still remember watching her sing "Easy as Life" in person...magical.

[erinlizzie]

I will literally never not love Sutton Foster. She is deserved Broadway royalty.

[tbam]

Number 1 is correct. Dream Girls needs a Broadway arrival. Effie White will ALWAYS be J Holliday

[aprilfool]

"Defying Gravity", which in my opinion belonged in the top 10, definitely belonged in this top 30 list.

[joshuawinchester]

Kind of sad the How to Succeed revival with Mathew Broderick didn't make the list. Lillias White was phenomenal.

[JanScogin]

I'd forgotten the Tonies were tonight, thanks for the incredible reminder.

[trinaq]

I managed to catch "The Lion King" musical last year, and it was amazing, really capturing the spirit of the original movie. "The Circle of Life" always moves me.