She’s doing what she does best! Ariana De Bos is set to celebrate her Broadway peers at the 76th annual Tony Awards, which she kicked off with a bang.

The 32-year-old opened a blank script before launching into an elaborate dance number across United Palace, eventually ending up on stage. De Bos explained that there were no words in his script because the Writers Guild of America was on strike.

“Our brothers and sisters at the WGA are currently on strike in pursuit of a fair contract,” he said. “Awards shows are traditionally written by members of the WGA. To keep this show going, a whole host of people had to come together to make compromises. And we’re all here, so for everyone who had a hand in finding this compromise, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart!

The Tony nominee knew audiences would wonder why it was relevant. “So now you’re asking, what’s the compromise? Well, we don’t have a script, you guys. Yeah, I’m live and unscripted — you’re welcome,” he quipped. “So to anyone who thought last year was a little uneventful, I say to them, ‘Darling, Apply button.’

De Bos continued, “But in all seriousness, yes, I’m as unscripted as every presenter on this stage tonight. We’re making it up as we go along. And that’s great.” Again, it’s a blessing to be here.”

He added that monitors on the sides of the stage will only show countdowns for acceptance speeches that are longer. “But honey, take your moment. Tonight is about you,” De Bos added.

Oscar winner — who began performing in Broadway productions. Hamilton, A Bronx story And Summer: A Donna Summer Musical — previously hosted the 2022 event, which was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City last June. During the show, De Bos wowed with a show-stopping medley of Great White Way hits, including “Somewhere.” Western story. (D So you think you can dance Elam won her first Oscar for the role of Anita. Steven Spielberg2021 remake of the film musical.)

It was announced in April that De Bos would host the Tonys — which was moving from Radio City to the United Palace in Washington Heights — for a second year. “I was honored to serve as host last year and beyond excited to be asked back!” He said in a statement at the time. “So looking forward to celebrating this incredible season and the people who make it happen. Here’s to adding some extra flavor to the magic of the Tony Awards.

DeBose’s emcee gig is her first live performance at the 2023 BAFTAs since her rap went viral. During the awards show in February, Desire The voice actress hosted the event and voiced all the female nominees in the song, including Michelle Yeoh, Viola Davis And Angela Bassett While social media users were quick to criticize De Bos’ musical tone and lyrics, both the actress and BAFTA producers defended the show. However, getting up on stage Sunday was still nerve-racking for the North Carolina native.

“Have I developed a little stage fright? I’d be lying if I said, ‘No.’ Prom The actress admitted Marie Claire earlier this month. “But I also challenge myself and I do scary things every day. And if I’m afraid of something, maybe I should do it.

He continued: “I’ve found that trying to act like I don’t feel something isn’t helpful. Pretending it’s not happening. [is] Not helpful Yes, I performed at the BAFTAs. Yes, the internet had a moment about it. Yes, some things were said that I didn’t appreciate and that I found very hurtful. And yes, eventually the internet waved and people found what I saw in it: fun, joy. But that doesn’t mean that during this little trip, I didn’t feel my feelings about the internet mocking me for being me and doing what I love to do. I don’t understand this part of society.