Ariana DeBose explains why she doesn’t have a script at the 2023 Tony Awards

Do what she does best! Ariana DeBose is ready to celebrate her Broadway peers at the 76th Annual Tony Awards, which she kicked off to great fanfare.

The 32-year-old opened a blank script before launching an elaborate dance number through the United Palace and eventually landing on stage. DeBose explained that her script had no words because the Writers Guild of America is on strike.

“Our siblings at the WGA are currently on strike to pursue a fair deal,” she said. “Awards shows are traditionally written by members of the WGA. For this show to go on, a whole bunch of people had to come together to find a compromise. And we’re all here, so to everyone who has had a hand in finding that compromise, I say a big thank you!

The Tony nominee knew the audience would wonder why this is relevant. “So now you’re wondering, what’s the compromise? Well, we don’t have a script, guys. Yes, I’m live and unscripted – you’re welcome,” she joked. “So to anyone who thought last year was a bit unhinged, I say to them, ‘Dear ones, strap in.’”

DeBose continued, “But seriously, yes, I don’t have a script, just like every host who comes on this stage tonight. We’re just making it up as we go along. And that’s cool. Again, it’s a blessing to be here.”

She added that the monitors on the sides of the stage only show a countdown for acceptance speeches that are long. “But dear ones, take your moment. Tonight is about you,” DeBose added.

The Oscar winner – who had her perform in Broadway productions of Hamilton, A Bronx story And Summer: A Donna Summer Musical — previously hosted the 2022 ceremony, held last June at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. During the show, DeBose wowed with a breathtaking medley of Great White Way hits, including “Somewhere” from West Side Story. (The So you think you can dance alum won her first Oscar for her role of Anita in Stephen Spielberg‘s 2021 remake of the movie musical.)

In April, it was announced that DeBose would host the Tonys – who moved from Radio City to the United Palace in Washington Heights – for a second year. “I was honored to host last year and even more honored to be asked back!” she said in a statement at the time. “So I’m looking forward to celebrating this incredible season and the people who make this work possible. This is to add some uptown flavor to the magic of the Tony Awards.

DeBose’s emcee performance marks her first live appearance since her rap at the 2023 BAFTAs went viral. During the awards ceremony in February, the Wish voice actress presented the ceremony and proclaimed all female nominees in song, inclusive Michelle Joehoe, Violet Davis And Angela Basset for doing ‘the thing’. While social media users were quick to criticize DeBose’s musical tone and lyrics, both the actress and the producers of the BAFTAs defended the showpiece. Getting on the podium on Sunday, however, was still nerve-wracking for the North Carolina native.

“Have I developed a bit of stage fright? I’d be lying if I said “no,” the Ball actress known Mary Claire earlier this month. “But I also challenge myself and do scary things every day. And if I’m afraid of something, I should probably do it.”

She continued: “I’ve found that it doesn’t help to pretend I don’t feel something. Pretend it doesn’t happen [is] not helpful. Yes, I performed at the BAFTAs. Yes, the internet had a moment about it. Yes, things were said that I didn’t appreciate and found very hurtful. And yes, eventually the tide turned on the internet and people found what I saw in it: the fun, the fun. But that doesn’t mean that during that little trip I didn’t feel like the internet was playing tricks on me for being me and doing what I love to do. I don’t understand that part of society.”