Sara Bareilles Breaks Down in Tears as Cynthia Erivo Holds Her Close in Emotional Tribute to Gavin Creel at 2025 Tony Awards

| June 9, 2025 | Music | No Comments

An unforgettable moment unfolded at the 78th Annual Tony Awards as Sara Bareilles was overcome with emotion during the In Memoriam tribute — and was gently comforted by Cynthia Erivo, in a scene that moved millions of viewers to tears.

Held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 8, 2025, the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment honored legendary figures lost in the theater world over the past year, including George Wendt, James Earl Jones, Maggie Smith, and Gavin Creel.

🎭 An Emotional Tribute: “Tomorrow” That Brought Yesterday’s Losses to Light

Bareilles, 45, and Erivo, 38, took the stage to perform a soul-stirring duet of “Tomorrow” from the beloved musical Annie. Their harmonies soared as a montage of cherished actors, directors, and creatives appeared onscreen behind them.

 

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But the most powerful moment came at the end of the segment, when a photo of Gavin Creel — a close personal friend of Bareilles — appeared. As the lights dimmed, Bareilles visibly broke down in tears, overcome by grief. Without hesitation, Erivo wrapped her arms around her, offering comfort in a moment of raw vulnerability before the show cut to commercial.

“It’s been a remarkable year on Broadway, but it’s also been a devastating one,” Erivo said solemnly before the song began.

The segment honored numerous industry greats, including:

  • George Wendt

  • James Earl Jones

  • Maggie Smith

  • Mitzi Gaynor

  • Quincy Jones

  • Linda Lavin

  • Charles Strouse

  • Richard Chamberlain

  • Tony Roberts

  • …and many more.

🌟 A Night of Stars, Music, and Memories

Earlier in the evening, Erivo made her hosting debut with a powerful, theatrical opening number, paying tribute to nominees and Broadway history. The evening was packed with major celebrity appearances and presenters, including:

  • Kristin Chenoweth

  • Ariana DeBose

  • Danielle Brooks

  • Bryan Cranston

  • Lin-Manuel Miranda

  • Lea Salonga

  • Jean Smart

  • Katie Holmes

  • Adam Lambert

  • Charli D’Amelio

  • Carrie Preston

  • Samuel L. Jackson

  • LaTanya Richardson Jackson

  • Ben Stiller
    …and many more.

 Final Thoughts

The 2025 Tony Awards will be remembered not just for the winners or the glitz — but for this powerful, human moment between Sara Bareilles and Cynthia Erivo. It reminded us all that while the show must go on, grief, friendship, and love shine brightest when they’re shared.