On Sunday, June 12, the 70th annual Tony Awards will air live on CBS. Numerous actors have taken the stage to host the dazzling theatrical event, most notably Neil Patrick Harris, Hugh Jackman, Angela Lansbury, and Whoopi Goldberg. This year marks James Corden’s first time as the master of ceremonies, and there are plenty of reasons why he’ll do an excellent job! We’ve compiled just a few of them below.
He can sing!
It’s a widely-known fact by now that James Corden has a beautiful voice. He led the film adaptation of “Into the Woods” as The Baker, and has been known to belt it out with starry guests on “The Late Late Show’s” most popular segment, Carpool Karaoke. A dazzling musical number at the Tonys is inevitable.
Not his first rodeo: he’s already a host
He’s been a master of ceremonies for quite some time now! In 2010, Corden got his start hosting the Sky1 comedy/sports panel show “A League of Their Own.” Last year, he took over as the host of “The Late Late Show” on CBS. He conducts interesting and entertaining interviews time and time again, and always has his guests cracking up in the hot seat.
His international appeal
Hailing from England, Corden has a huge fan base across the pond as well. He has the potential to bring in a broader demographic for this year’s ceremony. Some of the evening’s Tony contenders have similar roots: “American Psycho,” “The Color Purple,” and “King Charles III” all premiered in England before breaking out on Broadway.
He’s quick on his feet
Corden is naturally quick: his improvisation skills are sharp, and his comedic timing is impeccable. There are always a couple of mishaps during the Tony Awards, whether it’s technical or just an unplanned flub, but Corden has the chops to handle it all with ease.
He’s a past Tony winner
Corden took home gold in 2012 for best leading actor in a play, in recognition of his frantic turn in “One Man, Two Guvnors.” Check out the unforgettable performance below; it speaks (a mile a minute) for itself!
He’s a musical theater fanatic
In a segment on “The Late Late Show” called Crosswalk the Musical, Corden performs bits from various musicals on the street, including the likes of “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Grease.” He’s even rapped the opening number of “Hamilton” with former Tonys host, Rosie O’Donnell! See the clip below.
He can make anyone smile—celebrities included!
This reason alone will prove James Corden to be an outstanding Tony Awards host. He’s guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s faces come June 12, whether you’re watching from the plush seats of the Beacon Theatre or sitting back with some popcorn at home.
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Styling by Michael Fisher for starworksartists.com and assistant Mary Inacio. Jacket and shirt by Lanvin.