Who is the frontrunner for Best Leading Actress in a Musical right now?

To me, it seems it will be Chenoweth or Audra. I'm personally pulling hard for Chenoweth- she is absolutely overdue for a second Tony after 25 years since her first and she amazingly has only been nominated three times throughout her career. She's one of the best Broadway stars of all time. It's a shame she had to go up against Kelli in The King & I nine years ago. I remember not being that bowled over when I saw On the Twentieth Century but I've fallen in love the score and her work in it since. I wish I could see it again. Anyway, the role of Jackie seems to be a juicy one and I'm hoping it's finally time for her to win her second. Audra has six Tonys already so she doesn't need a seventh unless her work in Gypsy is totally undeniable. I'm hoping it's Kristin next year.

EDSOSLO858 said: "Chenoweth would be eligible in 2026, as The Queen of Versaillesis aiming for Broadway next season.

On buzz / hype alone, I’d say the ‘25 frontrunner is Nicole Scherzinger, but I guess we’ll see what happens!"

Boy, do I feel stupid, lol. But I hope that means Chenoweth can clear the field for 2026.

Sutton doesn't need another win but she was really great in Violet.

I would say Nicole in SUNSET at this point, but once TAMMY FAYE opens that could all change quite quickly depending on if Bway takes to Katie Brayben the way London audiences/critics did.

But with most of the heavy hitters in the mix including Sutton, Audra and Idina, not to mention other newcomers likely to score knockouts including Jasmine Rogers in BOOP! and Robyn Hurder in SMASH, I think the buzz around that category could be unlike any Tony competition Bway has been in years....

I think it’s got to be Audra or Nicole. If Audra gets some mixed reviews about her voice or negative comparisons to Patti and it could easily go to Nicole, but if the production and Audra’s performance are completely lauded it might be unstoppable. I can’t wait to see what happens!

Soaring29 said: "Sutton doesn't need another win but she was really great in Violet."

Agreed she doesn’t. And yes she was great in Violet as was that whole production though I do think she was miscast. She lacked a sensuality that is inherent in that role.

I'd put my money on Audra.

Yeah, there could be surprises and things could change in previews but the revivals seem stronger than the new musicals this year.

NOWaWarning said: "I know it’s a crowded field and she has major competition in her own show, but I’m pulling for Hilty."

Same!

Jarethan said: "Soaring29 said: "To me, it seems it will be Chenoweth or Audra. I'm personally pulling hard for Chenoweth- she is absolutely overdue for a second Tony after 25 years since her first and she amazingly has only been nominated three times throughout her career. She's one of the best Broadway stars of all time. It's a shame she had to go up against Kelli in The King& I nine years ago. I remember not being that bowled over when I sawOn the Twentieth Century but I've fallen in love the score and her work in it since. I wish I could see it again. Anyway, the role of Jackie seems to be a juicy one and I'm hoping it's finally time for her to win her second. Audra has six Tonys already so she doesn't need a seventh unless her work in Gypsy is totally undeniable. I'm hoping it's Kristin next year."

I really like Chenoweth and think she was terrific in the otherwise unnecessary QOV. I don’t see how you can say she has been absolutely overlooked. Since Wicked, she has been in three shows and wasn’t even nominated for a Tony for two of them (heck, she was positively listless in Promises! Promises!I am sure that you are a big fan, but she is not absolutely overdue. The real issue is how long it has taken her to find a new musical (and I hope they are successful in making QOV a success, I.e., a show in which you care about the leading character…and not just because she is KC."

Her snub for The Apple Tree was pretty bad, even in a really tough year nominations wise for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. I consider her to be one of the finest performers ever.

Why keep mentioning Chenoweth? She ain’t in the mix this season.

Nicole will win. Her performance will generate buzz that none of the others, including Audra, will be able to compete with.

starlightlocamotion said: "Truly think it is Nicole’s to lose. Audra has six Tony’s and (wrongly) has a lot of ill-will directed towards her from how her last Broadway gig went down among producers in the voting pool. Audra doesn’t need 7 IMO. Especially when Patti was so legendary in the role."



I'm not as frequent of a user on here so just to double-check, this is referencing Shuffle Along right?