When the Tony Award nominations were doled out on April 30, we knew that some of our favorite Broadway stars would finally receive their first nod for theater’s top honor. As fate would have it, a whopping 21 actors landed their first nomination on Tony day. Over the weekend, Broadway.com asked readers to tell us which actor’s first Tony nod had them cheering the loudest—and wouldn’t you know, they’re all Audience Choice Award winners! Read on for the results!
1. Stephanie J. Block (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) — 29%
Blockheads unite! This dynamite Drood star earned the top spot in our poll, as fans of Stephanie J. Block couldn’t contain their excitement for the newly minted Tony nominee for Leading Actress in a Musical. After turning in some killer performances in The Boy From Oz, The Pirate Queen and 9 to 5, it’s about time this fierce female finally gets some Tony love!
2. Annaleigh Ashford (Kinky Boots) — 10%
Kinky Boots scene-stealer Annaleigh Ashford is also feeling the love from fans, coming in with 10% of the vote for her performance as perky blond shoe factory worker Lauren. Annaleigh’s nomination for Featured Actress in a Musical is definitely one that’s making fans—nay, everybody—say “Yeah!”
3. Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) — 8%
Rounding out the top three is another Kinky Boots cut-up, the fabulous and ferocious Billy Porter. With his glittery performance as drag queen turned shoe mistress Lola, Porter is up for Leading Actor in a Musical—the first of what we hope are many more nominations (and wins!) for our Kinky vlogger.