The pair took the stage collectively to carry out the track “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie as a part of their tribute, as images and names of actors, administrators, producers, and crew misplaced over the previous 12 months within the theater neighborhood have been proven within the background.

On the finish of the efficiency, they each regarded over on the display screen, as Gavin Creel — an in depth buddy of Bareilles — was proven as the ultimate body of the tribute.

Holding fingers, Bareilles then broke down into tears, earlier than the Depraved star — who additionally hosted the occasion — was seen pulling her right into a comforting hug.

She patted Bareilles on the again, because the singer then turned again to face the viewers, clearly emotional.

Creel, a Grammy and Tony Award-winning actor, died September 30, 2024 at 48 after a battle with a uncommon type of most cancers, metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. On the time of his demise, theaters from New York Metropolis, Toronto, and London, paid tribute to Creel by dimming their lights to honor him.

Bareilles and Creel each starred within the Broadway musical Waitress. The “Courageous” singer additionally wrote the music and lyrics for the present, and, at one level, performed the function of Jenna. Creel, in the meantime, performed the function of Dr. Pomatter on each Broadway and the West Finish.

Most not too long ago, Bareilles helped create The Gavin Creel Fellowship in his honor, which hopes to have a good time his legacy and assist rising theater actors.

Different figures included within the Memoriam section included George Wendt, James Earl Jones, Tony Roberts, Maggie Smith, Mitzi Gaynor, Quincy Jones, Charles Strouse, Richard Chamberlain, and extra.