AceShowbiz -

The 70th annual Tony Awards was officially kicked off on Sunday night, June 12 with host James Corden's opening number. He was introduced by several "Hamilton" cast members, including Tony nominee Leslie Odom Jr. who addressed Corden as "that chubby dude from 'Into the Woods' who played the baker."

Corden delivered some jokes that took a jab at Oscar diversity issue and Donald Trump. He said the Tony Awards is "the Oscars but with diversity." He added, "It's so diverse that Donald Trump has threatened to build a wall around this theater."

He then launched into an elaborate number, singing about a little boy named "James" who imagined himself being part of some famous plays. And that's how Corden inserted himself into shows like "Les Miserables", "The Lion King", "The Phantom of the Opera", "Evita", "Grease" and many more.

He paused for a while when he realized that he got too carried on. He asked Oprah Winfrey who sat in the audience if he ruined the Tonys, but she said no, and Corden continued by singing to encourage aspiring actors and kids that "this could be where you belong."

Corden also acknowledged Orlando mass shooting that took place on Sunday. He said, "On behalf of the whole theater community, our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity. Your tragedy is our tragedy." He added, "Theater is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved. Hate will never win. Together we have to make sure of that. Tonight's show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principal."

Tony organizers, meanwhile, released a statement to address the incident that left more than 50 people dead and another 53 injured. "Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando," they said. "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight's ceremony to them."