Tony Awards show kicks off in NYC; Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner spotted on red carpet

NEW YORK, June 7 (UPI) -- The 69th annual Tony Awards ceremony is underway at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Among those photographed going into the star-studded event were Tony nominee Helen Mirren, stage legend Bernadette Peters, and fashion models Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. Other attendees include actresses Ashley Tisdale, Debra Messing, Rose Byrne and Ashley Greene.

Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming are hosting the gala, which is honoring excellence on Broadway for the 2014-15 season. They started off the CBS-televised show by singing a medley of tailor-made show-tunes that paid tribute to the nominees, and those A-listers such as Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman who were left off of the nominations list.

Chenoweth and Cumming wowed the crowd with their wit and singing, as well as their fashion-forward outfits -- Chenoweth wore a black tuxedo coat dress, while Cumming donned a purple jacket and short pants.

Bradley Cooper was the first presenter of the evening. He announced Helen Mirren had won the Tony for Lead Actress in a Play for her work in The Audience.