Tony Awards sees highest ratings in 15 years

The 70th Annual Tony Awards surged in the ratings Sunday night to deliver the show’s best overnight numbers in more than a decade.

According to CBS, the ceremony had a 8.7 million viewers, up 35 percent from last year. That marks the biggest overnight score for the perpetually ratings-challenged telecast in 15 years (usually around 7 million tune in). Among adults 18-49, the telecast had a 1.6 rating.

The viewership surge was likely because of Broadway sensation Hamilton. The musical from creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda scored 11 total Tonys during the ceremony, falling just shy of the all-time record. The telecast also included tributes to the Orlando, Florida mass shooting that left 50 dead at a gay nightclub on Sunday morning.

CBS’ Late Late Show host James Corden acted as host of the Tonys.

See our rundown of the Tony’s best moments last night.