Ratings for Springsteen-fed Tony Awards rise slightly

NEW YORK – Ratings were slightly higher for this year’s Tony Awards over last year, likely thanks to a bump supplied by Bruce Springsteen.

The CBS show co-hosted by Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles was seen by 6.32 million people, according to preliminary ratings from the Nielsen Co.

That compares with 6.06 million last year when “Dear Evan Hansen” won the best musical trophy, and 8.74 million in 2016 when the show was buoyed by the megahit “Hamilton.”

One of the highlights of this year’s Tonys was Springsteen’s performance of “My Hometown” from his sold-out one-man Broadway show.

The Tony telecast this year didn’t have to compete with any NBA or Stanley Cup games, but did have to fight against the Kardashians squaring off against Kanye West on ABC’s “Celebrity Family Feud.”