Brandy talks diversity on Broadway, teases 'Chicago' vocal performance

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Grammy Award-winning singer Brandy Norwood is making her long-awaited debut on Broadway in Chicago.

Brandy stars as Roxie Hart, a woman behind bars, in 1920’s prohibition-era Chicago.

“Everything happens when its supposed to. I really believe that everything is in divine time, and this was the perfect role for me to debut on Broadway,” Brandy told theGrio.com. “I think before, I was afraid, I just didn’t think it was the right time for me. But now, I’m in a new space. I have a little bit more confidence, and I want to bring something to this role … and I’m ready.”

In 1997, Brandy made history in Disney’s TV film Cinderella, starring alongside Whitney Houston, as the first black princess.

Brandy appears in Chicago as one of the only African-American women to play Roxie Hart.

The singer talked about the importance of colorblind casting on Broadway and in Hollywood.

“I think it’s a beautiful thing, and it’s very very important because everybody is different and everybody has something to bring differently than the next person. I think that it’s great that we’re having more opportunities and people are opening their minds to great things.”

Brandy kicks off her Chicago run April 28 for a eight-week limited engagement at the Ambassador Theater in New York City.

Follow theGrio.com’s Entertainment Editor Chris Witherspoon on Twitter @WitherspoonC.