John Legend lands Black Jesus role in musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar!’

The Grammy-winning singer will also serve as project's executive producer

Dec 19, 2017

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The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter snagged the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!

NBC announced the good news about its next live musical on The Today Show on Tuesday and revealed Legend will star as Jesus Christ. He will also serve as an executive producer on the project that chronicles Jesus’ last week one Earth.

Excitement all-around

“I’m thrilled to join the cast of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! It’s such a powerful, meaningful musical and I’m humbled to be part of this performance,” Legend said in a statement. “We’ve already formed an incredible team, and, as we finish casting, I’m certain we will put together some of the greatest talents around to do this work justice.”

He’s not the only one excited about the upcoming project.

“We’re all overjoyed to have world-class musical artist and producer John Legend starring as Jesus,” NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement. “This score demands a singer with an amazing range and an actor with great depth, and there isn’t anyone better to bring this story to a new audience. His casting is also groundbreaking as the traditional image of Christ will be seen in a new way.”

The original musical earned five Tony nominations when it debuted in 1971.

“John Legend is a superstar. As a performer, his voice is infectious and effortless. As an actor, he is believable and honest. I’m thrilled he will be able to share his portrayal of Jesus with the world,” said Tim Rice, the show’s lyricist.

Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! will be taped in front of a live studio audience at the Marcy Armory in Brooklyn and is slated to air live on NBC on Easter Sunday.