The crooner joins Alice Cooper in the cast of the event, which will air on Easter Sunday, April 1.
John Legend has been cast in the title role in NBC's next live musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, it was announced Tuesday morning (Dec. 19) on NBC's Today show. Legend is an Oscar, Tony and 10-time Grammy winner, who also joins the team of executive producers for the musical, officially titled Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!
“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 musical's lyricist Tim Rice added, “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.”