John Legend Just Got “Jesus Christ Superstar” Lead Role--Representin'!

This is big. Oscar and Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend is slated to headline in the title role of NBC’s upcoming live musical, “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.

Legend will appear alongside renowned rocker Alice Cooper, who will play King Herod, in the three-hour event that will air on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Legend said: “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. 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.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote the original musical that debuted on Broadway in 1971, will executive produce the TV special. “John Legend is a superstar,” Rice said in a statement. “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.” As you may recall, Ted Nealy made the role his own for years, first onstage then in the 1973 theatrical musical film.

But now, it’s time for some diversity! And it’s about time, isn’t it? In fact, genealogists and archaeologists have been saying for years that Jesus probably really was black…so, this is the deal-real!

Who could be better than Legend? This dude’s won 10 Grammy Awards, an Oscar and Golden Globe for his song “Glory” in the 2014 film Selma, plus a Tony, which he got in June for co-producing the Broadway production of Jitney.

What do you think, fam? Will you tune to watch this? Tell us!