Adam Lambert defends Cynthia Erivo as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar Hollywood Bowl production

Adam Lambert is voicing strong support for Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl’s three-night production of Jesus Christ Superstar, saying the musical was always meant to provoke and challenge audiences.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Lambert—who plays Judas in the production—said he is “excited” to present a version of Christ led by a “female, Black” performer. “Cynthia’s brilliant,” he said. “Her voice, presence, and simultaneous power and vulnerability absolutely blow my mind, and working with her has been a dream.”

Casting a queer, Black woman in the role of Christ has drawn some pushback, but Lambert sees it as an opportunity to rethink traditional portrayals. “I’m excited by the challenge of presenting the audience with a production led by a female, Black Jesus and encourage the audience to expand their minds a bit,” he told Billboard. “Originally utilizing rock and roll, Jesus Christ Superstar is supposed to provoke and challenge—that’s the point. And shouldn’t the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?”

Erivo also addressed the criticism in a separate Billboard interview in June, responding with humor: “Why not? You can’t please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off. So hopefully they will come and realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth.’”

The production also features Milo Manheim, Raúl Esparza, and Phillipa Soo. John Stamos joined the cast at the last minute, replacing Josh Gad, who had to withdraw due to a COVID-related complication. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, the show is conducted and music-directed by Tony and Grammy winner Stephen Oremus.

The event, running August 1–3, reflects a growing movement in modern theater to reimagine classic works through more inclusive casting and storytelling.