New Cynthia Erivo-Led ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Spurs Huge Gains for Prior Cast Albums Through the Decades

New Cynthia Erivo-Led ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Spurs Huge Gains for Prior Cast Albums Through the Decades

This week's Trending Up looks at gains for old 'Jesus Christ Superstar' soundtracks after the new Cynthia Erivo-led production at the Hollywood Bowl.

‘This is Demonic’: Cynthia Erivo’s Portrayal of Jesus Sparks Intense Outrage

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” has always drawn criticism for its blasphemous interpretation of Scripture, but this latest iteration — a three-night performance with “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo portraying Jesus — has, according to some, crossed into the realm of the “demonic.” Erivo, a 38-year-old woman, identifies as a queer bisexual and is a strong advocate of non-binary identities despite claiming to be Catholic, telling Elle …

The evolution of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Unless you have been rock-bound over the last few weeks – or avoiding all social media, which in 2025 amounts to much the same – you can scarcely have missed the controversy over the recent three-night gala staging of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. Jesus, you see, is not played by a white man, as is customary, but Cynthia Erivo, the Wicked star who is black, female and queer. This ha…

Internet Responds to 'Wicked' Actress Portrayal of Jesus in Musical

Internet reacts to Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Jesus in 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.

‘Intentional Blasphemy’: Internet Reacts To Cynthia Erivo As Jesus In ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

Several clips of actress Cynthia Erivo performing as Jesus Christ in the stage production “Jesus Christ Superstar” have been circulating online, with many viewers taking a negative view of that particular casting decision.The “Wicked” actress played the role in the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice 1971 rock opera — opposite “American Idol” contestant Adam Lambert, who played Judas Iscariot — for a three day showcase at the Hollywood Bowl.…

Watch a New First Look Featurette for WICKED: FOR GOOD

In honor of "Wicked Wednesday," Universal has dropped a brand-new behind-the-scenes first look at the highly anticipated conclusion of the big-screen adaptation. In the featurette, cast members Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, along with director Jon M. Chu, discuss the movie and the evolution of the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. "They realize that what they had in film one can never come back again and what they have to move into is somet…