This weekend, Cynthia Erivo starred as Black lesbian Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl performance of Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Adam Lambert, Phillipa Soo, and more. It was a gay-ass rock opera adventure, and I personally can’t stop watching clips of it. I was curious about what they would do, if Cynthia would be in drag, or if they would change the lyrics…but they did neither! Cynthia Erivo was in a dress for most of the show, and none of the lyrics were changed, including when Phillipa Soo serenaded and embraced Cynthia Erivo as Mary Magdalene during “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”

I do hope they release more official videos soon, but for now I am living for the TikTok clips of Cynthia and Phillipa having INCREDIBLE chemistry, especially during “What’s the Buzz.” This is my new religion.

Despite the considerable size difference between Adam Lambert and Cynthia Erivo (she really is so wee, and his platform boots didn’t help), their voices were matched in power and passion as they led us through the musical. Despite the casting being “gender blind”, I do believe this casting was still very specific, especially in light of recent events (including but definitely not limited to the Kennedy Center’s recent homophobic mandates), and there’s something really special about seeing two loud and proud queer people taking these specific roles right now. As Playbill pointed out, with this particular duo, “Some lyrics hit differently, like when the Roman leaders repeatedly called Jesus ‘dangerous’ and Judas urged Jesus to be more cautious: ‘They only need a small excuse to put us all away.’” And any conservative who takes issue with it never really paid attention to the original musical in the first place, which has always been anachronistic and critical of the way people interpret what they themselves purport to be Jesus’s message.

The performance also included theater legend Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate, with John Stamos and Josh Gad splitting the role of King Herod.

Check out Cynthia Erivo singing as Jesus here:

And Phillipa Soo singing about being in love with her here:

What’s the Buzz, Tell Me What’s A-Happening

+ The Hunting Wives could have had a buried gay, based on its source material, but showrunner Rebecca Cutter wasn’t having it (also it could have a season 2!)

+ On the opposite end of the spectrum, despite being a show about people being unable to die, SYFY’s Revival still managed to bury a gay

+ Doechii performed at Lollapalooza and announced she’s going on tour this October

+ Don’t let the haters tell you otherwise: I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) was a damn BLAST to watch if you’re a fan of the original movies, and also there are queer characters this time around, including a character whose casting call must have said “Reneé Rapp energy” and you will never convince me otherwise)

+ The Buccaneers is soaring to the top of the streaming charts

+ Jinkx Monsoon came out to Ziwe (and all of us) as pansexual

+ ICYMI, Reneé Rapp AND Chappell Roan released new music last week

+ And of course, with new Reneé Rapp music comes more Reneé Rapp chaotic press coverage

+ But don’t expect a full album from Chappell Roan anytime soon

+ Trans sitcom The Switch, starring Nyla Rose, will be available for free soon, giving the short-lived show new life

Before you go! Autostraddle runs on the reader support of our AF+ Members. If this article meant something to you today — if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen, will you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?

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If you fancy yourself a movie buff or just a lover a cinema, then you already know there are arguably more films out there than hairs on our head. But, that doesn’t mean all of them are going to be good to watch or worth your time. So how do you decide which ones to press play on or which ones to skip?

Video will return here when scrolled back into view

Dominique Thorne Reveals Why She Almost Passed on Ironheart

Dominique Thorne Reveals Why She Almost Passed on Ironheart

Well, lucky for you, we’ve decided to help you out but rounding up a handful of our favorite Black celebs to get their insight on what some of their favorite movies are. We’re talking picks from esteemed directors like Ryan Coogler and Gina Prince-Bythewood and megastars like Cynthia Erivo, Gabrielle Union and more. And believe us when we tell you, some of their decisions will definitely throw you for a loop and surprise you.

So, grab a drink and a snack, and get ready to get enlightened! Trust us, by the end of this, your “What to Watch” list will get a whole lot better. Keep reading to get into the goodness!

Ryan Coogler’s Favorite Films

During his episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Black Panther” director selected his five favorite films: “Seven Samurai,” “Thief,” “Late Spring,” “Malcolm X,” and “Love Jones.”

Janelle Monae’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Float” singer selected her five favorite films, specifically horror related: “The Blob,” “Eraserhead,” “1984,” “Brazil,” and “Night of the Living Dead.”

Ayo Edebiri’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, “The Bear” actress selected her five favorite films: “High and Low,” “Charade,” “Bottle Rocket,” “Thief,” “The Funeral,” “To Sleep With Anger,” and Eyimofe (This Is My Desire.)”

Cynthia Erivo’s Favorite Films

Speaking to Letterboxd at the premiere of “Wicked,” Erivo listed out her four favorite films: “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Ms. Harris Goes to Paris,” ” Chocolat,” and “Eve’s Bayou.”

John David Washington’s Favorite Films

During John David’s visit to the Criterion Closet, his favorite films were: “Menace II Society,” “Faces,” “Rumble in the Bronx,” “Malcolm X,” “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.”

Lashana Lynch’s Favorite Films

Speaking at the premiere for her film “Bob Marley: One Love” back in 2024, Lynch shared her four favorite films directed by Black filmmakers: “Waiting to Exhale,” “The Woman King,” “Love & Basketball,” and “Moonlight.”

Zoe Kravitz’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Blink Twice” director selected her five favorite films: “Paris Is Burning,” “The Vanishing,” “A Woman Under the Influence,” “The Killing,” “Moonstruck,” “Thelma and Louis,” and “Midnight Cowboy.”

Questlove’s Favorite Films

During Questlove’s visit to the Criterion Closet, his favorite films were: “Beastie Boys Anthology,” “Black Orpheus,” “The Complete Monterey Pop Festival,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Gimme Shelter,” and “Bamboozled.”

Lee Daniels’ Favorite Films

During Lee Daniels’ visit to the Criterion Closet, the favorite films he selected were: “Spartucus,” “The Piano,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Claudine,” “Female Trouble,” “Querelle,” “Pickup on South Street,” “8 1/2,” and “Essential Fellini.”

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Love & Basketball” director selected a handful of her favorite films such as: “Devil in a Blue Dress,” “Claudine,” “A Dry White Season,” “In the Mood for Love,” “Broadcast News,” “Fish Tank,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” “An Actor’s Revenge” and more.

Kerry Washington’s Favorite Films

Speaking with Letterboxd back in March, the “Shadow Force” star shared her four favorite films: “When Harry Met Sally,” “Malcolm X,” “Hoop Dreams,” and “Django Unchained.”

Gabrielle Union’s Favorite Films

Speaking in an interview for Rotten Tomatoes, the “Being Mary Jane” star shared her four favorite films: “Grease,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “Life,” “Boomerang,” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

Happy New Music Friday! The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer — and ET has you covered for everything in between.

BET Awards 2025 will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on June 9. Ledisi and Keyshia Cole have been added as performers and Elmiene and Ravyn Lenae will grace the BET Amplified Stage. Pre-show performers include Lil’ Kim, 803 Fresh, Gelo, Honey Bxby, Jordan Adetunji, Laila!, Larry June, Mario, Moliy, Rob49, Shop Boyz, Spice, The Alchemist, Trillian and Ying Yang Twins.

Cardi B will be receiving the ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award at the 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards on June 8 in Los Angeles. This award is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture to recognize their success as creators and changemakers. The annual event will celebrate ASCAP’s top music creators at the crossroads of music, art and culture. 

Madonna announced the long-rumored project Veronica Electronica, featuring rare and unreleased remixes from her album Ray of Light. The project will arrive July 25 and the beloved deep cut “Skin (The Collaboration Remix Edit)” is out now. Veronica Electronica, an eight-track companion to Ray of Light, was originally envisioned by Madonna as a remix album in 1998. The project was ultimately sidelined by the original album’s runaway success. More than 25 years later, that long-rumored concept is finally coming to life. The collection features newly edited versions of club remixes by Peter Rauhofer, William Orbit, Sasha, BT and Victoria Calderone, along with the original demo of “Gone, Gone, Gone.”

iHeartMedia announced the lineup for the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival Presented by Capital One. The two-day main stage event hosted by Ryan Seacrest will take place September 19 and 20 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will feature performances by Bryan Adams, Ed Sheeran, Feid, GloRilla, Jelly Roll, John Fogerty, Justice, Lil Wayne, LL COOL J, Mariah Carey, Maroon 5, Sammy Hagar, Tate McRae, The Offspring, Tim McGraw and more.

The Latin Recording Academy announced that Raphael will be the 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. He will be honored for his more than six-decade career as a multifaceted singer and performer. Raphael will be celebrated at a special gala on November 12 in Las Vegas featuring a tribute concert and star-studded lineup of singers and friends.

Ashlee Simpson will headline Voltaire at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas on August 29 and 30. Her show, I Am Me will include performances of her hits like “Pieces of Me,” “La La” and “Boyfriend.” Ashlee shared, “I’m so excited to take the stage in such a stunning space like Voltaire and have the opportunity to perform up close and personal with my fans.”

Old Dominion announced their new album, Barbara will be out August 22. The 13 songs will explore what it means to be positive and to own your place in the world without denying reality. ET’s Nischelle Turner and Rachel Smith sat down with the band at their bar in Nashville, Odie’s, where they opened up about their new album and tour.

Plus, new music from Cynthia Erivo, Mariah Carey, Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter, Lil Wayne, Addison Rae, Rita Ora, Rascal Flatts, Finn Wolfhard and more!

“Skin (The Collaboration Remix Edit)” – Madonna

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Type Dangerous” – Mariah Carey

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

I Forgive You – Cynthia Erivo

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Sapphire” – Ed Sheeran

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Tha Carter VI – Lil Wayne

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Ecstasy (Remix)” – Ciara, Teyana Taylor, Normani

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Addison – Addison Rae

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Heat” – Rita Ora

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“God Went Crazy” – Teddy Swims

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets – Rascal Flatts

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“The Little Mess You Made” – The Favors

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Happy Birthday – Finn Wolfhard

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“All In” – Ty Dolla $ign

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“ALL I WANT IS YOU” – The Kid LAROI

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“I Ain’t Worried About It” – Zac Brown Band

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Boy” – FLETCHER

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“W.O.W. (Wild Ol’ Woman)” – Rita Wilson

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

I Think We’re Lost – Devers

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

DESIRE: UNLEASH – ENHYPEN

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“The Land of Milk and Honey” – BUSH

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Forni” – Rauw Alejandro with Clarent

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Murda” – Lil Yachty

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Vendetta” – Huddy

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Father Figure – Jon Bellion

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Here Again” – Alexander Stewart

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Fight Like A Girl” – Evanescence feat K.Flay

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Explorer” – Dora Jar

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

WALK THIS ROAD – The Doobie Brothers

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

PRINCESS OF POWER – MARINA

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“George F****** Strait” – Laci Kaye Booth

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Fall in Love with Her – Sabrina Claudio

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Dodge a Bullet” – Corey Kent

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Snuff” – Badflower

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Bodyology – Snow Wife

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify