Singer and former American Idol star Adam Lambert has been cast as Judas Iscariot in a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl—opposite a female, bisexual Jesus.
Lambert, 43, rose to fame in 2009 on Season 8 of American Idol and has since built a career known as much for his powerful vocals as for his bold LGBTQ+ advocacy. The casting announcement via the Hollywood Bowl’s official Instagram, sparking immediate buzz—and controversy.
The upcoming production, set to run August 1–3, features Cynthia Erivo in the role of Jesus. Erivo, a Black British actress who identifies as bisexual, is best known for her work in Wicked and previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of Superstar in 2020. Her casting as Christ drew criticism earlier this year, with Pastor John K. Amanchukwu Sr. labeling the decision “blasphemy” and claiming Erivo was “too bald, brown and bi” to play Jesus.
Now, with Lambert stepping into the role of Judas, concerns from Christian viewers are escalating. Many critics point to the show’s longstanding reputation for theological controversy. Since its Broadway debut in 1971, Jesus Christ Superstar—written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice—has drawn fire for portraying Judas in a sympathetic light and omitting Christ’s resurrection entirely.
The musical focuses on the final week of Jesus’ life, as seen largely through Judas’ eyes. While often praised for its music, many faith leaders have taken issue with what they consider a revisionist—and even irreverent—retelling of the Gospel narrative.
Lambert, who once described his religious beliefs as “Aquarius” and has openly rejected traditional faith norms, made his Broadway debut last year playing the gender-bending Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. He has long been vocal about facing homophobia in the entertainment industry and said he leaned into his identity in response. “I decided I’m going to be as gay as I [expletive] can be,” Lambert told Entertainment Weekly.
Despite the star power attached to this limited-run production, many Christians are voicing concerns over what they see as a continued effort to secularize or distort sacred stories. Some question whether casting decisions are being made more for cultural shock value than artistic or spiritual integrity.
While the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl leadership have praised the production as “world-class” and “one-of-a-kind,” believers are left asking: At what cost to the Gospel?
As the production approaches, the tension between artistic expression and reverence for Christian belief is once again taking center stage.
