Gospel legend Yolanda Adams has made her Broadway debut!

The four-time Grammy winner stepped into the role of Miss Liza Jane in Alicia Keys’ Tony-winning musical, “Hell’s Kitchen.” The role, a pivotal teacher and mentor to the show’s teenage protagonist Ali, was originated by Tony winner Kecia Lewis; Adams will alternate the part with Lewis through Dec. 13 and is scheduled to continue performing the role into January 2026.

After the performance, Keys brought Adams onstage for a brief interview, and Adams beamed as she described the moment as a long-held ambition realized. “First of all, I’m grateful, Amen, all that dancing made me feel younger,” Adams responded when asked by Keys how she felt after the debut. “I have to thank you for taking a chance and saying think about it, and I’ve always thought about it, and I tried it, and I love it!”

“Performing on Broadway has always been a dream of mine,” Adams said in a statement. “Growing up a musician, Miss Liza Jane reminds me of a wonderful mentor that blessed my life immensely. Alicia Keys has crafted an amazing story that exemplifies how we are all connected in one way or another. This show feels like home!”

Keys praised the casting and said she was “beyond excited to welcome one of the greats across the globe, Yolanda Adams, to the Hell’s Kitchen family,” and noted Adams’ “singular, extraordinary voice and undeniable presence” would add power and emotion to the role.

The production’s creative team, including the music supervisor, Adam Blackstone, director Michael Greif, choreographer Camille A. Brown and book writer Kristoffer Diaz all position “Hell’s Kitchen” as an intersection of pop, gospel, and theatre.

Adams’ addition is culturally resonant. She is a gospel luminary and seeing her crossover into Broadway is evidence that musical traditions continue to shape mainstream theatre and engage new audiences. Her casting brings devoted gospel fans to the theatre and highlights Broadway’s expanding embrace of artists who bridge sacred and secular stages. And for Adams, it’s clear the role is personal. 

Adams continues to show fans on social media how she prepares for each show with a few essentials like lashes, soursop drops, raw honey, and Lays potato chips. The songstress is obviously a professional and will be taking this role as seriously as she’s taken her sparkling gospel career. Congratulations to Yolanda Adams for expanding her undeniable talents!