When the announcement first dropped that Cynthia Erivo would be playing Jesus and Adam Lambert would be playing Judas, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. It was one of those rare moments where two of the most technically gifted vocalists on the planet were set to face off in a rock opera that demands every ounce of lung capacity a human can possess.
People were skeptical. Some were even mad. But mostly, everyone just wanted to know if they could actually pull off Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl without the whole thing turning into a giant riff-off.
The Controversy That Preceded the Show
Honestly, the backlash was predictable but still kinda exhausting. When you cast a queer Black woman to play the most famous man in history, certain corners of the internet are going to lose their minds. A few religious figures called it "blasphemy." Others just didn't get the vision.
Adam Lambert didn't stay quiet about it, though. In August 2025, just before the show opened, he went on the record defending the casting. He told reporters that the whole point of Jesus Christ Superstar—originally a 1970s rock concept album—was to "provoke and challenge." He argued that the teachings of Jesus should transcend gender. Basically, he told the critics to expand their minds a bit. It set a spicy tone for the production.
That Gethsemane Moment Everyone is Talking About
If you weren't among the 17,000 people sitting in the stands at the Bowl, you probably saw the grainy phone footage on TikTok. Cynthia Erivo didn't just sing "Gethsemane"; she dismantled it.
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Most actors play Jesus as a stoic figure, but Cynthia played him (or her, in this context) as someone deeply, humanly terrified. She was visibly panicking during the leper scenes. By the time she hit the climax of "Gethsemane," she wasn't just hitting a high note; she was having a breakdown. The audience gave her a standing ovation before she even finished the song. It was one of those "I was there" moments in theater history.
Adam Lambert as the Ultimate Judas
Then there’s Adam. Fresh off his run as the Emcee in Cabaret on Broadway, he brought a totally different energy. While Cynthia was internal and emotional, Adam was pure, explosive rock star.
He released a studio version of "Heaven on Their Minds" with Andrew Lloyd Webber right as the show opened, which was a smart move. In the live show, his Judas was arrogant, frustrated, and loud. The guy hits high D's like he’s just clearing his throat. There’s a specific kind of chemistry between these two—they aren't just "frenemies" on stage; they are vocal titans trying to out-sing the afterlife.
Is a Broadway Transfer Actually Happening?
This is the big question everyone is Googling right now. The Hollywood Bowl run was only three nights (August 1–3, 2025). That's it. Three nights for a production that featured:
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- Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene
- Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate
- Josh Gad as King Herod
- Milo Manheim as Peter
Rumors are flying that Andrew Lloyd Webber wants to move this to Madison Square Garden or a massive arena in Brooklyn for a limited engagement in late 2026.
The scheduling is the nightmare part. Cynthia is booked solid with the Wicked press tour—since part two of the movie is the focal point of her 2025/2026—and she’s reportedly attached to a Dracula project in London. Adam is constantly juggling his solo work and Queen duties. However, industry insiders suggest that because the Hollywood Bowl production was "staged concert style" rather than a full Broadway book show, it's easier to mount for a short, high-priced run in New York.
Why This Pair Works So Well
They’ve actually done this before, which most people forget. Back in 2020, they performed a virtual duet of "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" for the Carousel of Hope Ball. Even through a screen, the blend was insane.
What makes the Adam Lambert and Cynthia Erivo connection special is their shared history with Wicked.
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- Cynthia is now the definitive cinematic Elphaba.
- Adam actually started his career in the Wicked ensemble and played Fiyero in the Los Angeles company long before American Idol.
They both speak the same language of "theatrical rock." They know how to use grit and growl without losing the melody. In a world of whisper-singing and Auto-Tune, seeing two people just belt for two hours is refreshing.
How to Catch Up if You Missed It
Since there is no official pro-shot (yet), fans are relying on the "bootleg" culture of social media. Searching for "Cynthia Erivo Gethsemane Hollywood Bowl" or "Adam Lambert Superstar 2025" on YouTube will get you about 90% of the way there.
If you're looking for the high-quality stuff, listen to Adam’s "Heaven on Their Minds" single. It’s the closest thing we have to a cast recording of this specific iteration.
What you should do next:
If you want to keep tabs on the rumored 2026 transfer, follow Sergio Trujillo and Stephen Oremus on social media. They were the director and musical director for the Bowl production, and they usually drop the first hints when a show is getting "put back on its feet" for a New York run. Also, keep an eye on the 2026 Tony Awards schedule; if Cynthia and Adam are performing a "special segment," it’s almost a guaranteed confirmation that a bigger production is in the works.