Alexandra Burke has described playing Chaka Khan in the new biographical musical I'm Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical as a 'privilege' and 'the hardest role I think I'll ever do'. The 37-year-old singer, who won The X Factor in 2008, leads the production that charts the Queen of Funk's journey to stardom, her civil rights activism, battles with addiction, and pressures as a working mother.
Burke's Excitement and Nerves
Speaking at a preview of the show, Burke told the Press Association she 'still can't believe' she was cast as Khan. 'It is a pinch-me moment, full stop, and it is a privilege to be able to play her. I feel really, really lucky and really blessed,' she said. Despite being a long-time fan – she auditioned for The X Factor with a Khan song – Burke admitted she 'had to be convinced' to try out due to nerves and 'struggling with self-belief'. Khan herself 'made the call and asked me to come in' during the audition process.
Khan's Story Resonates Today
Burke said Khan's story 'still resonates' and will 'inspire and move people' while shocking audiences with her life experiences. 'For me personally, as a black woman within the music industry, there's so many challenges that I've had to face, and things that I've had to learn to kind of brush under the carpet or just accept as a black woman and move on,' she explained. 'Her story shows you that you can go through things and you can come out the other side. But you have to stick up for yourself, you have to do what's right for you and have good people around you.'
Advice from Chaka Khan
Burke revealed how 'helpful' Khan was during rehearsals and shared advice from the Grammy-winner: 'She said, “Open your mouth and sing, don't even care what you look like – you could just look ugly, just sing the tune, love”. So that's what I'm going to do.'
About Chaka Khan and the Musical
Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens, rose to fame with funk band Rufus in the 1970s before a successful solo career. The 73-year-old has had one UK number one single, four top 10 tracks, and 11 Grammy Awards, with hits including I'm Every Woman, Ain't Nobody, and Higher Love. Burke has forged a successful music and theatre career since winning The X Factor, with three UK number one singles and a chart-topping album, plus West End roles in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Chicago, and the UK tour of The Addams Family.
Show Details
I'm Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical opened at the Peacock Theatre in London earlier this year and will play at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre for a limited summer run from July 22 to September 27.
