Lizzo is set to take on her first leading role in Rosetta, a biopic about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the trailblazing musician known as the "Godmother of Rock & Roll." In addition to starring in the Amazon MGM Studios project, the Grammy-winning artist will produce alongside Kevin Beisler, Nina Yang Bongiovi, and Forest Whitaker, Entertainment Weekly has confirmed.
A groundbreaking performer, Tharpe gained fame in the 1930s as a gospel singer and guitarist, influencing legends such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, where she was recognized as "the first guitar heroine of rock & roll."
Lizzo celebrated the news on social media, expressing her excitement and honor to portray Tharpe. She also highlighted the role of Black artists in shaping rock music, writing, "Black people made rock & roll yeaaaah."
The Truth Hurts singer has steadily built her acting resume with roles in Hustlers, The Mandalorian, and voice work on The Simpsons.
This announcement comes as Lizzo prepares to release her new album, Love in Real Life, which she recently finished recording. She is also set to perform as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on April 12, hosted by Jon Hamm.
Source: Entertainment Weekly