Alicia Keys as Aida?

[broadway86]

Posted: 5/26/04 at 11:36pm

NO, she is NOT going to be playing the role, but I was watching one of her concerts of on AOL Broadband, and I was blown away. She has been around for a while now, and I just realized what a beautiful and soulful voice she has. She would be ideal for the role of Aida. She certainly has the range and power to handle it (they wouldn't have to lower the score). She's also apparantly an actress and is auditioning for a major film role of some kind.

I know some of you are opposed to the idea of having a pop star on Broadway, but... why wouldn't you want her? Too bad the show's closing in September. She would have been great.

Anyway, just a thought.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/26/04 at 11:46pm

My vote for a fabulous Aida is still Lauryn Hill. Maybe we'll get lucky and Disney will do a made-for-tv version

Love,
Joshie

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 5/26/04 at 11:47pm

I'm totally all for Alicia Keys as Aida. Although I was watching LaToya and Tamyra on American Idol and I thought their voices and "look" seems right for the role, too.

Harder, even, is seeing what pop star/actor would be good for Radames!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/26/04 at 11:51pm

Okay, if we're playing the pop-star game ...
I think I'd love to see Nick Lachey as Radames and Jessica Simpson as Amneris (alongside Lauryn)...

Love,
Joshie

[crp2000]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 8:44am

I love Alicia Keys, but vocally she would not be able to pull off the role of AIDA - though she'd probably sound better than Michelle & Toni did. Lauryn Hill - I could definitely see her in the role...especially if it's made for television.
Jessica Simpson would be an ideal Amneris...this i've said since 2001.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 11:49am

Keys doesn't have the range. And she's a bit too hot right now to have to be on B'way.

[wickedrawbrt]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 11:50am

I totally agree Al Dente. I think the same of Jessica Simpson. She just bugs me and I don't know why (or even have a good reason for it).

[rocketman]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 11:56am

I don't think Alicia has the voice or acting skills for Aida. And Jessica Simpson as Amneris? That girl is such a mess when she sings live (well, when she sings, period). I'm feeling queasy just thinking about it. :S

[wickedrawbrt]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 12:39pm

"That girl is such a mess when she sings live (well, when she sings, period)"

Wow...couldn't have said it better myself.

[broadway86]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 2:37pm

Wow...

I strongly disagree about Simpson. I think she is a tremendous belter. It's funny that some say that she would be a great Amneris, as I posted the same thought a while ago.

Anyway, after listening to Keys sing again, I still feel strongly about her in that role. I think she can handle it.

[crp2000]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 3:03pm

LOL! Yeah - Jessica can be a bit much to watch perform live...however her voice is still beautiful and strong.

[wickedrawbrt]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 3:07pm

I'm sure she'll be great as Daisy in the "Dukes of Hazzard" movie. But I think even the rather one dimensional characters in "Aida" would be too much for her. I hate to be a "hater" but I can't help it.

[rocketman]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 3:18pm

Hmmmm...Maybe I need to listen to Jessica again. I keep getting the sound and image of her Divas Live performances in my head, and they scare me. I remember she was just totally out of control, screaming off-key and bobbing her head all over and just making me regret digital cable and surround sound.

But if we want to talk dream casting, I would love to see Jennifer Hudson as Aida.

[crp2000]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 3:36pm

I like Jennifer Hudson also....however, I'd rather see Latoya London as AIDA!!

[wickedrawbrt]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 3:39pm

Yes...Right on. Latoya should take it on. We could do an all American Idol cast. Clay as Radames and Kelly C. as Amneris. LOL. Sorry for all that, but Latoya would be fierce.

[crp2000]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 4:25pm

Yeah - we'll definitely be hearing more from Latoya...too bad AIDA's ending and she won't be able to tackle it.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 5/27/04 at 4:30pm

I would almost be willing to bet money we'll see LaToya show up in a touring or local professional production of AIDA. I even seem to recall Simon commenting that he would cast her as Aida. AMT San Jose just had Frenchie Davis in Dreamgirls, so you never know what'll happen!