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Trae Patton/NBCJohn Legend had plenty to celebrate this year: He played Jesus and Santa Claus, and became an EGOT.
The singer’s first big move of 2018 was starring in the title role of NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, which aired on Easter Sunday. It was his first lead TV role, and led to a truly historic “first” at the Emmys in September.
When Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert was named Outstanding Variety Special, Legend won an Emmy as one of the show’s co-producers. That made him the first black man to achieve EGOT status: He’s now won the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. In addition to the Emmy, he has 10 Grammys, a Tony for co-producing Jitney in 2017, and an Oscar for his song “Glory,” which appeared in the 2014 movie Selma.
John was also nominated for an Emmy for his acting in the Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, but lost that to Darren Criss.
After that triumph, Legend announced his first ever holiday album, A Legendary Christmas, and a holiday tour. The 14-track effort featured executive production from Raphael Saadiq and guests including Stevie Wonder. The single “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” featuring Esperanza Spalding, topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Legend followed that by starring in an NBC Christmas TV special, along with his wife Chrissy Teigenand guests including Darren Criss, Meghan Trainor, Stevie Wonder, Kim Kardashian West, Retta and Awkwafina. He also announced he’d be joining NBC’s The Voice in the spring of 2019 as a coach.
And on the personal side, in May, John and Chrissy welcomed their second child, Miles, who joined big sister Luna in the Legend/Teigen clan.
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