Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
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United States Alex Newell is a versatile actor and singer, known for their powerful performances on screen and stage, and their groundbreaking achievements as an openly non-binary artist.
Provided feature vocals for the re-issued version of 'Stronger' in 2015, a song for their re-release of their album New Eyes.
Collaborated with the British electro duo Blonde in 2015, featuring vocals in their single 'All Cried Out.'
Collaborated with the US electro duo The Knocks on the song 'Collect My Love' from their EP 'So Classic,' which was also included in their debut album '55' in March 2016.
Alex Newell was signed by Atlantic Records in an exclusive deal to work with the show's executive music producer, Adam Anders, on his Deep Well Records imprint. This signing was significant for their music career following their success on 'Glee.'
Alex Newell was born on August 20, 1992, in Lynn, Massachusetts. Their early life included attending Kipp Lynn Academy and later graduating from Bishop Fenwick High School in 2012. Throughout their schooling, Newell was actively involved in both their school and church choirs, showcasing early musical talent without official voice lessons. They credit artists such as Donna Summer, Sylvester, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Beyoncé as significant influences on their musical style. Newell’s career began with an audition video submission in 2011 for the first season of Oxygen’s “The Glee Project,” a competition offering a role on “Glee.” Despite finishing as a runner-up, the show’s producers were so impressed by their talent that they were offered a two-episode guest role on “Glee.”
Newell’s impactful portrayal of Wade “Unique” Adams, a transgender teenager, on “Glee” led to their promotion to a main cast member from the fourth season onward, appearing in a total of 43 episodes between 2012 and 2015. Their performance was noted for its boldness and powerful vocals. In addition to their acting career, Newell signed with Big Beat Records in 2013, releasing their debut EP, “Power,” in 2016, which featured collaborations with notable artists and producers like Clean Bandit, Blonde, The Knocks, Diane Warren, Nile Rodgers, and MNEK. This period also saw them perform at major music festivals including Coachella and Governors Ball, as well as various LGBTQ+ events and pride festivals.
Newell’s stage career began in 2017 with their Broadway debut as Asaka in “Once on This Island.” They later took on the role of Mo in NBC’s musical dramedy “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” (2020-2021) and reprised the role for “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas” in 2021. Their most significant achievement in theater came in 2023 with their role as Lulu in the musical comedy “Shucked” on Broadway. For this performance, Newell won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, making history as one of the first openly non-binary actors to win a Tony. This accomplishment was further recognized when they were named TIME’s 2023 Breakthrough Person of the Year. Newell continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, performing at benefit concerts for organizations like The Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign.
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