The 'About Damn Time' hitmaker has landed the lead role in an upcoming movie about the life and career of the iconic late musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
- Mar 25, 2025
AceShowbiz - Lizzo is set to take on a transformative role, playing the legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Amazon MGM Studios' new biopic, "Rosetta". At 36, the "Truth Hurts" superstar will embody the seminal gospel singer who paved the way for rock n' roll.
In an upcoming biographical film, Amazon MGM Studios is delving into the life of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, often hailed as "the Godmother of rock and roll." The film is inspired by true events and aims to capture a pivotal period in Tharpe's life, highlighting her groundbreaking innovation and defiant passion.
Without Tharpe, there would be no rock n' roll. Her influence spans decades and includes music legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Johnny Cash.
The screenplay is being written by Natalie Chaidez ("The Flight Attendant, "Queen of the South") and Kwynn Perry ("Tigerbelles", "The Burned Photo"). Kevin Beisler, Nina Yang Bongiovi, and Forest Whitaker of Significant Productions will produce this endeavor.
The biopic promises to explore Tharpe's journey through societal constraints and secret love, ultimately showcasing how she transformed a wedding into one of the most legendary concerts in history- the first stadium show. Lizzo, known for her musical talents and vibrant persona, seems like the ideal candidate to bring Tharpe's story to life.
Lizzo's acclaim is well-deserved. In 2023, she made history as the first Black woman to win Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards since 1994 for her hit "About Damn Time." Her chart-topping single “Truth Hurts” became the longest-running No.1 by a solo female rap artist ever.
She also headlined an Emmy-nominated HBO special, "Lizzo: Live In Concert", and produced and starred in the multi-Emmy Award-winning Amazon MGM Studios reality TV show, "Watch Out For the Big Grrrls". Additionally, Lizzo starred in the 2019 film "Hustlers" and was the focus of the 2022 HBO Max documentary "Love, Lizzo".
Significant Productions, run by Bongiovi and Whitaker, is known for its culturally significant works and diversified representation. They have been behind numerous critically acclaimed films and television shows, and their mission aligns with bringing Tharpe's trailblazing story to the screen.
As Lizzo gears up for her role in Rosetta, she also continues to expand her musical repertoire, recently releasing new singles "Still Bad" and "Love In Real Life" from her forthcoming fifth full-length album.
