Motown's Valisia LeKae on Why Playing Diana Ross Makes Her Feel Like 'the Luckiest Girl in the World'
Get ready, ‘cause here they come! Broadway.com is taking a deep dive into some of the musical icons who grace the stage in Motown: The Musical, which charts the life of Motown mogul Berry Gordy. Our Legends of Motown series continues with leading lady Valisia LeKae, who steps into the high heels of singing icon Diana Ross. This Supreme star's chart-topping records are one of the major elements of in Motown—along with her tumultuous relationship with Gordy himself. Read on as LeKae gets real about Ross!
Name: Valisia LeKae
Age & Hometown: Depends on the role; Memphis, TN
Role: Diana Ross
First/fondest memory of your icon: First: playing her records in my home and my grandfather's barber/beauty shop. Fondest: watching her television specials.
Favorite song sung by your icon: It depends on the day.
Monday: “Love Child”
Tuesday: “I Hear a Symphony”
Wednesday: “The Happening”
Thursday: “Stop in the Name of Love”
Friday: “Where Did Our Love Go”
Saturday: “Come See About Me”
Sunday: “My World is Empty”
What does it mean to you to be playing your icon? It means that I get to do what I love eight shows a week! She's such an amazing entertainer, actress and singer—it truly is an honor.
Most surprising fact you learned about your icon: That she, too, wanted to be a dancer when she was younger, and that she also recites Psalm 23.
Hardest thing about playing your icon: Berry Gordy. (LOL)
Easiest thing about playing your icon: Berry Gordy! (LOL) And also wearing the clothes. ESosa has designed some amazing costumes. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
Which of your icon’s songs do you sing in the show? “Stop in the Name of Love,” “Where Did Our Love Go,” “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You,” “I Hear a Symphony” and many more…can’t give it all away!
If you could meet your icon, what would you say to her? Thank you!
One word to describe your icon: Captivating.
Click here for more Legends of Motown profiles!
