Cynthia Erivo’s controversial casting as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar has moved from divisive headlines to full-blown backlash, as footage of her performance at the Hollywood Bowl went viral this weekend.

As Cynthia Erivo channels the Christian Messiah, her Judas is coming to her defense. Ahead of this weekend’s star-studded Jesus Christ Superstar concert at Hollywood Bowl, Adam Lambert defended the casting of Erivo in the eponymous biblical role,

Adam Lambert has said Cynthia Erivo's performance as Jesus Christ Superstar was "supposed to provoke and challenge" the audience. The acclaimed rock singer spoke in an interview with Billboard about Cynthia's three-show run as the titular character in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical.