Cynthia Erivo Talks ‘Genius: Aretha’ New Mini-Series | WATCH

*The third season of National Geographic’s “Genius” focuses on the utterly talented, singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist, Aretha Franklin. Aretha will be portrayed by Emmy Award, Tony Award and Grammy Award winning actress, Cynthia Erivo, in ‘Genius: Aretha.

EUR correspondent Briana Wright, spoke to Erivo about the significance of playing this role and her plans to continue to impact the industry and the community; much like Aretha.

“I heard Aretha when I was about 9 years old and something hit me in my chest…and I knew at that age that I wanted to sing,” expressed the actress.

National Geographic/ Richard DuCree
Aretha Franklin, played by Cynthia Erivo, performs in a small club in New York City. (Credit: National Geographic/Richard DuCree)

As Franklin grew into a success, she still faced challenges as a woman of color in the entertainment industry. Erivo feels playing the role of Aretha has encouraged her to push forward. “As a Black woman in this industry, you’re constantly sort of, fighting to be appreciated in the right way…and I guess, working through this was really inspiring and just inspired me to keep going, keep fighting…”

MORE NEWS: Michael B. Jordan to Make Directorial Debut with ‘Creed III’

Similar to Franklin, Erivo plans to use her platform to serve a greater purpose and she’s doing that with her new production company, Edith’s Daughter.

“The goal is to tell the stories of us, Black women, in spaces that we’re not usually seen and to normalize the experiences that we have, even though, often, they’re skipped over.”

On top of her production company, she will be releasing a children’s book this summer along with her debut album. She aspires to have her own school for the arts, potentially a clothing line, and a sports line.

The sky’s the limit for Erivo! In the meantime, catch her in the new season of “‘Genius: Aretha” premiering on Sunday, March 21st at 9/8c on National Geographic.

National Geographic GENIUS: ARETHA

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

Sabrina Morrissey - Wendy Williams (Facebook-Screenshot)
50 Cent and Irv Gotti - via Grok AI
rapper GLOrilla
Amtrak
Irv Gotti - Getty
LeBron James (Petre Thomas-USA Today)
Irv Gotti - via Grok AI
Lynn Whitfield at the AAFCA 2025 Luncheon. (Photo: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA)
The Weeknd
Stephen A Smith (Getty)
Cherelle Parker - screenshot
Read More
Aaron Pierre - screenshot
Read More
George W. Bush - Donald Trump (Getty)
Read More
WICKED: PART 1
Read More
Jimmy Butler & Kaitlin Nowak - screenshot
Read More
Kanye West and Bianca Censori on Grammy Red Carpet - screenshot
Read More
Damon Wayans
Read More
Otis Williams (Stefan Brending via Creative Commons)
Read More
Denzel Washington - Gladiator II
Read More
“Carl Weber’s The Family Business: New Orleans”
Read More

POPULAR

Sabrina Morrissey - Wendy Williams (Facebook-Screenshot)
'#FreeWendy' Movement Gains Momentum: Guardian Calls for New Testing Amid Public Statements
50 Cent and Irv Gotti - via Grok AI
NO Respect! 50 Cent Trolls and Shades Irv Gotti After His Death: 'I'm Smoking on Dat Gotti Pack' | Check Out Reactions
rapper GLOrilla
Rihanna Names GloRilla as Fenty's First-Ever Joint Partner for Spring 2025
Amtrak
Amtrak's Auto Train Offers Travel with Vehicle Transport Between Virginia and Florida
Irv Gotti - Getty
Music Industry Mourns the Loss of Irv Gotti: The Man Behind Ja Rule and Ashanti’s Success Dies At 54
LeBron James (Petre Thomas-USA Today)
NBA
Luka Doncic Trade Sparks Debate: LeBron James' Influence on Lakers Questioned
Irv Gotti - via Grok AI
Is Irv Gotti 'Brain Dead?' Unverified Reports of Stroke and Critical Condition Surface - Gotti's Family Remains Silent | VIDEO
Emotional couple
12 Common Phrases that Signal Emotional Immaturity
Lynn Whitfield at the AAFCA 2025 Luncheon. (Photo: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA)
Lynn Whitfield, Amber Rasberry, RaMell Ross, and More Honored at AAFCA 2025 Luncheon | EURexclusiveWATCH
1 2 3 8,542