Taking on the role of a music icon is never an easy task – especially when that icon is Chaka Khan. From chart-topping hits to a trailblazing career spanning decades, bringing her life to the stage requires not only powerhouse vocals but emotional honesty too.
For Alexandra Burke, starring in I'm Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical marks a major milestone. It's her first originating theatre role, and one that sees her chart Chaka's journey from childhood through global superstardom, navigating the triumphs, heartbreaks and personal challenges that shaped one of music's most influential artists.
We caught up with Alexandra to find out what it means to tell Chaka Khan's story, the emotional impact of the role, and why audiences should prepare for a night they'll never forget.
For Alexandra, landing the role was almost too good to believe.
"My first reaction was, absolutely not! Can you just double-check she actually wants me?" she laughs, recalling the moment she received the call while relaxing on a beach in Greece. "I said to my manager, 'Are you sure? How strong is this drink?!'"
What followed was an audition that stretched from an expected 45 minutes to three hours, driven by Alexandra's determination to get everything exactly right.
"I think this role is the most challenging role I've ever done," she says. "It's someone's story and I have to do it justice."
The production also carries special significance. Performing in the very theatre where she first captured the nation's attention after winning The X Factor makes the experience feel particularly meaningful.
"It's an absolute privilege. It's a real pinch-me moment... it's really full circle."
While I'm Every Woman celebrates Chaka Khan's remarkable career, it doesn't shy away from the more difficult chapters of her life. Alexandra admits that many of those moments resonate deeply with her own experiences.
One storyline explores Chaka's treatment within the music industry, something Alexandra immediately connected with.
"I remember my mum going through similar things as a Black woman within the industry."
Elsewhere, Chaka's relationship with her daughter Milini struck an equally personal chord.
"That push-pull relationship I resonate with quite strongly because my mum and I could be like that when I was younger."
Some scenes prove even more emotionally demanding. Alexandra reveals that parts of the story involving Chaka's second husband can be particularly triggering, recalling one rehearsal where the intensity of the moment overwhelmed her.
"I could suddenly just see my ex. I went absolutely hell for leather," she says.
Alexandra explains that those experiences can sometimes blur the line between performer and character, and she has developed careful routines to step both into — and out of — the role.
About an hour before curtain up, she withdraws from everyone around her and then after the show, she meditates reminding herself who she is beyond the character.
"I'm Alex, I'm from Islington, I'm a mother of two. I'm going home to my dogs, my partner, my kids... this is what I do for a living, not my real life."
She even has a special perfume exclusively for Chaka that she wears, and then washes off after the show, helping her leave the character on stage.
Perhaps one of the most surreal moments during rehearsals came when Chaka Khan herself visited the company.
Rather than simply offering praise, the legendary singer encouraged the cast to embrace the fire and determination that defined key moments of her life.
Reflecting on one particularly powerful scene, Alexandra remembers Chaka saying: "I need this to be angry, and we need all you guys to be angry too."
She also shared some unforgettable personal advice that Alexandra now carries with her every single performance.
"I need you to tell yourself every time you walk on stage, 'I don't give a f**k. I may be short, but I'd walk around with the Black Panthers with no shoes on and nobody would fuck with me.
Every time I walk on stage, that's all I say to myself."
Asked to describe her version of Chaka Khan in just three words, Alexandra doesn't hesitate.
"Fierce. Loyal. Superstar. Can I add iconic as a fourth one?"
With a catalogue packed full of legendary songs, audiences can expect plenty of uplifting musical moments. But Alexandra hopes they'll also leave with a deeper understanding of the woman behind those hits.
"I really want people to go through the emotional rollercoaster with us," she says. "But we also want you up and dancing by the end."
For her, the musical is ultimately a celebration of resilience, perseverance and strength.
"I want the audience to leave feeling happy, empowered, and thinking, 'God, I was touched by that story and what she went through.'
This woman is the definition of strength... I just want people to walk away and go, 'What a formidable woman.'"
