In 2022, Brittney Johnson made history when she became the first Black actress to take on the role of Glinda full time. Kebede’s historic moment also comes after the success of the Wicked film, where Cynthia Erivo has been lauded for her portrayal of Elphaba.

Kebede, who recently starred in the touring company of Hamilton, will join Wicked on Tuesday, March 4. She’ll play opposite Allie Trimm, who takes over as Glinda at the same time. Trimm was the Glinda standby from December 2021 through March 2024.

Kebede takes on the role after Erivo starred as the green witch in the film adaptation. Erivo previously commented on the lack of Black actresses playing Elphaba in her 2024 ELLE cover story.