Some very familiar faces to fans of “American Idol” and “The Voice” are ready to “ease on down, ease on down the road!”
On August 27, 20256, BroadwayWorld revealed that the new cast for the national tour of “The Wiz” features beloved season 23 “American Idol” finalist Gabby Samone as Dorothy and Asher HaVon, who won season 25 of “The Voice,” playnig the Lion. The cast also includes several other alums of the NBC talent competition.
Full Cast of ‘The Wiz’ National Tour, Kicking Off on September 26
Although many recall “The Wiz” movie from 1978 that starred Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, the film was based on the groundbreaking Broadway musical that debuted in January 1975. The soulful, R&B-infused re-telling of L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” featuring an all-Black cast was an instant hit, winning seven Tony awards, including Best Musical.
A revival of the Broadway classic launched in 2024, followed by a new touring show in 2025 for the show’s 50th anniversary. Now, the tour will continue with an all-new cast, kicking off in Springfield, Ohio, on September 26. According to Broadway World, the tour will return to cities like San Antonio, San Francisco and Detroit, and will stop for the first time in other cities including New Haven, Connecticut; Madison, Wisconsin; and Palm Desert, California.
Joining Samone and HaVon to round out the cast two additional alums of “The Voice” — season 28 contestant Toni Lorene Baker playing Glinda and season 20 finalist Jose E. Figueroa Jr. as Scarecrow. Meanwhile, Jaelen Spellman will play Tinman and April Renee Moye as Aunt Em/Evillene.
Fans Are Thrilled for Gabby Samone & Asher HaVon
During Samone’s run on “American Idol,” she consistently blew the judges away with her soulful and powerful voice. The Baltimore native, who was homeless at times during her childhood, was cut after making the Top 7, just like one of her most vocal cheerleaders, Jennifer Hudson, who went on to become an EGOT winner.
In a post about her casting as Dorothy in “The Wiz,” Samone wrote, “There’s more than one road in my Soft Girl Era… and babyyyy this one leads to OZ! 🥹💚✨ I’m sooo excited to finally announce that I’ll be playing DOROTHY in the Second National Tour of THE WIZ! 👠”
“This era has been all about growing, dreaming bigger, receiving everything meant for me & following wherever my gifts take me,” she continued. “The music continues, the Soft Girl Era continues… we just taking it on the road now. 🥹💕”
HaVon, who was the first openly LGBTQ+ winner on “The Voice,” commented on Samone’s post, “Gabby!!! My little sister. 🤍 I love you so much!! . Your gift, your spirit, your light what a blessing it is to exist in the same era as you. The world is better because you’re in it, and I’m so grateful our paths crossed. See you in The Land Of Oz!!”
Friends and fans are clearly thrilled for both of them, flooding the comment sections of their posts with notes of congratulations. Samone heard from fellow “American Idol” alums including season 23 runner-up John Foster, fellow finalist Victor Solo, and famed alum David Archuleta.
