63
SUMMER SENSATION
MEGAN THEE STALLION | 24
She has yet to release
a full-length album, but
Megan Thee Stallion (born
Megan Pete) is already being
hailed as the future of hip-
hop. Known for her dexterous
flow and lyrical mastery,
Megan exudes a self- assured
confidence that dares others
to match it. Case in point:
“hot girl summer,” a self-
love missive she coined that
became ubiquitous earlier
this year, birthing memes and
eventually a single of the same
title with Nicki Minaj. (The
accompanying music video
has been viewed more than
35 million times on YouTube.)
In September, Megan signed a
management deal with Jay-Z’s
Roc Nation; her debut album is
due for release next year.
ÑCady Lang
MAKING A CLASSIC
HER OWN
ALI STROKER | 32
By Kristin Chenoweth
I was sitting at the Broadway
revival of Spring Awakening, and
Ali Stroker wheeled onstage
and stole my heart. This girl can
dance, act and sing anything.
Whoever plays Ado Annie in
Oklahoma! risks being seen as
irritating or unfunny—two words
no comedian (or actress) ever
wants to hear. But she took the
role and made it iconic.
Ali’s success tells us that
the rules have changed. That
through hard work, training and
fearlessness, future Broadway
actors and actresses with
disabilities can also take
center stage. And while there
is no doubt she has inspired her
community, she has inspired me
as well. I was there in Radio City
when she accepted her Tony
Award. Through her training and
love of the art, Ali will continue
to change the face of musical
theater. We love her and she is
ours. Brava, diva!
Chenoweth is a Tony Award–
winning actor
PORTRAIT-ILLUSTRATION BY GLUEKIT FOR TIME; KAHIU: CAITLIN CRONENBERG—TRUNK ARCHIVE; STALLION, STROKER: GETTY IMAGES
