Chaka Khan Joins Cast Of "Color Purple"

Grammy-winners Chaka Khan and BeBe Winans will join the hit musical Jan. 9 at the Broadway Theater, producer Scott Sanders announced Tuesday. The twosome will portray the battling lovebirds, Sofia and Harpo, in the show, which is based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Meanwhile, "American Idol" finalist and Flint, Mich., native LaKisha Jones will come aboard Dec. 19 to play the Church Soloist, a woman who opens the musical with a rousing gospel number. Jones will play the role at all performances through Jan. 6. Starting Jan. 9, she will play the Church Soloist at evening performances and Sofia at matinees.

"The Color Purple" stars Fantasia as Celie, a determined woman who, in Walker's heartfelt tale of abuse and perseverance, triumphs over adversity.