Alex Newell

Alex Newell was born on August 20, 1992, in Lynn, Massachusetts.{{cite tweet|user=thealexnewell|number=237556963741933569|date=August 20, 2012|accessdate=June 3, 2021|last=Newell|first=Alex||title=It's my Birthday!!!!!!}} Their father, a deacon, died of cancer when they were six years old, at which point their mother raised them as a single parent.{{cite web |url = http://www.metroweekly.com/2015/04/uniquely-alex-alex-newell-on-coming-out-trevor-project-and-life-after-glee/ |title = Uniquely Alex: Alex Newell on coming out, Trevor Project and life after Glee |publisher = Metro Weekly |author = Doug Rule |date = April 23, 2015 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-date = March 3, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194416/http://www.metroweekly.com/2015/04/uniquely-alex-alex-newell-on-coming-out-trevor-project-and-life-after-glee/ |url-status = live }}

After four complete years of education in the first class of Kipp Lynn Academy, Newell moved on to and graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School in 2012,{{cite web|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/television_news/2012/09/alex_newell_gets_unique_chance_on_glee|title=Newell Gets Unique Chance on Glee |first=Tenley|last=Woodman|work=Boston Herald |publisher=Patrick J. Purcell |date=September 13, 2012|access-date=September 20, 2012}} where they were involved in their school's choir, improv club, and costume club; they were also a member of their church choir at Zion Baptist Church in Lynn, Massachusetts while later also directing the youth choir.{{cite web|url=http://www.afterelton.com/tv/alex-newell-glee-project-kurt-hummel |title=Will Alex Newell be The Glee Project{{'s}} Kurt Hummel? |first=Michael |last=Jensen |work=AfterElton.com |publisher=Logo |date=May 6, 2011 |access-date=September 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013190002/http://www.afterelton.com/tv/alex-newell-glee-project-kurt-hummel |archive-date=October 13, 2012 }} They never had any formal voice lessons before landing their part on Glee.{{cite web |url = https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2013/12/26/lynn-alex-newell-relishes-unique-role-glee/SQ7HGOd7DnhSHbNGTH2JYI/story.html |title = Lynn's Alex Newell relishes 'Unique' role on 'Glee' |publisher = Boston Globe |author = Maureen Mullen |date = December 26, 2013 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-date = April 3, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160403125801/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2013/12/26/lynn-alex-newell-relishes-unique-role-glee/SQ7HGOd7DnhSHbNGTH2JYI/story.html |url-status = live }} They have cited Donna Summer, Sylvester, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Beyoncé as their influences.

Newell was among 34,000 to submit an audition video in 2011 for the first season of Oxygen's The Glee Project. Newell's self-taped audition earned them over one million MySpace views as well as a spot among the 12 participants who competed for a seven-episode arc on Glee. During the arc, they asserted themself as an out gay man.{{cite web |url=http://www.thebacklot.com/will-alex-newell-be-the-glee-projects-kurt-hummel/05/2011/ |title=Will Alex Newell be "The Glee Project"'s Kurt Hummel? |first=Michael |last=Jensen |work=The Backlot |date=May 6, 2011 |access-date=July 14, 2013 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071242/http://www.thebacklot.com/will-alex-newell-be-the-glee-projects-kurt-hummel/05/2011/ |url-status=live }} Eventually, they became the series’ first runner-up.{{cite web |url = http://lgbtweekly.com/2016/01/16/alex-newell-has-got-the-power/ |title = Alex Newell has got the 'Power' |publisher = LGBT Weekly |author = Steve Lee |date = January 16, 2016 |access-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160403035746/http://lgbtweekly.com/2016/01/16/alex-newell-has-got-the-power/ |archive-date = April 3, 2016 |url-status = dead }} Nevertheless, the producers were so impressed that they decided to bring them on Glee for two episodes.{{cite web |url = https://www.frontiersmedia.com/frontiers-blog/2014/03/10/alex-newell-of-glee-plays-with-androgyny-as-tvs-first-transgender-teen/ |title = Alex Newell of 'Glee' Plays with Androgyny as TV's First Transgender Teen |publisher = Frontiers Media |author = Michelle McCarthy |date = March 10, 2014 |access-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151220153754/https://www.frontiersmedia.com/frontiers-blog/2014/03/10/alex-newell-of-glee-plays-with-androgyny-as-tvs-first-transgender-teen/ |archive-date = December 20, 2015 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }} Newell first appeared on Glee in the third season episode "Saturday Night Glee-ver". They were cast in the role of Wade "Unique" Adams, a transgender teenager who was assigned male at birth. The shy, outcast Wade expressed their female identity through music as the bold, brave alter ego, Unique. Wade broke ground by being one of the most visible transgender characters on television and one of the first on a network prime time show.{{cite web |url = https://www.frontiersmedia.com/frontiers-blog/2015/10/22/the-palm-springs-center-stage-gala-welcomes-alex-newell-and-kate-clinton-to-the-desert/ |title = The Palm Springs Center Stage Gala Welcomes Alex Newell and Kate Clinton to the Desert |publisher = Frontiers Media |author = Patrick Rosenquist |date = October 22, 2015 |access-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160403095241/https://www.frontiersmedia.com/frontiers-blog/2015/10/22/the-palm-springs-center-stage-gala-welcomes-alex-newell-and-kate-clinton-to-the-desert/ |archive-date = April 3, 2016 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }} Newell's performance was described as "bold",{{cite web |url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-mannino/aids-project-los-angeles_b_3040944.html |title = Andrew Rannells, Kimberley Locke, Alex Newell, Tyne Daly Raise $285k for APLA in the 29th Star Studded S.T.A.G.E Gala |publisher = Huffpost Los Angeles |author = Jason Mannino |date = 10 April 2013 |access-date = 4 February 2016 |archive-date = 5 April 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160405105903/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-mannino/aids-project-los-angeles_b_3040944.html |url-status = live }} with "remarkable restraint and powerful vocals."{{cite web |url = http://popdust.com/2014/05/20/glee-alex-newell-nobody-to-love-sigma-cover-first-listen/ |title = 'Glee' Star Alex Newell Reigns Supreme With Electric 'Nobody To Love' Cover |publisher = Pop Dust |author = Jason Scott |date = May 20, 2014 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-date = April 2, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160402001724/http://popdust.com/2014/05/20/glee-alex-newell-nobody-to-love-sigma-cover-first-listen/ |url-status = live }}

On his nightly show The O'Reilly Factor, Bill O'Reilly expressed concern that children watching the show unsupervised might be encouraged to experiment with what he termed "alternative lifestyles," which he said the show glorified.{{cite news |title = Bill O'Reilly: 'Glee' Might Encourage Kids To Experiment With 'Alternative Lifestyles' |url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/20/bill-oreilly-glee-alternative-lifestyles_n_1440758.html |date = April 20, 2012 |access-date = March 18, 2013 |work = Huffington Post |first = Katherine |last = Fung |archive-date = December 11, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121211040921/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/20/bill-oreilly-glee-alternative-lifestyles_n_1440758.html |url-status = live }} Newell commented, "My mother said, 'If Bill O'Reilly said something about you, you are doing something right.' He just showed the public and conservative viewers me. There are more people seeing me now... There are people like Wade and Unique, and [they're] being themselves. If kids want to go and do that, that is them expressing who they are." They later appeared in two more episodes and completed their story arc that season.

Newell was accepted into the Berklee College of Music for fall 2012, but decided instead to move to Los Angeles to be on Glee when they were asked to rejoin the cast for the show's fourth season. Unique returned as a Glee recurring cast member in the fourth season premiere, "The New Rachel". Newell, along with the rest of the cast, received a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2012, but lost to Modern Family at the 19th Screen Actors Guild Awards. For the fifth season, Newell was promoted to main cast because of the character Unique's popularity.{{cite web |url = http://tvline.com/2013/06/28/glee-season-5-cast-heather-morris-mark-salling-not-returning/ |title = UPDATED Glee Exclusive: 4 Original Cast Members Not Returning as Series Regulars for Season 5; Plus — Who's Getting Promoted? |publisher = TV Line |author = Michael Ausiello |date = June 28, 2013 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-date = October 30, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131030220304/http://tvline.com/2013/06/28/glee-season-5-cast-heather-morris-mark-salling-not-returning/ |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://www.dallasvoice.com/glee-btd-alex-newell-plans-steal-show-10184485.html |title = From 'Glee' to BTD: Alex Newell plans to steal the show |publisher = Dallas Voice |date = November 14, 2014 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-date = April 3, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160403021609/http://www.dallasvoice.com/glee-btd-alex-newell-plans-steal-show-10184485.html |url-status = dead }} In the sixth and final season, Newell was not a part of the regular cast, but did appear as a recurring guest star. A highlight of the sixth season was Newell singing "I Know Where I've Been" from Hairspray with the Transpersons Choir of 200 performers in the episode "Transitioning".{{cite web |url = http://www.out.com/television/2015/2/12/alex-newell-glee-sam-smith |title = Alex Newell Talks New Music & Future Husband Material |publisher = Out |author = Rae Votta |date = February 12, 2015 |access-date = February 4, 2016}}

Over the years, Newell sang at numerous events, such as the Coachella Festival, but also at many LGBT events and pride festivals. They also performed at the Governors Ball Music Festival and BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend.{{cite web|url=http://home.tampabay.com/things-to-do/events/alex-newell-talks-coachella-shoes-before-performing-at-st-pete-pride/2235079 |title=Alex Newell of 'Glee' talks Coachella, shoes before performing at St. Pete Pride |publisher=Tampa Bay Times |author=Robbyn Mitchell |date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403202809/http://home.tampabay.com/things-to-do/events/alex-newell-talks-coachella-shoes-before-performing-at-st-pete-pride/2235079 |archive-date=April 3, 2016 }}{{cite web |url = http://www.playbill.com/news/article/glee-star-alex-newell-ben-fankhauser-zak-resnick-and-adam-kaplan-rock-out-with-joey-contreras-music-tonight-353362 |title = "Glee" Star Alex Newell, Ben Fankhauser, Zak Resnick and Adam Kaplan Rock Out With Joey Contreras Music Tonight! |publisher = Playbill |author = Michael Gioia |date = July 15, 2015 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-date = January 13, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160113185205/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/glee-star-alex-newell-ben-fankhauser-zak-resnick-and-adam-kaplan-rock-out-with-joey-contreras-music-tonight-353362 |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = https://variety.com/2015/scene/vpage/kerry-washington-glee-star-alex-newell-bring-down-the-house-at-the-glaad-awards-1201457656/ |title = Kerry Washington, 'Glee' Star Alex Newell Bring Down the House at the GLAAD Awards |publisher = Variety |author = Seth Kelley |date = March 22, 2015 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-date = February 8, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160208022526/http://variety.com/2015/scene/vpage/kerry-washington-glee-star-alex-newell-bring-down-the-house-at-the-glaad-awards-1201457656/ |url-status = live }}

Newell announced in October 2013 that they had been signed by Big Beat Records and that they were going to release Newell's debut album. It was also revealed that it was going to be produced by Adam Anders.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/s57/glee/news/a527723/glee-star-alex-newell-signs-album-deal-with-atlantic-records.html|title='Glee' star Alex Newell signs album deal with Atlantic Records|work=Digital Spy|date=31 October 2013|access-date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924064647/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/s57/glee/news/a527723/glee-star-alex-newell-signs-album-deal-with-atlantic-records.html|url-status=live}} Their debut single, a cover of Sigma's "Nobody to Love", was released on June 3, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://popcrush.com/glee-alex-newell-nobody-to-love/|title='Glee' Star Alex Newell Covers 'Nobody to Love' [LISTEN]|work=PopCrush|date=21 May 2014|access-date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=26 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926064333/http://popcrush.com/glee-alex-newell-nobody-to-love/|url-status=live}}

In 2015, Newell embarked on a series of cover songs and collaborations. In March, they alongside Sean Bass provided feature vocals for the re-issued version of "Stronger", a song by Clean Bandit for their re-release of their album New Eyes.{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/music/news/Watch-Clean-Bandits-new-video-Stronger/353731.htm|title=MusicNews – Watch: Clean Bandit's new video, 'Stronger' – entertainment.ie|work=entertainment.ie|date=12 March 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723125057/http://entertainment.ie/music/news/Watch-Clean-Bandits-new-video-Stronger/353731.htm|url-status=live}} Later in the same month, they produced a disco-house stylization of Robin S.'s single "Show Me Love" together with Russian DJ Matvey Emerson.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2108320/alex-newell-matvey-emerson-show-me-love-cover/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320180209/http://www.mtv.com/news/2108320/alex-newell-matvey-emerson-show-me-love-cover/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 20, 2015|title=This 'Glee' Star Is Kind Of Slaying The House Revival Game Right Now|work=MTV News|access-date=October 3, 2015}} Over the summer, they worked with the British electro duo Blonde by featuring vocals in their single "All Cried Out". They then began to collaborate with the US electro duo the Knocks on the song "Collect My Love", "a soaring disco standout" where they reached "staggering heights." The song, from the EP So Classic, was included in The Knocks' debut album 55, released in March 2016. Finally, for Christmas, Newell released a cover of the song "O Come All Ye Faithful".

Their original song "This Ain't Over", released in January 2016, was warmly welcomed by the media. Out commented: "The vibrant dance-pop track flawlessly revives disco if only for a few short minutes. Without the gimmicks of manufactured radio pop, Newell manages to serve This Ain't Over with pure talent." Spin said: "Newell's unassailable voice is in full force on 'This Ain't Over,' shining out like a triumphant beacon over a thumping, glamorous dance-pop soundscape." Vulture concluded: "This is just diva vocal acrobatics flexed with the swag of a queen."{{cite web |url = http://www.vulture.com/2016/01/vulture-best-new-music-january-19.html |title = 9 Best New Songs of the Week |publisher = Vulture |date = January 19, 2016 |access-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-date = January 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160123005826/http://www.vulture.com/2016/01/vulture-best-new-music-january-19.html? |url-status = live }}

"This Ain't Over" was announced as the first track off their debut extended play called Power, featuring production from the pop artists Diane Warren, Nile Rodgers, MNEK and DJ Cassidy. The EP was released on February 19, 2016 via Big Beat.{{cite web |url = http://www.spin.com/2016/01/alex-newell-this-aint-over-single-stream/ |title = Alex Newell's Pop Career Is Just Beginning on Euphoric Lead Single, 'This Ain't Over' |publisher = Spin |author = James Grebey |date = January 14, 2016 |access-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-date = January 19, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119072141/http://www.spin.com/2016/01/alex-newell-this-aint-over-single-stream/ |url-status = live }}

Newell supported fellow Glee alum Adam Lambert on The Original High Tour from February 23{{cite web |url = http://www.out.com/popnography/2016/1/19/alex-newell-will-join-adam-lambert-tour |title = Alex Newell Will Join Adam Lambert on Tour |publisher = Out |author = Glenn Garner |date = January 19, 2016 |access-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-date = January 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160122045452/http://www.out.com/popnography/2016/1/19/alex-newell-will-join-adam-lambert-tour |url-status = live }} until the April 2 finale at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre in 2016. After the tour, Newell recorded a new single in collaboration with Power producers DJ Cassidy and Nile Rodgers, entitled "Kill the Lights", released on April 8, 2016, through Atlantic Records. It was expected to be one of a few tracks that Newell was making as part of the HBO TV series Vinyl. It was later revealed that the song had been recorded the previous year when Newell was working with Clean Bandit, Blonde and the Knocks, and inspired the producers to work with them on their debut extended play. Later that same month, the song was released again, featuring vocals from Jess Glynne.

In 2017, Newell made their Broadway debut playing the role of Asaka in the revival of Once on This Island.{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/get-a-first-look-at-once-on-this-island-on-broadway|title=Get a First Look at Once on This Island on Broadway {{!}} Playbill|website=Playbill|date=13 November 2017|language=en|access-date=2017-12-03}}

In 2019, Newell was cast in NBC's musical dramedy Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist in the role of Mo, a genderfluid DJ and the protagonist Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy)'s next-door neighbor.{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/a-sneak-peek-at-alex-newell-skylar-astin-and-more-in-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist|title=Catch Alex Newell, Skylar Astin, and More in Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Premiering January 7|last1=Franklin|first1=Marc C.|date=January 7, 2020|work=Playbill|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227155522/http://www.playbill.com/article/a-sneak-peek-at-alex-newell-skylar-astin-and-more-in-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist|url-status=live}} In June 2021, the series was canceled by NBC after two seasons. In December 2021, The Roku Channel released a two-hour holiday film, Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas, concluding the story of the NBC series. Newell reprised their role of Mo for the film.

In 2023, Newell premiered in the role of Lulu in the musical comedy Shucked on Broadway in the Nederlander Theatre. The show opened April 4, 2023, and ran through January 14, 2024. In June 2023, they won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for their performance in the role at the 76th Tony Awards.{{Cite news |last=Bahr |first=Sarah |date=2023-05-02 |title=For Alex Newell, standing ovations just keep coming. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/theater/alex-newell-tony-nomination.html |access-date=2023-05-03 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite magazine |last=Jones |first=C. T. |date=2023-05-03 |title='Actor Is A Genderless Word': Tony-Nominee Alex Newell Says Change In Broadway Is Coming |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/nonbinary-shucked-alex-newell-tony-nomination-1234728474/ |access-date=2023-05-03 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503181454/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/nonbinary-shucked-alex-newell-tony-nomination-1234728474/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Zornosa |first1=Laura |title=Alex Newell is TIME's 2023 Breakthrough of the Year |url=https://time.com/6342446/alex-newell-breakthrough-of-the-year-2023/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |magazine=Time |date=December 5, 2023 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101002058/https://time.com/6342446/alex-newell-breakthrough-of-the-year-2023/ |url-status=live }} They and J. Harrison Ghee for Some Like It Hot were the first openly non-binary actors to be nominated for and win a Tony Award.

In 2024, Newell performed their solo concert debut at Cadogan Hall in London, UK on September 1, 2024 for two performances.{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=2024-02-02 |title=Alex Newell to Offer Solo London Concerts |language=en-US |work=Playbill |url=https://playbill.com/article/alex-newell-to-offer-solo-london-concerts |access-date=2024-11-21}} These concerts featured a guest appearance from Marisha Wallace.{{Cite news |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=2024-08-28 |title=Marisha Wallace Will Join Alex Newell Live at Cadogan Hall |language=en-UK |work=Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Marisha-Wallace-Will-Join-Alex-Newell-Live-at-Cadogan-Hall-20240828 |access-date=2024-11-21}}

Newell played the title role in NBC's comedy pilot Imaginary Friend,{{cite web |url = https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/imaginary-friend-nbc-cast-alex-newell-1201659807/ |title = 'Glee' Alum to Star in NBC Comedy Pilot 'Imaginary Friend' (EXCLUSIVE) |publisher = Variety |author = Elizabeth Wagmeister |date = January 16, 2016 |access-date = February 3, 2016 |archive-date = February 5, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205223838/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/imaginary-friend-nbc-cast-alex-newell-1201659807/ |url-status = live }} which was expected to air in 2016.{{cite web |url = http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/soundtrack-for-martin-scorseses-hbo-series-vinyl-includes-otis-redding-the-meters-edgar-winter-foghat-more-20160118 |title = Soundtrack For Martin Scorsese's HBO Series 'Vinyl' Includes Otis Redding, The Meters, Edgar Winter, Foghat, More |publisher = Indie Wire |author = Kevin Jagernauth |date = January 18, 2016 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160120203540/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/soundtrack-for-martin-scorseses-hbo-series-vinyl-includes-otis-redding-the-meters-edgar-winter-foghat-more-20160118 |archive-date = January 20, 2016 |url-status = dead }} It was passed on and no other network picked it up so it did not air.{{cite web |last1=Iannucci |first1=Rebecca |title=Upfronts 2016: Your Guide to Fall Pilots That Didn't Make the Cut |url=https://tvline.com/2016/05/23/upfronts-2016-failed-pilots-abc-cbs-cw-fox-nbc/ |date=23 May 2016 |publisher=tvline.com |access-date=3 August 2018 }} They contributed with music to the HBO TV series Vinyl on a track also featuring DJ Cassidy and Jess Glynne.{{cite web |url = http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/glee-alum-alex-newell-books-starring-role-in-nbc-comedy-pilot-imaginary-friend-20151215 |title = 'Glee' Alum, Alex Newell, Books Starring Role in NBC Comedy Pilot 'Imaginary Friend' |publisher = Indie Wire |author = Tambay A. Obenson |date = December 15, 2015 |access-date = February 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160302163045/http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/glee-alum-alex-newell-books-starring-role-in-nbc-comedy-pilot-imaginary-friend-20151215 |archive-date = March 2, 2016 |url-status = dead }}

They are committed to helping other LGBT youth and regularly performs at benefit concerts, most notably for The Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign, Jack Antonoff's Ally Coalition and other fundraisers.

Newell was given a special recognition award at the 2015 GLAAD Media Awards, as part of the cast of Glee.{{cite magazine |last1=Sperling |first1=Nicole |title=Kerry Washington, 'The Imitation Game', 'Transparent' honored at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/03/22/imitation-game-transparent-how-get-away-murder-take-home-glaad-awards/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 22, 2015 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101212023/https://ew.com/article/2015/03/22/imitation-game-transparent-how-get-away-murder-take-home-glaad-awards/ |url-status=live }}

Newell is gender nonconforming,{{Cite news|url=https://stylecaster.com/alex-newell-glee-sexuality-body-image/|title=Alex Newell Won't Fit into Your Mold, But He Might Squeeze into Your Shoes|last=Pham|first=Jason|date=2017-06-30|work=StyleCaster|access-date=2018-11-13|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114061108/https://stylecaster.com/alex-newell-glee-sexuality-body-image/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=2023-04-26 |title=How Alex Newell, the Non-Binary and Gender Nonconforming Star of Broadway's 'Shucked,' Decided to Compete for Supporting Actor at the Tonys |url=https://variety.com/2023/legit/features/shucked-alex-newell-tonys-broadway-1235592937/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502083055/https://variety.com/2023/legit/features/shucked-alex-newell-tonys-broadway-1235592937/ |url-status=live }} and in May 2020 said they relate to their character Mo in Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, who is genderfluid.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/alex-newell-lives-his-truth-in-nbcs-zoey_90678.html|title=Alex Newell Lives His Truth in NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist|last=Gordon|first=David|date=2020-02-28|work=TheaterMania|access-date=2020-05-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308080433/https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/alex-newell-lives-his-truth-in-nbcs-zoey_90678.html|url-status=live}} They have stated they go by all pronouns.{{cite tweet|user=thealexnewell|number=1349422427009212416|date=January 13, 2021|access-date=June 3, 2021|title=Hey! All pronouns are accepted and preferred here! 💋}}{{cite web|last=Licuria|first=Rob|date=2020-06-09|title=Alex Newell ('Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist'): It's 'refreshing' to have gender fluid characters be 'represented' and 'seen' on TV [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]|url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2020/alex-newell-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-nbc-video-interview/|access-date=2021-05-30|website=GoldDerby|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213715/https://www.goldderby.com/article/2020/alex-newell-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-nbc-video-interview/|url-status=live}} Newell also identifies as gay.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/for-pop-star-and-actor-alex-newell-gender-is-anything-but-obvious/|title=For Pop Star and Actor Alex Newell, Gender is Anything but Obvious|date=August 2018|access-date=2021-07-11|archive-date=2021-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711003436/https://www.vice.com/en/article/435dwq/for-pop-star-and-actor-alex-newell-gender-is-anything-but-obvious|url-status=live}}

{{Infobox artist discography

| Artist = Alex Newell

| EP = 1

| Singles = 14

| Soundtrack = 8

}}

• Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 (2011; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Glee: The Music, The Complete Season 3 (2012; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Glee: The Music, The Complete Season 4 (2013; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Glee Sings the Beatles (2013; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (World Premiere Cast Recording) (2016; Sony)
• Once On This Island (New Broadway Cast Recording) (2018; Broadway)
• Music From Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2021; Lakeshore)
• Shucked (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (2023; Haystack on Broadway, Masterworks Broadway)

• Britney 2.0 (2012; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Glee: The Music Presents Glease (2012; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• A Katy or a Gaga (Music from the Episode) (2013; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 4 (2013; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Glee: The Music, City of Angels (2013; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Glee: The Music, Transitioning (2014; 20th Century Fox, Columbia)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Episode 4 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2020; Lionsgate, Republic)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Episode 7 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2020; Lionsgate, Republic)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Episode 11 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2020; Lionsgate, Republic)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Episode 12 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2020; Lionsgate, Republic)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 2, Episode 2 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2021; Lionsgate)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 2, Episode 6 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2021; Lionsgate)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 2, Episode 9 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2021; Lionsgate)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 2, Episode 10 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2021; Lionsgate)
• Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 2, Episode 12 (Music From the Original TV Series) (2021; Lionsgate)

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.thealexnewell.com/}}
• {{IMDb name|4571658|Alex Newell}}

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Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century African-American actors

Category:21st-century African-American singers

Category:21st-century American actors

Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people

Category:Actors from Lynn, Massachusetts

Category:African-American LGBTQ people

Category:American dance musicians

Category:American gay actors

Category:American LGBTQ singers

Category:American non-binary actors

Category:American television actors

Category:Bishop Fenwick High School (Peabody, Massachusetts) alumni

Category:LGBTQ people from Massachusetts

Category:Non-binary gay people

Category:Non-binary singers

Category:Participants in American reality television series

Category:RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race winners

Category:Singers from Massachusetts

Category:Tony Award winners