John Legend is a total leg-end. Here’s why we can’t get enough of him…
After winning a record-breaking Emmy, heat looks at what makes the singer Legend-ary
W e be might seeing him through the lens of his hilarious wife Chrissy Teigen, but we think John Legend is pretty damn great. And after becoming the first black man and joint youngest person to have won the ‘big four’ (an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award) last week, it seems the world thinks he’s pretty great, too. Here we look at just some of the reasons for loving the living Legend…
He’s super-smart
After receiving scholarship offers from Harvard, Georgetown and Morehouse, John chose to go to
the University of Pennsylvania to study English. During his time there, he was part of an a capella group, was a member of two prestigious societies, and performed on the album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill.
He’s confident, not cocky
John wasn’t always a legend… by name. Born John Stephens, the singer changed his name when he was signed to Kanye West’s label in 2001 – a friend nicknamed him John Legend because of his “old-school” sound. John knew it would attract attention, and has said, “It was bold and I knew people would be like, ‘He’d better be good if he’s going to call himself
Legend,’” he remembers. “So I said, ‘Let me go out and make the best music I can and maybe, after my career is over, I’ve lived up to the name.’”
He wrote the most epic love song ever
After meeting model Chrissy Teigen on the set of the video for his song Stereo in 2007, the pair fell in love, which ultimately led to John writing one of the most romantic songs ever. All Of Me became his first No1 single in the US in 2013, and has been played at countless weddings since. The video features John and Chrissy again and ends with their actual wedding in Lake Como, Italy.
HE MAKES BEAUTIFUL BABIES
John and Chrissy had a daughter, Luna, in April 2016, and a son, Miles, in May this year – two of the most adorable, angelic, photogenic children you’ve ever seen in your life. Not to mention Luna’s sass – check her out on Instagram for much amusement.
HE’S A SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND
At the recent GQ Men Of The Year Awards John claimed, “GQ probably gave me this award in the hope that my beautiful wife would show up to this party with me. We all know who the headliner in my family is. I’m Chrissy Teigen’s husband.” He also came to watch her recording of Lip Sync Battle straight after winning his Emmy, and even helped her out when she lost her voice – from singing his praises, obvs.
HE’S NOT AFRAID TO STAND UP TO HIS FRIENDS
When Kanye West went off on one on Twitter about Trump and how they both shared “dragon energy”, John gracefully put across his thoughts on the matter. Kanye even shared a text exchange between the long-time friends, which showed John eloquently trying to coach his friend into changing his opinion. “I hope you’ll reconsider aligning yourself with Trump. You’re way too powerful and influential to endorse who he is and what he stands for. Don’t let this be part of your legacy. You’re the greatest artist of our generation.”
HE LOOKS BAD ASS IN A ROLL NECK
If anyone knows how to rock knitwear, it’s John. The man pulls off sexy and sleek at all times and was recently voted GQ’S Most Stylish Man. At the awards show, John credited his wife as the “reason he gets dressed in the morning”, so we’d like to also thank Chrissy for keeping him looking tasty.