Lea Michele is teasing something, and no, it’s not another Glee reboot (although let’s be honest, Rachel Berry would absolutely try to pitch that every Thanksgiving dinner).
The Glee graduate and unofficial mayor of High Notes City popped by The Kelly Clarkson Show on Thursday, May 22 (but like, actually filmed it on Wednesday because Hollywood is basically one big game of time travel). While there, Lea belted out Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License” — because nothing says “Broadway diva” like emotionally destroying a room full of soccer moms with a Gen Z breakup anthem.
This little TV cameo wasn’t just for funsies — Lea is currently on tour, living her best post-Glee pop-Broadway-fusion fantasy. One segment of her show is apparently “What Would Rachel Berry Sing Today?” which feels like the musical version of “What Would Jesus Do?” but with more jazz hands and emotional trauma.
After slaying the stage, Lea sat down with Kelly to drop this vague-but-spicy breadcrumb:
> “I have something exciting coming up that I’ll be announcing very soon.”
Girl. That’s it? That’s the tweet? That’s the tease? Lea is out here playing the ultimate game of Broadway charades and we are LOSING.
Now, Broadway nerds (hi, it’s us) have been whispering for years that Lea might be sliding into a new role in a revival of Chess — a musical about love, war, and very competitive board games. And just to toss some extra fuel on the rumor bonfire, BroadwayWorld.com casually confirmed that Chess is returning to the stage in Fall 2025.
Oh, and guess who’s directing it? Michael Mayer. Yeah. The same dude who steered the ship on Funny Girl and Spring Awakening — both starring none other than Ms. Michele herself. Coincidence? We think not. Conspiracy board? Assembling now.
So, is Lea about to queen her way through Chess? Or is she launching a vegan candle line called “Berry Bright”? Only time (and her next Kelly Clarkson Show appearance) will tell.
Until then, we wait. And we rewatch her “Driver’s License” cover with a single tear rolling down our cheek, Rachel Berry-style.