The Root's Black Choices for the Sexiest Man Alive 2023

Photo: Mike Marsland / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Mike Marsland / Contributor (Getty Images)
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Tonight PEOPLE’s anticipated Sexiest Man Alive will be revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Although there have only been five Black men to grace the cover in previous years: Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, Idris Elba, Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson, and Denzel Washington, we know there are so many more that should hold that honor. So, The Root team thought about all of the Black men t we think should be on the cover for the first time or even once again! We are crossing our fingers that one of these fine brothas will be announced at midnight. If not, we got them. Enjoy!

Usher

Photo: Amy Sussman / Staff (Getty Images)
Photo: Amy Sussman / Staff (Getty Images)

Usher Raymond IV has always been a star but this year he reached a new level of fame. With a wildly successful residency in Vegas that caused all types of frenzy, to being announced as the next performer for the Super Bowl Halftime show, Usher is killing it, making him one of the sexiest men alive in 2023.

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Photo: Simon Bruty / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Simon Bruty / Contributor (Getty Images)

Is there much that we need to say about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts? Just look at him!

Morris Chestnut

Photo: Peacock / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Peacock / Contributor (Getty Images)

Morris Chestnut has made hearts flutter for decades with his smile and charisma on and off camera! Put him on the cover!

Skepta

Photo: Joe Maher/BFC / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Joe Maher/BFC / Contributor (Getty Images)

Skepta is a British rapper, MC, artist, DJ, producer, director and more! He’s got the looks and the brains, y’all!

LeBron James

Photo: MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images / Contributor (Getty Images)

LeBron James is considered to many the greatest basketball player of all time! Not only is he extremely talented, but he’s also a dedicated family man! Now that’s sexy!

Boris Kodjoe

Photo: Gilbert Flores / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Gilbert Flores / Contributor (Getty Images)

Who wouldn’t want to see actor Boris Kodjoe on the cover of Sexiest Men Alive?

Lenny Kravitz

Photo: Presley Ann / Stringer (Getty Images)
Photo: Presley Ann / Stringer (Getty Images)

Lenny Kravitz has the edge that captures everybody’s attention. Between his artistry and charming personality, he’s easily one of the sexiest men alive.

Aldis Hodge

Photo: Gilbert Flores / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Gilbert Flores / Contributor (Getty Images)

If you’re a fan of superhero, sci-fi, and action movies and shows then you’ve probably seen Aldis Hodge! Not only is he easy on the eyes, he’s also a fantastic actor!

Jay Ellis

Photo: Jon Kopaloff / Stringer (Getty Images)
Photo: Jon Kopaloff / Stringer (Getty Images)

Yes, his character sometimes irritated us on Issa Rae’s show Insecure, but you can never say that his man’s looks and aura are not hot!

Common

Photo: Mike Coppola / Staff (Getty Images)
Photo: Mike Coppola / Staff (Getty Images)

Common has been blessed with having magnetic energy, talents, and looks! He’s one hundred percent meant to be on the cover this year!

Method Man

Photo: NBC / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: NBC / Contributor (Getty Images)

Method Man just gets better looking with age! Don’t you agree?

Damson Idris

Photo: Gareth Cattermole / Staff (Getty Images)
Photo: Gareth Cattermole / Staff (Getty Images)

Damson Idris had a fantastic year in his career and social life, from starring in hit shows like Swarm and Snowfall to dating Lori Harvey!

Omari Hardwick

Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)

Actor Omari Hardwick had everybody glued to their screens while watching Power and The Mother! He’s also a poet, activist, and podcast host. Okay, rang!

John Boyega

Photo: Jacopo Raule / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Jacopo Raule / Contributor (Getty Images)

John Boyega is a heartthrob! His bold personality, activism for the Black community, and outstanding acting make him an excellent choice for Sexiest Man Alive!

Idris Elba

Photo: Dave Benett / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Dave Benett / Contributor (Getty Images)

Idris Elba has graced the cover of Sexiest Man Alive before, but why not again?

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Photo: Leon Bennett / Stringer (Getty Images)
Photo: Leon Bennett / Stringer (Getty Images)

Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen is easy on the eyes and also a great actor! This year he was nominated for a Tony Award for his debut role in Topdog/Underdog.

Michael B. Jordan

Photo: Taylor Hill / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Taylor Hill / Contributor (Getty Images)

Yes, Michael B. Jordan has already been on the famed cover, but we can’t help but want to see him on their again!

Colin Kaepernick

Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)

What’s sexier than a man who puts others before himself? Colin Kaepernick was strong in his beliefs for Black Lives Matter and continues to fight social injustice today!

Michael Ealy

Photo: Jerritt Clark / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Jerritt Clark / Contributor (Getty Images)

People feel strongly about this blue-eyed man! Michael Ealy’s charm could certainly put him in the running for that magazine cover!

Kylian Mbappé

Photo: Christian Liewig - Corbis / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Christian Liewig - Corbis / Contributor (Getty Images)

French soccer player Kylian Mbappé is rich, talented, and super cute! What more could we ask for? Let’s see him in the magazine!

Charles Michael Davis

Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)

Look at that face! Must we say more? Put actor Charles Michael Davis on the cover!

Shemar Moore

Photo: CBS Photo Archive / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: CBS Photo Archive / Contributor (Getty Images)

Y’all love a man in a uniform, huh? Shemar Moore is constantly playing a role where he’s saving the day and that’s why people are om love with him!

Winston Duke

Photo: NBC / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: NBC / Contributor (Getty Images)

Winston Duke just oozes sexiness! Not only is he good-looking, but he’s also passionate about improving the world around him. This year he became a United Nations ambassador for responsible tourism.

Trevante Rhodes

Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Variety / Contributor (Getty Images)

Can we just take a moment to look at this man? Everybody would sprint to the store to buy a copy of actor Trevante Rhodes on the cover of People Magazine!

Will Smith

Photo: Jim Spellman / Contributor (Getty Images)
Photo: Jim Spellman / Contributor (Getty Images)

Now this one may be controversial, but depending on who you ask Will Smith should be on the cover! Some people believe that the way he’s protected Jada Pinkett Smith through the dragging she gets on social media and even by her peers is sexy!

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