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Funk songstress Chaka Khan will tell Broadway auds something good starting Jan. 9, when the multiple Grammy-winning singer takes over the role of Sofia in "The Color Purple." R&B-gospel vocalist Benjamin "BeBe" Winans will step into the role of Harpo, opposite Khan, in the soulful tuner based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

"American Idol" finalist LaKisha Jones will perform the opening number, "Mysterious Ways," as the Church Soloist in all perfs beginning Dec. 19 and will play Sofia at matinees when Khan joins the show.

"The Color Purple" opened Dec. 1, 2005, in New York and plays through Sept. 30 in Chicago prior to a national tour. Show has grossed $91 million to date on Broadway, receiving a major box office boost last season when "American Idol" winner Fantasia joined the cast as Celie.

"Funk This," Khan's first album in 10 years, was released on Tuesday.