John Legend Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner on new music with Pharrell, staying true to himself, estranged relationship with Kanye West, bond with wife Chrissy Tiegen, overcoming loss in public, fatherhood and the cost of staying true to yourself

“I think all of us have to be humble to a certain point, it doesn’t mean don’t believe in yourself and don’t believe in your ideas but also have some humility.” John Legend 

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, John Legend opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred about the journey that shaped him — from his rise in music and the power of staying true to himself to navigating fame, family, friendship, and loss in the public eye. One of a small group who is an EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, John Legend has had decades of success but is still chasing something new in every piece of music he records.

John gets personal about life with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, and their children, sharing how fatherhood has changed him and how he and his family have navigated the heartbreaking loss of a child. He commends his wife for being courageous enough to share publicly so others learn from her during the darkest hours and how people around the world are better for it.

He reflects on his relationship with Kanye West, and how it was extremely sad yet discouraging the entire process was to watch someone he was once close with use his platform for hate and fear.

Things in music, media and business may be forever changing but John stands firm in the importance of speaking up for what he believes in, and what it means to stand true in your values and be authentic. He also takes us inside his creative journey, reflecting on working with Pharrell Williams, the collaborations that have shaped his sound, and the inspiration behind his new music and upcoming album. From evolving as an artist to protecting culture and using his platform for something bigger than himself, John shares why authenticity matters now more than ever.

In an industry that often rewards conformity, John explains why being yourself is the most powerful statement you can make. It's an honest conversation about love, legacy, resilience, and the courage to keep evolving without losing who you are — and why, no matter how much life changes, staying true to yourself will always be the ultimate pivot. Full episode of video is streaming now on Netflix.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices