Common, along with Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins, on Saturday won the Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics on the strength of the song “Letter to the Free” from Ava DuVernay’s 13th, which was released by Netflix.
With that win, Common is now a Tony Award away from an EGOT, the rare feat of winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. “Yes, it’s on my mind,” he admitted backstage, adding that he does have his sights set on Broadway. “[EGOT’s] not the sole reason. I wanted to go to Broadway before I won any awards. I would love to do theater.”
Common added that an EGOT “would be a blessing. But I start with quality and where it can have impact.”
Speaking of 13th, he said, “One reason I’m proud to be part of the arts is to be part of change. … That’s the most fulfilling.”
In 2015, Common and John Legend won an Oscar for the music from DuVernay’s Selma. He also won Grammys for the song “Glory” from the film in 2016 (with Legend and Rhymefest) and for the song “Southside” in 2008 (with Kanye West).
