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

PEOPLE should’ve chosen one of these fine Black men to grace this year’s cover

Photo: Getty Images Peacock / Contributor

On Tuesday evening PEOPLE unveiled their 2023 pick for the anticipated Sexiest Man Alive, and it is Patrick Dempsey. Yes, he is an attractive white man, but we have so many Black men in mind for this title. 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. The Root team compiled a list of fine brothas we think should be on the cover for the first time or even once again!

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Lupita Nyong’o Celebrates 10 Years After Oscar Win and Her New Film: The Wild Robot

Keith Powers

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai / Stringer Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai / Stringer

Actor Keith Powers knows how to make all of his costars fall in love with him! If you watched Netflix’s The Perfect Find this year then you enjoyed every second of his attempts to woo Gabrielle Union.

Taye Diggs

Photo: Getty Images Bravo / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Bravo / Contributor

Taye Diggs has the charisma that makes fans melt. Now that the strike has ended it’s about time we get him in another rom-com!

Trevor Noah

Photo: Getty Images ANDREA RENAULT / Contributor Photo: Getty Images ANDREA RENAULT / Contributor

What’s sexier than a man that can make you laugh? Trevor Noah’s brains and wit make him a perfect choice to grace the cover of next year’s edition! Let’s make it happen, PEOPLE!

Usher

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

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.

Dwyane Wade

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai / Stringer Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai / Stringer

What’s sexier than a man who stands up for his family? Dwyane Wade has been spending much of the past year protecting his wife and children from all types of criticism on social media.

Jalen Hurts

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

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

Morris Chestnut

Photo: Getty Images Peacock / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Peacock / Contributor

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

Skepta

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

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

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

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

Lenny Kravitz

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

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

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

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

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: Getty Images NBC / Contributor Photo: Getty Images NBC / Contributor

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

Damson Idris

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

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: Getty Images Variety / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Variety / Contributor

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

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

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

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

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

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

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: Getty Images Variety / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Variety / Contributor

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

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: Getty Images Christian Liewig – Corbis / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Christian Liewig – Corbis / Contributor

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: Getty Images Variety / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Variety / Contributor

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

Shemar Moore

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

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: Getty Images NBC / Contributor Photo: Getty Images NBC / Contributor

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: Getty Images Variety / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Variety / Contributor

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

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!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Hanifa Brand Hits Pause After Months of Customer Frustration and Business Turmoil

Hanifa Brand Hits Pause After Months of Customer Frustration and Business Turmoil

After widespread complaints over delayed shipments and influencer favoritism, founder Anifa Mvuemba steps back — but consumers say inspiration isn’t the issue …
Nia Long, 1995; Nia Long, 2023. Photo: Getty Images NBCU Photo Bank; Matt Winkelmeyer

The Sexiest 90s Black Female Bombshells, Then and Now

From Nia Long to Jada Pinkett-Smith, the 1990s had no shortage of beautiful Black women. Let’s take a look! …
Ray J's Mom Shuts Down Hoax Talk, Confirms The Singer's Devastating Heart Diagnosis

Ray J’s Mom Shuts Down Hoax Talk, Confirms The Singer’s Devastating Heart Diagnosis

While some people may be skeptical about Ray J’s heart health, his mom is silencing critics once and for all …
The Truth About Why Jasmine Crockett Lost the Texas Senate Race

The Truth About Why Jasmine Crockett Lost the Texas Senate Race

Was Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign doomed from the start? …
Did You Know JFK Jr.'s Iconic '90s Style Secretly Came from Black Icons Like Denzel?

Did You Know JFK Jr.’s Iconic ’90s Style Secretly Came from Black Icons Like Denzel?

Online Gen Z is going crazy over John F. Kennedy Jr’s fashion sense, but not everybody realizes his fashion was inspired by Black men in the ’90s …
After New SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect, Americans Nation-Wide Are Panicking

After New SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect, Americans Nation-Wide Are Panicking

You can now thank the 2025 “Bill, Beautiful Bill” for the new work requirements in order for millions to receive SNAP benefits …
Why Mathew Knowles Walked Out Of An Interview Over Ex Tina Knowles

Why Mathew Knowles Walked Out Of An Interview Over Ex Tina Knowles

Mathew Knowles and his ex-wife Tina Knowles may have hashed out their issues years ago, but his behavior in a new interview may suggest otherwise …
The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous 'Lion King' Song Will Shock You

The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous ‘Lion King’ Song Will Shock You

Over 30 years later, fans are finally getting a clue about the famous ‘Circle of Life’ song from The Lion King. But it may not be what you think! …
All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin police are piecing together the motive behind Ndiaga Diagne, the Black man who killed three and injured 14 in a March 1 mass shooting …
Jess Hilarious Says 'The Breakfast Club' Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

Jess Hilarious Says ‘The Breakfast Club’ Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

‘The Breakfast Club’ co-host says that since the show moved from YouTube to Netflix, a lot of their long-time followers feel “neglected.” …
Why Bill Cosby's Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Why Bill Cosby’s Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Jury selection is currently taking place in relation to Bill Cosby’s latest sexual assault lawsuit. But he’s not going down without a fight! …
What's at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

What’s at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

With the stakes high for Jasmine Crockett, Al Green and other Black politicians, here’s everything you need to know about the March 6 midterm primary races …
Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever...

Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever…

One in three people from the U.S. to France to Canada believe WWIII is likely within the next five years. Here’s why …
Henrietta Lacks' Estate Scores This Major Win Decades After Her Cancer Cells Were Stolen

Henrietta Lacks’ Estate Scores This Major Win Decades After Her Cancer Cells Were Stolen

Just in time for Women’s History Month, the family of Henrietta Lacks scored another huge win in the decades-long fight for justice …
Why The 'Scary Movie 6' Trailer Has Black Fans Going Crazy

Why The ‘Scary Movie 6’ Trailer Has Black Fans Going Crazy

The Wayans Brothers are back with another, long-awaited iteration of ‘Scary Movie.’ And judging by fan reactions, this one looks like the best one yet! …
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: (L-R) Halle Berry and Angela Bassett attend the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre

Don’t Call Me Auntie: Black Celebs Have Strong Feelings About This Term of Endearment

During the 2023 Oscars, Michael B. Jordan lovingly called Angela Bassett “Auntie,” but some people have a problem with it …
Influencer Explains Why Her Bladder Collapsed At The Gym

Influencer Explains Why Her Bladder Collapsed At The Gym

After lifting too heavy at the gym, one TikToker is telling her viewers about experiencing a bladder prolapse …
Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

14 years after Trayvon Martin was killed, these other Black men and women were also murdered in shocking similarity …
How Teyana Taylor's Daughter Stole the Entire Show at the 2026 Actor Awards

How Teyana Taylor’s Daughter Stole the Entire Show at the 2026 Actor Awards

While Teyana Taylor may have been the one nominated at the 2026 Actor Awards, her five-year-old daughter Rue was the one everyone kept their eyes on! …
The Real Reason This Black Candidate for Governor Could Receive Zero Black Votes in November

The Real Reason This Black Candidate for Governor Could Receive Zero Black Votes in November

It seems aligning himself with MAGA and Trump is costing Mich. Rep. John James crucial support from the Black community …