Ten-time Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress Janelle Monáe will take the stage for an exhilarating performance after April's total solar eclipse as part of Indiana University's Hoosier Cosmic Celebration, an inspirational, star-studded event at Memorial Stadium.

Prior to the total eclipse, beloved American actor William Shatner, best known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, will make a highly anticipated appearance. America’s first woman of color to travel to space, Mae Jemison, is also set to speak at the event. IU students and faculty will offer their talents during the eclipse programming as well (more info below).

As one of the most celebrated artists of the modern era, Janelle Monáe is known worldwide for her genre-bending music that often explores themes of space and futurism and her critically acclaimed acting performances in films like Glass Onion, Hidden Figures, and Moonlight. Her latest album Age of Pleasure is nominated for two Grammys, including Album of the Year and Best Progressive R&B Album. Monáe will take the stage immediately following the total eclipse, which occurs at 3:04 p.m.

William Shatner, an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner whose career is now in its eighth decade, will deliver a spoken word performance prior to the total eclipse of the sun. In 2021, Shatner journeyed to space in real life at the invitation of Jeff Bezos, becoming the oldest person to make the voyage, aboard Blue Origin’s second sub-orbital human spaceflight, Blue Origin NS-18. Shatner is also an accomplished singer, author, and narrator.

Former NASA astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison is the first woman of color to travel to space. Dr. Jemison served six years as a NASA astronaut and went to space aboard the shuttle Endeavor in 1992. She is a highly sought-after speaker on issues of health care, social responsibility, technology, education, STEM, and motivation.

The Marching Hundred will open the show, followed by a Broadway and pop tune performance by students in the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance. Prior to Jemison’s appearance, contemporary dancers Samiyah Lynnice and Corey Boatner, an IU alumnus, will perform “Minor Bodies,” a duet choreographed by Elizabeth Shea, professor and director of the Contemporary Dance Program.

In addition to performances, eclipse revelers will have a chance to get an up-close look at an actual Blue Origin space capsule. The capsule will be reconstructed and available for students and visitors to tour at the south field goal line. Space simulations will be included.