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!
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
Keith Powers
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
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
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
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
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
Is there much that we need to say about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts? Just look at him!
Morris Chestnut
Morris Chestnut has made hearts flutter for decades with his smile and charisma on and off camera! Put him on the cover!
Skepta
Skepta is a British rapper, MC, artist, DJ, producer, director and more! He’s got the looks and the brains, y’all!
LeBron James
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
Who wouldn’t want to see actor Boris Kodjoe on the cover of Sexiest Men Alive?
Lenny Kravitz
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
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
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
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
Method Man just gets better looking with age! Don’t you agree?
Damson Idris
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
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
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
Idris Elba has graced the cover of Sexiest Man Alive before, but why not again?
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
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
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
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
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
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
Look at that face! Must we say more? Put actor Charles Michael Davis on the cover!
Shemar Moore
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
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
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
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!