The Apollo Theater is planning on incorporating regular hologram programming into its schedule, and it's kicking off its new initiative with one of its most beloved performers. Billie Holiday will become the first artist to virtually take the Apollo stage with a new show debuting sometime near Thanksgiving. She was a regular presence at the Apollo when still alive, performing there over 30 times; the theater was a beacon of black culture in a largely segregated world during Holiday's career. Her holographic addition to the theater's roster is intended to boost the contemporary theater's appeal to tourists.

Holiday's hologram is being created by Hologram USA, the company behind recent recreations of Jimmy Kimmel and Chief Keef. The singer's estate has given the project its blessing, and it's contributing to its production through consultation and the provision of audio recordings. The recreated Holiday will be able to support an interactive show, one involving light banter and historical information about her career and the Apollo itself. "Billie is going to be able to talk about the history of the Apollo. She can take questions from the audience... she can sing some songs," said Apollo Theater president Jonelle Procope. "We would never do anything that would compromise the integrity of the artists or the Apollo."