David Bridges
Unveiling Cynthia Erivo’s Oscar Journey and Her Role in Wicked
This year’s Oscar nominations have embraced the essence of genre films, and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has earned a nomination for the prestigious leading actress award. During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, Erivo humorously shared that she was on a plane when the announcement was made. “True to form. I was defying gravity,” she chuckled, reflecting on the moment. “I didn’t mean it to be that way, but the universe does what the universe does.” Her journey is a testament to her talent and the compelling nature of her role in a beloved classic.
Anticipating an EGOT: The Legacy of Wicked and Wicked: For Good
We are eagerly rooting for Erivo to achieve her destined EGOT, whether it’s for her work in Wicked or for the much-anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good. The original Wicked has rapidly gained recognition as a fan-favorite, inspiring audiences across generations with its enchanting portrayal of the Witches of Oz. Social media platforms like TikTok are overflowing with creative recreations of Ariana Grande’s iconic choreography from “What Is This Feeling?” Moreover, numerous fans have taken it upon themselves to mimic Erivo’s powerful rendition of Elphaba’s “war cry” at the climactic end of “Defying Gravity,” showcasing the profound impact of her performance on audiences.
Experiencing the Enthusiasm of Wicked Fans in Real Life
Kimmel inquired whether fans approached her with their own interpretations of the intricate musical notes. Erivo shared her experience of encountering the vibrant Wicked fandom in real life, noting that sometimes fans dive right into their performances. “They just sometimes just go straight into it,” she remarked, reflecting on how she’s still navigating her reactions to such enthusiastic displays. “Sometimes it’s really delightful. Sometimes it’s really, really wonderful. And I think what’s lovely is that people are willing to try anyway. If the emotion has moved you to do that without even introducing yourself, then I think we’ve done something right, and I’m just gonna go with it.” This highlights the deep connection between performers and their audiences.
Crafting a Unique Musical Identity as Elphaba
Establishing her own interpretation of Elphaba, distinct from Idina Menzel’s original portrayal and Margaret Hamilton’s iconic Wicked Witch of the West, was of utmost importance to Erivo. “I wanted to make sure that I used the music as though it was the emotional heartbeat throughout her story. So I wanted to ensure that she grew within the songs … you can’t be at ‘Defying Gravity’ right at the beginning,” Erivo explained, emphasizing the character’s developmental journey. “She has to kind of grow to get there.” This thoughtful approach showcases her dedication to creating a memorable performance that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
Exploring the Emotional Arc Through Song: Elphaba’s Journey
Erivo elaborated on how each song represents a stage in Elphaba’s emotional evolution. “When the first time you really hear her sing, it’s ‘The Wizard and I.’ So ‘The Wizard and I’ has more youth in the sound. And then later on you have ‘I’m Not That Girl,’ which is a little bit more wistful and there’s more heartbreak before you get to ‘Defying Gravity,’ which has more ground in it. And [then] with ‘Defying Gravity,’ in the beginning it’s like a cry, it’s grounded,” she noted, highlighting the carefully crafted progression of her character’s emotional state. This progression not only enhances the storytelling but also deepens the audience’s connection to Elphaba’s journey.
Celebrating Erivo’s Unique Style and Nods to Classic Portrayals
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba has garnered significant recognition during this awards season, yet she also pays homage to the original Oz witch with subtle nods, including her signature claws and a playful reference to her own take on the classic cackle. “You heard a little bit in the first [movie],” she mentioned, referring to a moment in “What Is this Feeling?” where she slips into a giggle fit. “You’ll hear it in the second one for sure,” she teased, hinting at exciting surprises for fans of the franchise. Her ability to blend homage with innovation speaks to her talent as a performer.
Reflecting on Childhood Fears and Iconic Performances
Kimmel revealed his childhood fear of the original Wicked Witch of the West, prompting Erivo to explore the roots of that fear. “Do you think it was because of the Wizard of Oz that you were scared of Margaret Hamilton?” she asked, recognizing Hamilton’s legendary performance that has left a lasting impact on audiences. Erivo expressed her admiration for Hamilton, stating, “I don’t think I ever experienced feeling afraid of her. Maybe that’s the reason I’m here.” This conversation underscores the lasting legacy of The Wizard of Oz and its influence on contemporary performers.
Catch the Full Interview with Cynthia Erivo on Wicked
Watch the entire Wicked interview segment featuring Cynthia Erivo here:
The highly anticipated Wicked film is currently showing in theaters and available for digital viewing. Meanwhile, Wicked: For Good is set to premiere this Thanksgiving, promising more enchanting moments for fans.
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