Cynthia Erivo Is Flying High and ‘Defying Gravity’ With First Breakthrough
Cynthia Erivo achieved her first number 1 on the US iTunes charts with her rendition of “Defying Gravity” from her breakthrough film Wicked.
Known for her award-winning performances as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, Erivo brings her trademark emotional depth to Elphaba, the central character of Wicked. This adaptation marks a pivotal moment, not only in her career but also in the broader world of musical theater. The song’s success on digital platforms reflects how theater enthusiasts and new listeners alike are embracing this cinematic reimagining of an iconic production.
The singer’s portrayal of Elphaba in the highly anticipated two-part Wicked film is already generating buzz, and the power ballad serves as the emotional climax of the first installment. Director Jon M. Chu praised the dedication to splitting the film into two parts, asserting, “As we prepared the production…it became impossible to wrestle the story of Wicked into a single film without doing some real damage to it.”
Wicked, released a week ago, already broke records with a $114 million box office debut. Fans have flooded social media with praise, re-enacting some of the film’s choreography and giving their own renditions of the tracks.
ariana rehearsing her viral sequence from “what is this feeling?” pic.twitter.com/WVwhxMCmcT
— noah (@bloodlineprint) November 22, 2024
However, “Defying Gravity” remains one of the most influential tracks from the film. Behind the scenes, Erivo embraced the physical and vocal challenges of “Defying Gravity,” even opting to perform her stunts for the scene live. This level of dedication enriched the film’s authenticity, making the song even more visually and emotionally compelling.
New footage of Cynthia Erivo flying/singing in “Defying Gravity” pic.twitter.com/B5nxx0Hu6I
— Wicked Updates (@wicked_updates) November 14, 2024
The response to the track signals strong anticipation for the second half of Wicked, which will debut in theaters next year. The Broadway performer will again star alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda.
For the new Elphaba, this moment represents more than just a career milestone; it is a culmination of all the dedication and hard work she put into making the film. The vocalist has consistently challenged norms, but her number 1 hit with “Defying Gravity” and her record-breaking debut with Wicked showcase the singer’s musical journey is just beginning.
You can purchase tickets to see Wicked here.
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