Watch: Cynthia Erivo Defies Gravity, Performing Her Own Stunts While Singing Live in “Wicked”
Cynthia Erivo is no stranger to pushing boundaries—whether it’s on stage, on screen, or now, in the world of stunts. As the fiercely talented Elphaba in “Wicked“, Erivo has once again proved why she’s one of the most electrifying performers of her generation, taking on some of the movie’s most iconic moments with her own daring stunt work. And she doesn’t just act—she sings live while doing it.
Erivo, an Academy Award nominee and Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner, has always embraced challenges, but her performance in “Wicked” takes things to a new level. One of the most jaw-dropping moments comes during “Defying Gravity,” the song that has been synonymous with Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West. Filming this breathtaking scene was the last thing Erivo shot due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, but it was worth the wait. Not only did she soar through the air for the unforgettable number, but she also sang live while suspended—no lip-syncing here.
In a new featurette on the “Wicked” YouTube channel, Erivo opens up about the incredible preparation and physical demands behind her stunt work. She trained rigorously, with wires and harnesses becoming part of her routine, all while ensuring she could deliver the raw emotion of “Defying Gravity” without missing a note. She was singing completely live by the way! The result? A performance that has already started generating awards buzz for her incredible blend of strength, emotion, and vocal power.
The movie “Wicked”, which hits theaters on November 22nd, has already received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising Erivo’s nuanced portrayal of Elphaba. From her powerhouse vocals to her captivating physicality, she’s bringing something special to this beloved character, and it’s clear that this will be one of her standout performances.
As Erivo herself says, it was an honor to step into Elphaba’s shoes, but she did it with a twist—pushing herself to the limit, defying gravity both figuratively and literally. For a glimpse behind the scenes of her jaw-dropping stunt work, be sure to check out the featurette, where Erivo reveals the magic (and the sweat) that went into making “Wicked” a true spectacle.
If you haven’t yet, mark your calendar for November 22nd—”Wicked” is going to be something you won’t want to miss.
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