Cynthia Erivo, a talented Oscar nominee, recently showcased her incredible skills by singing live while performing thrilling stunts in the new movie Wicked. In this adaptation, she plays Elphaba, while her co-star Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda. The two actresses decided to sing live on set, adding a unique touch to their performances.
Erivo faced an extra challenge when she chose to perform her own stunts, including a breathtaking flight scene during the iconic song “Defying Gravity.” Speaking at a recent screening in New York City, Erivo shared that she underwent extensive training to prepare her body for the demanding role.
"I trained hard and worked with an amazing vocal coach to help me find the right breath control," Erivo explained. Singing with such intensity usually requires being grounded, but flying made that tricky. She had to learn to replace that ground support with air, which was not an easy feat, especially while wearing a corset.
The actress admitted that this process was a real challenge for her, but she was determined to deliver her best. "I wanted to do the song justice," she said. She pushed through the bruises and discomfort, striving for a powerful performance that combined both singing and flying.
In promotional videos, Erivo mentioned how she wanted to tackle her stunts herself and embraced the opportunity to take on this physical challenge. She described the feeling of singing in the air while wearing a corset as strange but exhilarating. "When all is said and done, it just feels like magic," she said.
Moreover, Erivo revealed that during long filming days, she sometimes went without using the bathroom for up to 12 to 14 hours, simply to avoid the hassle of getting in and out of her complex costumes and harnesses. She noted that there were several layers to manage, making every moment on set an adventure.
Wicked is now in theaters, and audiences have the chance to witness Erivo’s remarkable performance firsthand.
