On with Kara Swisher Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo on Defying Gravity, the Attack on Diversity and (Maybe) Getting an EGOT
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Feb 10, 2025 
Cynthia Erivo, a talented singer, actor, and producer best known for her roles in 'Wicked' and 'Harriet,' shares her journey of empowerment and artistic expression. She reflects on the significance of her role as Elphaba, its resonance with themes of identity, and the current attack on diversity. Erivo discusses her desire to amplify underrepresented voices, her aspirations for EGOT status, and the crucial role of storytelling in activism. She emphasizes the cultural impact of 'Wicked' and the importance of representation in media.
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Filming "Defying Gravity"
- Director John Chu discussed the complexity of filming "Defying Gravity," involving multiple sets, rigging, and Erivo singing live while flying.
- The scene required significant technical coordination and Erivo's unique abilities.
Embracing Defiance
- "Defying Gravity" represents Elphaba's ultimate act of defiance, rejecting others' expectations and embracing her own power.
- Erivo embraced the physical and vocal challenges, seeing them as essential to understanding Elphaba's experience.
The War Cry
- Erivo's unique war cry at the end of "Defying Gravity" was a spontaneous, guttural expression during recording.
- Composer Stephen Schwartz encouraged her to create her own version, which felt instinctively right.
