
Zach Sang Show Cynthia Erivo Talks Wicked, Friendship with Ariana Grande, and New Album ‘I Forgive You’
Jun 11, 2025
Cynthia Erivo, a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner, discusses her riveting role as Elphaba in Wicked and her new album, I Forgive You, which took 396 days to create. She shares insights on the significance of forgiveness and personal growth, inspired by her own life experiences. Cynthia also opens up about her close friendship with Ariana Grande, navigating fame, and the emotional themes behind her music. The conversation touches on the importance of genuine relationships in artistry, along with the legacy of live performances.
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Forgiveness as Personal Growth
- Forgiveness requires releasing blame for past flaws and hurts to progress personally.
- Cynthia aims to inspire others to say "I forgive you," even if it's difficult.
Vocal Layering Technique
- Cynthia layers her voice 5 to 8 times per line to create rich, melodic vocal stacks.
- She hears subsequent lines while singing, building complex harmonies spontaneously.
Personal Roots of 'I Choose Love'
- The first lyric of "I Choose Love" emerged as Cynthia expressed vulnerability about fearing abandonment.
- Her personal experience with abandonment shaped the song's authenticity and depth.


