Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Sing Live for Wicked Movie

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo showcase their vocal prowess in the filming of Wicked, opting for live performances over pre-recorded tracks.

By Megan Sauer

Wicked: Part One is one of the most anticipated films of the year, the long-awaited adaptation of the well-known Broadway musical that has reached levels of global fame like few others. Jon M. Chu , director of the film, interviews Vanity Fair and reveals that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo refused to sing with a track during filming, doing it completely live for everyone on the set and, soon, for the theaters, cinema.

What is Wicked about?

Wicked is a musical that reimagines the story of The Wizard of Oz , focusing on the friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, and how their divergent paths transform them into iconic figures. The play explores themes of acceptance, power and redemption in a magical world.

What did the director of Wicked say about the work of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo?
Ariana plays Glinda and Cynthia plays Elphaba, the protagonists of the story. Her singing during filming couldn’t make the director prouder:

“These are live voices. When we were filming it, those girls said, ‘Fuck pre-recordings. Let’s live.'”

Ariana and Cynthia

Ariana Grande began her career on the cast of the Nickelodeon television series, Victorious , before going solo with hit albums like “Yours Truly” and “My Everything.” With a powerful and versatile voice, she has dominated the charts with hits like “Problem” and “Thank U, Next,” becoming one of the most influential artists of her generation.

Cynthia Erivo is a Tony and Grammy Award winner for her role in the musical The Color Purple , captivating audiences with her incredible vocal range and acting talent. Furthermore, she has demonstrated her acting talent in films such as Harriet, where she received praise for her portrayal of legendary activist Harriet Tubman. Erivo is recognized for her commitment to artistic excellence and her ability to excite and move her audience.

Unparalleled classic

Wicked has achieved the status of a timeless classic in the world of musical theater. His adaptation of Gregory Maguire ‘s novel of the same name , which is itself a reimagining of the literary classic The Wizard of Oz, offers a fresh and provocative perspective on familiar characters and events. Exploring the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, the musical delves into universal themes such as friendship, acceptance and redemption.

Additionally, Stephen Schwartz ‘s score is a musical masterpiece that masterfully fuses elements of pop, rock and classical theater, with iconic songs like “Defying Gravity” resonating in the hearts of audiences. Another key factor is its visually impressive production, with innovative sets and special effects that transport the audience to a magical world full of imagination.

The story of Wicked touches on themes relevant to any era, such as the struggle for identity, power and corruption, and the importance of questioning established norms. These combined elements ensure that Wicked will continue to be appreciated and revered in the world of musical theater for generations to come.