Cynthia Erivo - "Fantasy" & "Reasons" (Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute) | 2019 Kennedy Center Honors

Cynthia Erivo performs "Fantasy" & "Reasons" to honor Earth, Wind & Fire at the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors.
Cynthia Erivo is a British-born actress, singer, and songwriter. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a Tony Award and a Grammy Award, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. She gained recognition for starring in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple from 2015 to 2017, for which she won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, among others. Erivo portrayed the abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the biopic film Harriet (2019), receiving Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song.
The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates icons who, through their artistry, have left an indelible stamp on our collective cultural consciousness,” stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “Earth, Wind & Fire’s hooks and grooves are the foundation of a seminal style that continues to shape our musical landscape."
In a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, the 2019 Honorees were saluted by today's leading performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world through performances and tributes.
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#KCHonors #CynthiaErivo #EarthWindFire

[@bamf8211]

Notice the walk up to the mic stand and the spin at the beginning, Cynthia already knew she was about to slay this, there was no question

[@praises2]

She slayed the song❤❤

[@c.cristina5119]

Perfection 🎉

[@powellp25]

She slays everything! Yes she knew! ❤

[@pammoore4326]

EXACTLY 💯👑🌹👑💪🏾💜🔥🔥🔥

[@Yownis]

I cannot believe people just started to know Cynthia after the wicked?! I was like I’ve known her because of her tributes

[@ballershanelle]

They slept on her but theatre and her films....people know Cyn!!!! ...Audra is an amazing singer also but I bet many only know her from Pvt practice in ABC...lol

[@oops1911]

So true!

[@laerteaga]

And so...? I saw her performing "Stand up" at the Oscars and liked her a lot but I admit I didn't follow up, and I am glad she continues to work and reach different audiences, younger, older... isn't that the point?

[@Yownis]

@ y r u hatin?

[@yvettegoldstein622]

Ain't gonna lie I was one of them but I remember this tribute🎉❤my girl is blessed by the best!! Just Beautiful

[@kiyahb5106]

No one has mentioned how good the band is. Vocals, band, back ground singers all compliment each other...smooth, sophisticated performance.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Percussion and horn section were clean! Lead singers voice cant hang with this band, unfortunately.

[@dayram6217]

The Band indeed! What a great sound. The background singers are fantastic!

[@aledinks7911]

Yesss! A wonderful overall tribute.

[@Omega1st]

@@ecclairmayo4153 What nonsense are you talking?

[@classix2132]

And know one mentioned the sound engineer behide and the whole team in it

[@indigo6485]

I love how she didn't over do anything it was simply perfect

[@kudandanga9400]

Thought exactly the same thing

[@lookhowshegobbledthat]

I do wish she gave a nice sassy growl or two, a lil squal sprinkled here and there... but yeah this was tasteful and smooth overall.

[@Jomathewz]

Yes dress Yes vocal Yes presence Yes class Yes delivery Yes Kween 💕

[@vivibottoms3028]

Yes I'm in Agreement!

[@eadghe]

Masonic dress Masonic presence No class

[@louis-henribaillet890]

Amen Jijo Mathew !

[@bienvenidobiagtan9706]

Well said ........pure class

[@jdwrcc]

Like African Americans NO huh!

[@humanr.e8529]

I really love that she hit that spin before she started singing lol

[@marcuscross6840]

You're so right! It's great when someone has the aural chops that she has, but it's even 'mo betta' when she brings her visual stage presence along with it.

[@samross2784]

Me too lol!!

[@therealjq362]

Right!!!! 😍

[@aderiusscott2220]

I lived!!!

[@alexandral.s2744]

Show

[@noelreyes6591]

I need a full version of Reasons from her 👏👏👏

[@joshuarosario39]

me too!!

[@saxtonjohnson8363]

FACTS

[@chrismartinez1121]

Same here

[@treblazer]

absolutely

[@angelaechon4083]

Yes!!! 💜

[@d0ntreply]

to me, she currently has the best and most powerful voice right now. insane natural talent.

[@xeechet6290]

I love that she served it straight up. No overdoing it. Her voice as smooth as butter. Got me hungry!

[@D_Space2024]

LMAOOO NOT HUNGRY 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@msanross]

Yes her voice cut like butter. I agree.

[@annisaarthur-castro6227]

I'm glad she didn't over do it with the runs too. I HATE THAT! Sing the song, enunciate and stop the theatrics.

[@imcoldburrr3613]

@@annisaarthur-castro6227 couldn’t have said it better

[@imcoldburrr3613]

PLEASEE NOT HUNGRYYY😭😭😭

[@DustinRoots-y8d]

Its official. I'm in love with Cynthia Erivo! Like real bad! This woman is magnificent!

[@kateysilver5170]

Cynthia could cover literally any song and I’d be obsessed. What a Queen

[@tasharhodes8969]

Cynthia is such a classy lady!!

[@richardbourdeau1779]

She could sing the phone book and I'd love it! Such a talent.

[@rubyblue444]

Mannnnn, she could sing the Alphabet and the Barney song and I'd be obsessed with her voice!!

[@amelamal6311]

Diva

[@sstan99]

Effortless 👏👏

[@ashley.taylor174]

Her voice and song choice brought me here the first time. Then her strong performance in Wicked brought me back here again! Give her the Oscar!

[@Rosannasfriend]

Yep

[@oriannaelsa3217]

I agree 💗

[@badgalruth]

Cynthia Erivo never disappoints, she’s a force to be recognized. Pure beauty, class and timeless. This IS artistry at it’s finest❤️

[@empresserica]

YES!!!!!!! Love her!

[@rrubio6660]

Broadway star, Academy-Award nominee, and hell of a singer!

[@dwightalfred]

After hearing how flawlessly she delivered those two EWF classics, I would love her to do complete covers of those songs on an album. Did you see the way David Foster was looking at her at the end of the show? I feel he wants to write for her. Would love to see what comes out of such a colaboration.

[@tonymanocchio2394]

Agree beautiful classy

[@svibetti]

OMG! She is amazing! The smile on Philip's face says it all!

[@pupbunnys]

that walk up to the mic and spin was so instantly iconic. her aura is unmatched.

[@kevinwingate7938]

When she did that spin I knew she was ready!

[@kendrarenee2089]

Impressed by the softness and power of her voice. She slayed this tribute!!!

[@praises2]

Yes indeed, beautifully done

[@FirstSPK]

She is a true diva of this generation: the voice and the glamour. Classy!

[@Barcelona3xs]

On point!! Yes she is Love the fact that she doesn’t need all the craziness in her voice. Pure, wonderful and rich singing

[@jaystan233]

Being black and to experience black culture is a blessing

[@newtonduck1]

I've waited my whole life, apparently, to hear Cynthia Erivo sing Fantasy. The whole thing is just amazing!

[@Xg4lyf]

Nah she crazy y'all ❤am currently going through a life crisis called Cynthia erivo she's that good

[@j.puebla1043]

I don't care about the price of tickets, I'll be in the front row to see her perform live. She's in her own league. Classy👏

[@Luckie382]

Agreed, "her own league."

[@ericaswaby1967]

That's true...own league it is!!!

[@rubyblue444]

I'll be right there with you!!

[@jovankafudge9839]

The band was on point! Now they did that!

[@jahzxrx]

i would cry if i see her perform live. i hope i do GODDD

[@OsheyBaddest]

Same 😭

[@bphlover_08]

This was the video that made me fall in love in Cynthia's voice. Glad she's getting great feedback for her performance in Wicked.

[@aitorkevineteomba6431]

The way she walks to the mic stand... Classy, elegant.

[@caps_lock_]

Love that she made it her own without going overboard. All class.

[@YogiGospel]

Cynthia is so phenomenal, and I love how perfect her afrofuturistic look is for honoring Earth Wind and Fire!!

[@kevinkilgore3346]

I'm grateful the world is waking up to Cynthia Erivo thru Elphaba. Cynthia only needs an Oscar to complete her E.G.O.T. She should have won one for Harriet Tubman. But this beautiful, talented lady is perfection.

[@liviusss]

I love the musical arrangements, and the band and back-up singers, absolutely fabulous!

[@sisternikeisha]

Agreed!

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Percussion and horn section was clean. The lead singers voice just isnt strong enough to hang with this band.

[@carinabarros135]

Mr Foster band!

[@curlyjawsh5309]

EcClair Mayo are you referring to Cynthia?

[@cristianbustamante8468]

You are right Bro but the versión of Jhon legend Is really amazing.......the bass player Is really awesome

[@trgoohileshea2820]

I was not familiar with Cynthia Erivo until this performance. I am a huge fan now! She has a STUNNING voice!

[@girlblue923]

Yes, same here. So glad I discovered her

[@missidljkingofkings9063]

She looks absolutely gorgeous here. I love this look on her. I'm convinced she can sing anything.🎉❤

[@ruthieb2492]

Just like the late Whitney Houston, Cynthia’s stage presence is second to none. And that voice, my goodness…I’m obsessed! 😍😍😍

[@jonnelgubat3170]

Now, this is how you give tribute. Very nice vocal quality and healthy technique.

[@aszamiilman2111]

this is like 100th times i played this clip and i am not thinking of stopping in the near future!!!! everyone on the stage (and the composer as well) deserve huge applause

[@rositakusumaningrum9472]

Agreed! Even I forgot how many times I played, so eargasm.

[@nadzingers]

hard same

[@MeliQuint]

Cynthia's vocal range is amazing!

[@barbarasmith253]

And that band

[@Super7teen]

i come back and watch this performance whenever im bored, always love hearing her covers 👏

[@sitruckoom9845]

Whitney would be on her feet she’d be so proud of Cynthia

[@keilahisrael4314]

I really wish Whitney could have seen and HEARD her!!

[@annon3816]

I hope she have a full song version of Reasons. Her voice is perfect for that song.

[@redzoom7857]

She SANG the heck outta "Reasons." I think everyone loves that song, classic love song.

[@angelaechon4083]

1:32 I'm like that man when she started Reasons. So good! 💜

[@liviusss]

That's Brian McNight, a great singer (and fan of Earth, Wind and Fire) - I loved his reactions throughout these performances, so adorable!

[@jrabbt7463]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jrabbt7463]

​@@liviusss Not only did you spell his name wrong, but you also got the face wrong😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@taisclaudia]

This performance saved my quarentine times. 2020 has been such a tough year, but I still believe in good things and that God has it all under control. Keep safe guys, body, mind and soul.

[@PersnameLastname]

She has a very nice voice. Effortless singing!!

[@Cool7216bp]

I live under a rock and had no idea who she was. I do now! I enjoyed this very much!

[@lannydavidson139]

First i'm hearing of her too.

[@Luckie382]

😊 I didn't know either 🙃🙃 but after this awesome maybe perfect performance, I know now, too.

[@anthonychilcote872]

You should look up her singing I'm Here from the Color Purple musical. Insane

[@delanodawkins2192]

This woman was an absolute FORCE

[@ytyt1598]

This lady deserves million views. She owns the stage and she spiced up this performance in her own magical voice. Truly amazing

[@robreck6082]

How did I live this long without knowing about Cynthia Erivo. Good Lord....

[@lousanchez2797]

The New Vocal Trinity for surely includes Cynthia. The other two is yet to come

[@brandoncrooks7248]

Cynthia Erivo continues to prove herself as a masterclass vocalist and force of artistic excellence - from the treatment of the craft to the delivery of a truly stellar performance. The effortlessness and grace with which she takes you on a musical journey truly reflects the dedication, passion and grounded footing that all artists should have, or at the very least aspire to have. Truly, an amazing performance.

[@deniserichardson3535]

I am such a huge fan after seeing this. im hooked on cynthia. Oh my goodness. Those background singers and piano player did they thing. What a Blessing!

[@twigyytwix3301]

Her voice is beautiful gives me goosebumps ❤❤😊

[@JayKayEllEmm]

As soon as I heard that voice, I just didn’t want it to stop singing.

[@valeryberry]

Essa virada no início é puro charme. E que voz, Senhor!❤❤❤❤

[@cherrone86]

Everybody in the audience: OOH SHIT THATS MY SONG!!

[@zooeea]

No liess told 😭😭😭😭

[@empresserica]

Lol right!

[@danyahpereira1006]

😁😁😁

[@imcoldburrr3613]

girl those was cookout songs for me. especially reasons!! that’s why soon as i saw this video i had to hear how she did n she did not disappoint.

[@judithwalton1523]

Wonderful to hear a singer who actually sings a song and doesn't murder it with "runs". The sign of true talent xx

[@jenellewaugh5550]

This was the best EWF tribute ever. Cynthia nailed it. Philip had a big smile on his face when she performed Reasons. Job well done. 😊

[@muratozturk5797]

That's the 1000 th time I am listening Fantasy from Queen, a.k.a Cynthia! It is even better than the original! Pure art!!

[@Keeng_Aman_Duh]

Her voice is undeniable yet her fashion in her live performances are always exquisite!

[@louis-henribaillet890]

Saaay it Keeng !

[@rosedcrz]

I keep coming back to this rendition for a year now. I am a fan, Cynthia.

[@jocelynhkcarter]

Jocelyn Carter: This lady is so talented! Cynthia did a good job hitting that high note in the song Reasons!

[@RubyTwilite]

This was beautiful! Her presence is pure elegance, the band supporting her, the backing singers, everything was beautiful, and that high note at the end gave me chills!

[@alexandrous]

I have to see Cynthia sing live before I die. Until then, I won’t die.

[@edithpalaciodanza-pilates8350]

EW&F, forever ❤❤❤ Cynthia Erivo hace un tributo vocal de excelencia. Merecida presentación.

[@tenthredemption]

This entire performance is pure bliss. Her vocals, her interpretation, the absolute pleasure and joy in her face as she sings, the band and backup vocals…good God! I wish there were full covers of both of these songs.

[@TavasaVEVO]

Damn that band is tight..🎉❤ farrout.. the vocals to compliment ❤❤

[@rafaelorzales1876]

Her voice is smooth as silk... I so love Cynthia Erivo!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ruthannperry2842]

And I was envious of her gorgeous skin and the way she moves! She’s the whole package.

[@rafaelorzales1876]

true that!

[@daviddeivid1388]

How sweet is her voice, is an extraordinary interpretation. Love it.

[@jettap7652]

Love this! Cynthia nailed the voices and their style of outfits. Her performance reminded me of the EWF concerts back in the day.

[@suzettelawes2104]

Ms. Erivo's performance was beyond classy. Her entire persona was absolute perfection.

[@ancillapramudita9697]

Every man has a place, in his heart, there's a space And the world can't erase his fantasies Take a ride in the sky, on our ship, Fantasii All your dreams will come true, right away And we will live together, until the twelfth of never Our voices will ring forever, as one Come to see, victory in a land called, "Fantasty" Loving life, for you and me, to behold, to your soul is ecstasy As you stay for the play, fantasy has in store for you A glowing light will see you through It's your day, shining day, all your dreams come true Now, I'm craving your body Is this real? Temperatures rising I don't want to feel I'm in the wrong place to be real Whoa, when I'm longing to love you Just for a night Kissing and hugging And holding you tight Please let me love you With all my might Reasons The reasons that we're here The reasons that we fear Our feelings won't disappear Oooh, and after the love game Has been played All our illusions Were just a parade And all our reasons start to fade All our reasons why (All our reasons were a lie) All our reasons were a lie (After all our reasons) (Love was left aside) Love was left aside I'm longing to love you For one night

[@aldrinsgrame7243]

thanks for the lyrics ✨

[@dominiquet2836]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! SHE HAS SO MUCH CONTROL OVER HER VOCALS SIMPLY FLAWLESS❤

[@hotdamndan9892]

They have to bring in a goddess to sing Reasons cause no mortal can sing that song and give justice to it.

[@O.bregado]

Bravo!!! One day I will sing with her!!!

[@edmundolee]

I come back to this every now and then. So beautiful.

[@shiamakhangout4136]

This is why her gift will always soar as she’s selfless with her back up singer !! Adorable

[@slimgirls78]

WOW ...and FULLY clothed. Class and grace. Perfect.

[@vrncxx]

Her voice is just 😫

[@derrelfosch1558]

She makes the Earth Wind & Fire song looks so easy! she is somebody to be recognized powerful voice🙏🙏👏👏👏

[@Sand.witches]

Girl i just love you Pure talent.

[@veevoh583]

She performs with soooo much CLASS!!!!!....WOW

[@marvinestillore1785]

There is so much clarity in her voice

[@renlyyohanisrampi7350]

EW&F's chords was all out of this world

[@lwaz_songo2268]

Cynthia is one of thee vocalists of this generation

[@joshuarosario39]

We all still need a full version of her singing reasons. please make it happen.

[@yolandaphillips3972]

Thank you one million times Nov 27 2024🎯

[@Mo_B-xv2hv]

I'm so glad she's getting the recognition she deserves. She's one of the best voices in today's music.

[@Luckie382]

Agreed. Ur spot on. Im abt to say the quality of her voice is the best in today's music.

[@pinklemonade6597]

I’m addicted to her voice

[@liviawiggins7538]

Congratulations 🎉my lovely sister ,,we the entire owutu community is very proud of you and your performance

[@angeliamartin197]

This is your time Cynthia. Embrace it and shine on...❤

[@finefeatheredfriend9240]

Can we talk about how 2:40 - 3:11 has me feeling like I've been cutting a batch of onions? 👏👏👏

[@tramekn]

Who knew we also needed Cynthia Erivo’s version of these amazing songs? Thank you beautiful lady!

[@cordneyharris4055]

My first time hearing this sister... I think I'm in love.

[@suelisantos2382]

Linda maravilhosa

[@hunnerdayEDT]

Cynthia Erivo. Search I'm Here from the Color Purple, and Stand Up, from the movie Harriet Oscars 2020.

[@rahlohmcdonogh4855]

You're an Akata to her!

[@OsheyBaddest]

@@rahlohmcdonogh4855 u guys r so sensitive 💀

[@udohnsikak6352]

Give it up for Cynthia Erivo,truly African pride and beauty.She's got a great voice too.

[@zilla227]

Idk why this makes me feel so emotional. She don't just give me chills but the whole emotional wave. She's so amazing!

[@kellywilmer4408]

Amazing Tribute

[@somerslim25]

when she sing the song "reasons" she make color woman proud. beautiful voice Beautiful woman

[@aaronnewman19]

her voice is beautiful

[@diahannstevens5223]

EWF LOOKED PLEASED , SHE BLESSED THEM , ELEGANT ,AND HER TONE IMPRESSED ,EMPRESS , LOVELY !

[@christinecupic6871]

So nice to see a singer, just sing, and not prance around the stage half naked!! Real talent doesn’t need gimmicks.

[@chrissherwin2364]

This performance stopped me in my tracks. She is class personified absolutely beautiful and a voice that I have never heard before. Just incredible

[@MusicalPhenomena]

Listen to the album The Color Purple(2015 Broadway Cast Recording) and tell me what you think. She will not disappoint!

[@Luckie382]

Same here. Haven' heard a crystal voice as Cynthia's. Omg. Blessed.

[@adj.sam12]

HER VOICE IS DIVINE!! How am I just now hearing about you? You sound incredible!