Cynthia Erivo talks Wicked, Vulnerability and Representation

[@brandonheyward4022]

As a black person, watching the Defying Gravity scene was something very very special. As a human being. EVERY SCENE was very very special

[@jeleesalevy183]

THAT PART 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@PopSecret82]

Ditto

[@kimberlyhenderson842]

When Cynthia started singing Defying Gravity tears 😭 began to stream down my face, I felt like finally I can start being myself and stop being scared to allow myself and to let myself begin to fly. Growing up I never felt like I could ever be me til now!!

[@kirstywillowlove]

​@@kimberlyhenderson842 honestly me too

[@missjaxsyn]

ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE SAW HER YOUNGER SELFFFFF ❤️‍🩹🥹

[@TheClosetRatchet]

Cynthia literally ate this role. She should be very proud, I hope she sweeps awards season!

[@zoot_yam]

If she doesn't I will rage

[@KatsHope]

Me too! They better tell somebody!

[@KristinAlayna]

She must break EGOT records.

[@jazmynegodsey5787]

Hope so

[@Lanipooh1]

As a black woman watching an enormously talented black queer woman play Elphaba, the movie has touched me in places words can’t capture. I hope she gets an Oscar and becomes an EGOT winner.

[@cjlj108]

I want this for her so bad!! She deserves it all!!! #RoadtoEGOT

[@moneypenny1267]

Totally

[@tashajames3951]

Exactly. She did a phenomenal job

[@jeanineneal4551]

As a Black Queer woman, through Cynthia and this role I feel so seen! I echo your sentiments❤

[@catherinekim5287]

She was born to play this role. Hands down. No one else could have done all that she did for Elphaba in the film. No one!

[@dakotac180]

As a queer black girl from Kansas who loves design and to sing, theater kid, this movie hit home so much. Cynthia knew what us little black girls needed and her voice is anointed. Such a beautiful adaptation of Oz. I cried for sure at the dustball and defying gravity of course. Omg chewing gum was a classic, forgot they were both in that show.

[@KatsHope]

It's great isn't it. I also grew up in KS and hear you. Bible Belt being busted out!

[@moondoor9031]

Cynthia being emotional means that she cares a lot about this role, it's very good to see an actress care so much for a character like this.

[@emmap.7314]

I never expected “crying whilst watching press tour interviews” to be on my 2024 bingo card. Enter Ariana and Cynthia on the Wicked press tour and all I do is cry along with them. This has been one of the most beautiful and authentic press tours. Wicked seems to have healed something within Ariana and Cynthia. It has the power to heal something within all of us ❤️.

[@mariahjanes8668]

I hope you inspire a whole generation! As a young woman from a Jewish family, Idina has been an inspiration! I watch anything she's in and was so glad she was in the movie is such a beautiful way. The tribute to them and heart felt passing of the hat 😢❤😂🎉 was beyond words. You, like Idina are an inspiration. My 6 year old is captivated by Wicked now and I get to share all that Wicked ment to me growing up with her. When I say captivated thats no small thing. My 6 yr old girl and 9 yr old autistic son can hardly sit still through an episode of Bluey yet they both begged me to see Wicked in theaters and so on my 3rd showing I thought i could handle taking the kids and possibly missing important moments 😆 (the entire movie)...bit they both sat there the entire run time. Neither one even asked for a potty break. That's never happened. I can't wait to watch it at home over and over with them!! Thank you for bringing her to life, honoring Idina and all of her history. You, Ari and all involved gave the world the most precious gift that will be cherished for generations to come. I am so grateful. Thank you all!

[@buzzfeedUK]

This is beautiful Mariah

[@lebronechilds3512]

As a black person, I feel that a black woman playing this role meant so much. No one feels or understands fully our story n what we went thru & still go thru. It’s like she mixed our story into the film n the film i already knew would be great but it exceeded my expectations fully. I say that to say Ms Cynthia was PERFECT for the role! They couldn’t have found a better person to play it🙏🏾🖤✨

[@ecoll520]

Ugh my gosh, I’m just sitting here eating my lunch crying over my food. This interview was so cleansing. I’m glad Cynthia got a chance to talk about what this means for lil black girl and lil “others.” 🥲 such a great interview 💚💚

[@slypickle01]

im eating my lunch too! lol! such a great interview! Cynthia is fantastic! As a mixed Black girl it was so powerful seeing her in this role, it's like I felt Elphaba even more

[@slypickle01]

Shoutout to the interviewers! They asked such thought-provoking questions, and I love how they actually took in Cynthias answers and appreciated her responses. So many interviewers nowadays just move on so quickly after their speaker answers a question. They also completely reassured Cynthia on her feelings and answers. Such a great job to the both of you!

[@chantellesmith5277]

Cynthia is absolutely wonderful in Wicked she should win best actress.

[@sharithomas8928]

She Will!

[@dayvaughnmonroe9540]

No seriously. Floored me.

[@TheClosetRatchet]

15:04 whewww 🥲🥲 before seeing the movie, I didn’t understand why her and Ariana were crying so much during the film, but now that I have seen it, I totally understand. It was just amazing! I was so blown away and was choked up at various points of the film. I’m going to see it again on Friday.

[@lilachodan4941]

I just I think she is spectacular in every movie. Outstanding. So authentic.

[@lilachodan4941]

The fact that it is so important to black woman that a black actress is playing the lead and it don't even realised.

[@Itstheofficialyesby]

Even as a black man I’m very proud to see it and the positive reception she’s getting.

[@keithkoganeislife3144]

Just don’t block out her eyes, you know how dehumanizing that is.

[@dayvaughnmonroe9540]

🗣️ THE LEAD! you betta say it!!

[@Thetylinjohnson]

I literally cried so many times yesterday in the theater it was just so beautiful to watch after three years of waiting for this movie and weeks of watching interviews. This was literally the best movie ever

[@Haddydaniels]

I’m so glad other black women are getting to tell her exactly how I feel! Thank you for getting our message across to her 🥹

[@itsjustjakeee]

this movie was everything & then some. the entire team behind the cast/production are brilliant. the UGLY cry I had at the ball scene... oh my goodness, as a plus-sized & disabled queer person it is so easy to feel "othered" by our deafening societal constructs so I truly can't thank cynthia & ariana for these performances. I felt their entire souls through every breath & every turn. it truly warms my heart to see the humanity in them when getting emotional during the press tour because you can see just how important this project was & is to them. cannot wait to watch it again!! 💚💖

[@readstoomuch2070]

The ball scene also had me crying 😭 and then when Glinda dances with Elpheba my goodness!!! So beautiful!!

[@TheCraftofPetra]

Cynthia's performance is God Level! My heart was beating so fast watching her sing defying gravity... I wasn't aware that I stopped breathing. She was maginficent! So powerful!

[@maicon.93]

she's the most amazing and talented woman that could possibily play Elphaba in this movie

[@Ashley-o7k]

I really think Cynthia is one of the most genuine actresses and her energy feels so peaceful.

[@crohniequeenab]

She was absolutely perfect for this role. I felt the same when I saw that scene. I was bawling. I cried just because I felt her. I knew what she was going through. It’s beautiful but also sad at how women of color can relate. I have been reading some nasty things about her and it’s just sad that we’re still dealing with this. When it comes to streaming I will be watching it over and over. I will be going to the sing along for Christmas. I will be seeing it at least 2 more times before it leaves theaters. It’s that good. Idc what anyone says she did that. 💚🖤

[@derekalmquist1537]

I bought my ticket to see wicked again this Saturday nov. 30th. Again so excited. As a gay man I can relate to feeling othered. I’m sorry you have to go through that.

[@frederickmiller5492]

She was the PERFECT person to play this part - period. Every interview I watch, I love her more and more. Such an intelligent, beautiful soul - she could literally read the dictionary and I'd follow along with every word.

[@venadacent7696]

What an emotional and beautiful interview

[@mierenierez]

God Cynthia’s NAILS though. Her hands are gorgeous

[@dayvaughnmonroe9540]

Cynthia was a revelation in this role! Its so crazy cuz i feel like im experiencing wicked for the first time all over again! 🥺🥺🥰🥰

[@aliciathot]

Tell Cynthia I love her ❤ she's a beautiful talented gifted woman.

[@estherkaruku8478]

I love Cynthia... I feel like she's giving me, a queer black woman, permission to feel and love myself and be gentle and ambitious... Since I've been listening to her interviews I'm more grounded ❤❤... I hope the interviews never stop.

[@taircalm]

Cynthia and Karis brought such care and emotion to Elphaba ❤

[@jilliehearth6679]

The love and truth and beauty in this interview has my whole heart flooded

[@melanieidachopko]

such a wonderful interview!

[@Coolcatz2500]

At the 17 min mark:"Whoah" "That's who it's for" Great interview

[@mgg1378]

This is my new favorite thing apparently !! Crying watching interviews on youtube! Wow. Thanks to Cynthia and Ari for this amazing healing press tour!! ❤❤

[@kiwibean5586]

This brings my heart joy! Thank you for being vulnerable with one another! ❤

[@JohnEdgarMoser]

I love this interview. Such thoughtful questions and conversation. ❤❤

[@jasminebrooks2061]

I've been thinking a lot about the whole poster thing and how she said she felt erased in the fan edited poster. I immediately understood, but my friend group (very white) felt it was a bit dramatic. When you pour your heart and soul into a role this big, you're allowed to be protective of it. Cynthia will never know just how many lives she has touched in speaking in her truth. My word of the year was Bold and seeing Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba was a perfect cap on a year of boldness for me.

[@batumakyeyunegodwin4254]

Outstanding interview, Cynthia you are amazing love from Uganda ,the interviewers were amazing

[@alphachick13]

14:21… I REALLY hope she knows!!!! She truly is “breathing life” into us when the “92%” (in America) is SO desperately in need of a North Star.

[@JoyBarnesJohnsonEMC2]

Healing Little Cynthia...phew! Yes, Little Cynthia got Big Cynthia to this moment. Congratulations.

[@shesaballer35]

She is just everything. I was sobbing like a baby during the inner child scene. Just a beautiful film all around.

[@kaydenevideo]

This means so much to all of us. Thank you for this interview. Grateful for this film, and this moment in cinema history. Thankful for this story, and how Cynthia brought Elphaba to life for all of us.

[@thomasmclean1361]

Thank you humans ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jessmagoa]

i’m going to watch this again in 5 years and see myself through this in a completely different, fuller way

[@savethebees412]

The nerves in this are so palpable, so proud of them two! Huge interview and they did great

[@rivkahmiri513]

I love this so much! Remarkable.She is so perfect!

[@TheCraftofPetra]

Cynthia! I love you! From Philippines! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tanishiaj.5357]

Just amazing! Thank you all for this!

[@bigdiva741]

You are awesome as an actress and singer, you had me with Aretha and Widow 😊

[@keontitoney9136]

Omg please I very sensitive right now I see tha tears now I'm tearing up🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MickieMuellerStudio]

As someone who loved all the books, as soon as I saw they cast Cynthia I was so excited! It just absolutely made sense and she surpassed my already high expectations.

[@kenyahandfield7248]

This was a great interview. The two of yall have a certain comedic energy that reminds me of family banter or old friends

[@muzicrox22]

Nothing felt more perfect than having Cynthia in this role. It was beautifully done, and I am so grateful that I was able to see her as Elphaba. So talented!

[@Sew-Ronica]

IM 15 SECONDS IN AND MY EYES ARE WATERING.❤

[@sephyrpatriq6474]

🥺🥺🥺 this really touched my heart

[@TeaLeaf222]

Grreat interviewers!💚

[@teniellemyhres368]

There are grown women, who don’t look like you, but see you.. I am an abuse victim recently separated, and your part in this movie brought me to complete surrender. I couldn’t control the emotion that Defying Gravity evoked in me, in the movies finality. It was brutal, authentic, inspiring and at the same time, incredibly healing. Thank you

[@kramermckee9968]

Cynthia made this role her own, it was sublime 💚🖤💚 hope she wins every award

[@Carvalhouk]

I've worked my entire life for this....👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. Bottom line it's the work. Well done!.

[@alleniaaar]

i definitely balled like a baby while watching this 😭❤️ thank you so much and Cynthia did more than an amazing job!!

[@kaiymariewalker8823]

Healing for little black girls, young and old 🤎

[@a.c.n.b.6353]

She deserves it ALL❤

[@tob4b1]

Ladies, this was a great interview! So good…. ❤🎉

[@TheBnzr]

Although I am not a black girl or woman, there are many who are very dear to me. Watching them receive what Cynthia gave/is giving moves me so deeply.

[@myriamtouil3347]

That made me cry to that was beautiful 💗 💗 💗

[@LoveNikiW]

I guess I’ll have to learn the soundtrack and the entire part one while I eagerly wait for part two. I’m still crying 😭

[@davidsmith7962]

My Wife & I definitely loved Wicked. Cynthia’s role as Elphaba was beyond amazing. Especially when she sang defying gravity. I felt those words. It felt like I was flying too.

[@buzzfeedUK]

It was truly magical! 🤩

[@P0TTERMAN]

14:50 Such a kind and beautiful moment. ❤️❤️❤️

[@GJKooijman]

What a conversation 💚💚💚

[@cheftobiascooks2342]

I LOVE THIS INTERVIEW🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉watching from San Francisco Congratulations on your 200❤ show.....

[@OsheyBaddest]

beautiful interview 🥰

[@dskye2]

loveeeeee her 💕💕💕💕!

[@TheCraftofPetra]

So excited for part 2!!!!!!!!

[@bryanokafor9024]

Wowww 🔥🔥🔥

[@annah645]

This whole thing has been amazing to see.

[@annellakateferi2416]

now look at me crying at every cynthia's interview 😭😢

[@tryingnot2bdumb]

Could Cynthia be anymore stunning?😜🤩

[@moneypenny1267]

Love Cynthia xxxx

[@247BadMamaJama]

The ancestors are have a Holy Ghost party!!!🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@matina4432]

Now y’all know y’all was gonna need a whole box of Kleenex

[@elisebrisson]

“She’s seeing a version of herself FLYING.” 🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@ArtTheSinger]

Crying again..

[@Naiimahh]

Waited 9 days to be emotionally stable enough to watch this and didn't make it past minute 3. I'll be back when I can control myself 😭

[@lindaalbert817]

Just amazing touching

[@sasa.855]

i was a ball of mess in the cinema watching it ! it was like someone took my childhood as a blk girl in norway. + the feeling i have everytime i walk walking into a room full of people i dont know. its horrible. Cynthia did an amazing jobb

[@georgenep1082]

Great interview

[@FlamingHails]

I think Cynthia Erivo made an amazing Elphaba.

[@gabrielleheslop7617]

💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@philly1076]

the green jumper is from monki - i love monki

[@torahnariq6111]

I love u cynthia erivo u did this role so much justice and it brought me to tears even tho its so hard for me to cry so thankful for u such a powerful message and delivery it really heals something in u

[@camerynjenkins7976]

Does anyone know the name of the opening song?

[@ariesunicorn8225]

All wearing green for the heart (emotional) chakra

[@P.Funk22]

✨✨✨💛💚👌🏾.

[@psylyps]

10:00 All the love to Cynthia💚 People need to grow up. If a white woman can play a green witch, so can she.

[@ursulatroxler7428]

She’s a actress stop believing everything

[@kellypritchard6516]

Who's cutting the onions

[@kamalsinghsra67]

💚🩷💚😭🥹

[@MateoNieto-x3k]

A white privilaged character: *Screams* YOURE GREEN!!!?? Elphaba: *breaths in* i am. Ill just say that, on my personal perspective, cythia was the PERFECT choice for this role

[@ragtmt15]

The musical is not about race!! It’s more a political story and a prequel to OZ … why is everyone so obsessed with her color as a black woman

[@truetrinitytrini]

I'm so sorry you can't see why, everything is not about denying someone's experience, if you can't understand that, you're not really listening. You are just guided by your stance and view point on "ppl always making everything about race"....it's blinding you from other perspectives.

[@ballershanelle]

Its pure trolling to maje it about race. Thats the best thing about the book. The character is green. It gets cut right there Fiyero needed to Be in his true coloring and chu failed to be do it.

[@SimplyNaimah]

Cynthia playing Elphaba truly completed my life. Growing up I’ve NEVER seen the Wizard of Oz… I watched the Wiz … my future children were already going to watch the Wiz but to be able to now share wicked with them played by a beautiful black woman?!? I am grateful ☺️