Idina Menzel Reacts To Cynthia Erivo's 'Defying Gravity'

[@slchld.]

Some of you mocking them for getting emotional in interviews just don’t understand what it’s like as a theatre kid looking up to these women and then finally getting the opportunity to work alongside them. And not only that but having them praise you on your performance. I would be crying every damn second too.

[@vascanj]

EXACTLY.

[@georgspielberger9780]

These people are idiots and immature I would be emotional as well

[@slchld.]

@@georgspielberger9780 exactly I guess the edgy thing now is to pretend you don't have feelings.

[@sheriBproductionz]

Agreed!!!! They don’t have a clue what it’s like to act and sing and bring that energy to the set and the feelings it leaves behind even after filming! It truly is an experience like no other! And I know they’re so extremely proud of one another and themselves too!

[@slchld.]

@ yesss especially Cynthia she’d have to get fully ready before even going on set and then when she left she’d be in her green skin and apparently people would stare and say she’s green. So she really lived through what Elphaba went through 🥹

[@Ladyhoneybun242]

After seeing the movie last night….THIS IS HOW YOU DO AN ADAPTION!!! This was done with care, respect, love and support. The acting was amazing, the chemistry between these cast was there. I don’t even have to comment on the singing because it speaks for itself. I was very very impressed with this film. And shout out to the crew for building the sets they did, the scenes and cinematography was beautiful. Yes some of it had to be CGI but beautiful detail to the things that weren’t CGI’d

[@ButterflyShogun]

FACTS

[@deux26]

Indeed! And just to mention Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond ( the goat)! 😊

[@RixMorales]

A significant amount of the set is practical effects

[@KR-fu2sl]

@@ButterflyShogunI’ve been saying Wicked was adapted to film with white glove service.

[@julesa1180]

could not agree more!

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

Both versions are great. However, im happy the director wanted Cynthia to do a version her way, or varying ways, so that it's not 100% copy and paste. Idina will forever be the gold standard for the play and Cynthia has cemented her version for the movie. Both are exceptional

[@AlR-c8w]

Agreed, I’m also happy Ariana refused to remix Popular and stay true to the original.

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

@@Tinky35 I was just saying that to myself just a couple days ago. I watched a video of Pia Toscano singing "All By Myself" performing with/for David Foster's 75th birthday concert and my first thought was - they don't make songs or celebrate singers like this anymore. I highly recommend the video if you haven't seen it.

[@JuniusJones]

Lol. ​@@Tinky35

[@whitneydenisebeautiful]

Love this comment

[@zintlemvana7955]

​@@Tinky35part of the reason Idina sings it that way is because her voice has to fill an entire auditorium whilst on stage

[@MyNaMeIsLiAm16]

Idina just being there and so supportive to Cynthia is amazing to see. As is Kristen to Ariana, I just watched the movie and it was breathtaking.

[@laurenmarie9332]

It really was 🥹

[@Jonathan-pp3du]

A woke witch.

[@smurf902]

Cynthia did not overly pop-riff anything. Her voice brings absolutely stunning depth to the role. And her acting just pours emotion into me. Believe me, i was skeptical, not because it's Cynthia, just because I'm protective of the Bway singers who've done it onstage.

[@jujubee2141]

@@smurf902 I’m so glad she sang it the way she did. It was beautiful 🤩

[@redtowlie9]

I was skeptical because of Cynthia. She just didn’t do the role of elphie justice

[@MeowZerz-vz5bs]

@@redtowlie9sounds about white

[@redtowlie9]

@ Whats that supposed to mean?

[@madeyemelinda]

@@redtowlie9you couldn’t handle it kiddo

[@EricSumpterMusic]

Well, looks like lighting CAN strike TWICE! To see what kismet magic Idina and Kristin created w/ the stage version and to now see Cynthia and Ari in these roles, it’s truly a revelation. These new interpretations SOAR and give added depth to an already amazing legacy. Both duos were BORN to bring us this story; on stage and now screen. Pure magic!!

[@vascanj]

I absolutely agree. They were born to play Elphaba and Glinda.

[@concerninghobbits5536]

@@vascanji just saw Kristin saying Ariana told her when she was 10? Or 12? that she wanted to be Glinda and when she got the part she called Kristin and they both just squealed. It makes me really happy knowing how people will assume they cast her for star power and the fact she's a pop singer. Seeing how big this is for her makes it feel so earned.

[@Jesta747200]

Watched it last night with my 14yo daughter. When she is hovering just outside screaming “so if you care to find me, look to the western skies” it was really heavy and powerful. She is of the west, but it’s them who call her wicked. Very powerful. I look forward to it coming out so I can watch that part again

[@MarcelleSmith0330]

@@Jesta747200 that's THE part for me too. Even the soundtrack gets me.

[@Common.n.n]

I’m really holding space for those lyrics 😩❤

[@F4nd0mgur1]

This first time I listened to Cynthia’s version of defying gravity, I had goosebumps, it just slapped me in the face the tone quality and soulfulness just brought me so much joy.

[@ANNABELLEPOP]

Yes!! I couldn’t put my finger on it but it is the soul in her singing! You can feel the emotion and it’s incredibly moving.

[@bernardwadding]

Same

[@WhatNatters]

I bloody burst into tears, it was so strange. That last note and all the emotional buildup, I think I was overwhelmed in the best way by the end

[@angiespringer6828]

The minute I heard Cynthia’s version I cried like a baby. My husband was like hey you okay? I said it’s just beautiful and so soul touching it really makes me cry every time and defying gravity has always been my fight song when I’m low or when I need to reminisce about my younger self. I now have to learn Cynthia’s version. With out crying

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Thanks for being the stereotype of an overly emotional woman.

[@chestylarue475]

Same. That final note gets me everytime.

[@valeriew1552]

So much emotion in Cynthia's voice and in her EYES, absolutely adore her and can't wait to see part 2!

[@alexandrabrill4060]

I love her little roughness when she did the “if you dare to find me, look to the Western sky”. Brilliant!

[@BeanOfInnocence]

Not to burst your bubble or be rude, but it’s “so if you *care* to find me, look to the western sky”

[@cherisedavidson5933]

Cynthia did BREATHTAKINGLY AMAZING!!!

[@Edwardtheblue2]

Idina was phenomenal

[@jefferysmith3371]

​@@Edwardtheblue2not better than cynthia

[@jediconnor9349]

@@Edwardtheblue2Are you a racist?😂 Lol, jk.

[@josephthering6035]

I love the respect everyone has for one another in this. It's so mature and so elevated.

[@hvanasse]

It’s fake and gay.

[@HPHSGermany2010]

I'm not a big fan of the recent wave of stage-to-film musicals...but this one killed it! "Defying Gravity" gave me goose bumps all over again. For me, the most magical moment of the song is right when Elphaba comes in with the line, "It's time to try defying gravity." And I love how Erivo kept that wonderful clean entry into that part of the song very close to Menzel's rendition...such a fantastic shout out. Something I love about this interview clip is the obvious mutual admiration between all the women. Deep appreciation for each others' work.

[@KC-uk1kb]

Idk why people get upset when people don’t sing the song like the original singer…. They AREN’T the original singer. if you want to hear the original it’s literally just one KZbin search away. I’m glad she didn’t sing it the same as Idina. I’ve heard that version so much that it’s nice to hear someone else’s spin on it.

[@Plaspos]

Yeah exactly like even when Idina went from playing Maureen in Rent on stage to playing her in the movie ten years later she changed around some of her riffing

[@loonzoldick]

it's cuz Cynthia is black, Dana Paonla, the Mexican performer for Elphaba in Mexico did not get hate over her own version, heck she is even considered among the top 3 best performers for the song, but now suddenly it's an issue? I WONDER WHY

[@gramsxg2297]

THANK YOU! I get misty EVERY time she does that riff the way she did. People saying they hated her over-riffing can be as honest as they want, but man, after seeing the movie twice, I can safely say that Cynthia and Ariana are both angels that need to be protected at all costs. My love for them both increase to infinity every time I hear them sing in the movie. 🥰🥰

[@maggiemccauslin1084]

Exactly

[@travelonmiller4917]

I CANNOT!!!😭😭😭😂😂😂 I just saw the movie tonight and I promise you I cried just like a 2 year old for her pacifier when Cynthia Erivo sang “Defying Gravity” at the end! 😂😂😂

[@musicaldramaqueen]

Cynthia and Idina holding hands completes my life ♥

[@dclong-]

Wait until you see someone light a fart. Mesmerizing.

[@scarecrow108productions7]

Seeing this on the big screen over the past weekend, and watching that sequence....brought so much chills down to my spine. They truly honored the original! As it should be. Can't wait for pt.2 next year.

[@Oneasianpersuasion]

I love both Idina and Cynthia's versions of Defying Gravity ❤️ I can't choose a favorite, they're both so talented and portray Elphaba amazing.

[@HolyMoly-uz4dm]

I know! Indina has the originality and Cynthia has the riffs! It’s so hard to choose!!!

[@MeowZerz-vz5bs]

@@HolyMoly-uz4dm”originality” lol you mean it was as basic as a singer can get except she was on broadway? Riffs require so much more originality lmao. Yes she’s and amazing singer and yes the song was even written for her in the context of being one of the greatest broadway singers/performers. New age just does it better

[@jayborussell]

@@MeowZerz-vz5bs Can't you just agree they both knocked it out the park and move on. The play wouldn't be as successful without Idina and the movie wouldn't be as successful without Cynthia

[@ragiingtomato14]

Lea Salonga the best

[@rexx_da_weiler7513]

It just speaks volumes to the actual appearance in Cynthia play elphaba because of the subject matter in the story

[@EMBEEAY]

I absolutely love how Idina and Kristin and included interviews, tours, carpet appearances and what not. What an amazing way to honor the story of Wicked as a whole.

[@gemma09.27]

When I was watching wicked (as someone who has never seen the play/musical or movie) The ending of defying gravity gave me the biggest goose bumps oh my gosh her vocals were amazing

[@Rosannasfriend]

Cynthia’s version is amazing and so is it Idina version. Lightning truck twice

[@AaronRollander]

If the OG Idina loves it and supports Cynthia, why would you think any of your opinions matter at all? Literally HER opinion is THE ONLY one that actually matters. Both are awesome queens and have different versions, that’s all.

[@aarons_30]

literally this

[@shawneob]

Because apparently in today's day and age everyone's opinion counts. And my opinion is the movie is sub-par. It dragged. It was too long and slightly boring. The singing was ok at best. I've seen the live version several times and love it! This movie takes so much away from an amazing live musical. The movie is just disappointing.

[@AaronRollander]

@@shawneob yeah so this is exactly when y’all opinions DON’T matter, as much as you believe yours does. 😴😴

[@malachifreedman3975]

⁠@@shawneob I agree with most of your points about the movie, but the singing definitely was not sub-par. I definitely feel like the movie was too dragged out, and it sucked a lot of humor that was in the show out. The singing was incredible though.

[@shawneob]

@ and I could care less what you think, but thanks for playing!

[@jujubee2141]

I literally just came back from seeing it. I thought it was incredible. I loved everything about it!

[@JohnsysChannel]

Same here, seen it last night. Defying gravity was magnificent in the film and absolutely brought the film to its half time conlusion with a magical powerful crescendo.

[@jujubee2141]

@ Did people clap 👏 after it was over? They did where I saw it. I’m ready to see it again.

[@JohnsysChannel]

@@jujubee2141 I’m in the UK. I’ve never seen anyone clap a film ever haha. It’s a recording, it doesn’t make sense, a stage show yeah, cos the people performing are there, but a film? That’s just insane

[@jujubee2141]

@ I understand people’s excitement but it’s true, you’re clapping at a blank screen. It’s pretty crazy!

[@deenikki9690]

No comparison. I love both versions ❤🤩

[@demonnamedlex3247]

I was so nervous when I heard this movie was coming out, this is one of my all time favorite musicals. They nailed it I saw it today and Ariana and Cynthia both nailed it.

[@jujubee2141]

@@demonnamedlex3247 Just saw it last night. I 100% agree with you. From the beginning to end it was a perfect movie 😊. They could of screwed it up in a number of ways but they didn’t. I’m ready to see it again!

[@valholmes6073]

Me too wow just a few hours ago and it was amazing! I was singing along clapping, smiling and 😢 I saw the play twice and absolute loved it so kudos to all of them for a superb job on the vocals and really embodying the roles so well. Can't wait til part 2 now!

[@SandZAcademy]

I'd listened to the original Wicked soundtrack so often over the years that I was sure I would recline in the theater seats and have a good sleep at the movies with my family. Only because I'm rarely impressed by covers of songs that I love. BUT. Cynthia and Ariana made each song their own. The movie, the story, the cinematography, the singing--EVERYTHING was breathtaking. Defying Gravity yanked the tears from my eyes and by the end, I was trying not to sob. BEAUTIFUL. I should have known Cynthia and Ariana would do everything justice--I've always loved them both as artists and actresses. I don't know why I doubted

[@ryanthoms]

Omg them crying 😭 this is such an emotional musical sometimes just thinking about For Good makes me cry harder than I’d ever like to

[@MondoMiami]

They do that in every interview. Stop being so gullible.

[@MelanieMartinez01]

​@@MondoMiami What did u expect it's literally every theatre kids dream and they got to meet the original Elphaba and Glinda who wouldn't cry in every interview

[@MondoMiami]

@@MelanieMartinez01 Ummmm, any sane person?

[@maggiemccauslin1084]

@MondoMiami So just because they are humans who get emotional sometimes they aren't sane? Lmao okay

[@mrmaat]

Cynthia’s new witch warcry is the cherry on top of an incredible musical adaptation. Both actresses absolutely nail the performances while adding their own unique twists.

[@kristinjayne6720]

Chills during the last scenes. It was so beautiful.

[@tomcampbell6384]

Saw" Wicked" yesterday. I was blown away!!!

[@niklet9246]

Just saw it. I was mesmorized and had tears in my eyes many times.

[@Mikki220]

He was like, don't be her, be you and that will make the song pop. I would love working with a guy like that. He knew what he wanted from them

[@rdawo6408]

Finding someone to fill indina's wicked vocals is hard! But Cynthia learnt and is now setting a higher threshold..👏👏👏👏

[@kyledrew0416]

She sings that last part with her entire body. It’s amazing to hear

[@VegasValentineMusic]

I love them all but the fact that they are basically CUDDLING by the end of this video is sending me 😂

[@gal-rz3gm]

Yeah, rumors are, that ari and Cynthia look a bit sus at all the wicked events and red carpet and interviews together with all the touchy feely 😂 so this video shocked me a little bit more because why the hell do they all touch each other like that and ariana looked a little jealous at Cynthia when she held idina's hand 😂😂or maybe Im over exaggerating

[@TheGreekPianist]

Haha I love how Ari put her glasses on after tearing up 🥰🥹❤

[@travelonmiller4917]

FYI…… who knew Ariana Grande was so freaking funny!!! She is hilarious in this movie. Her comedic timing is spot on flawless.! especially when she whipped that hair back-and-forth, lol! If you know, you know!!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@josephharrington7129]

Doesn’t she do a ton of SNL? I think she is hilarious too, she is fab

[@TheMasterwitcher]

U do know it was all staged for the film and written to do...right????

[@foreverloving5565]

Where have you been 😂

[@O_Haraa]

girl where have you ben lmao. I used to watch a lot of nick's sitcom and her comedic timing is amazing

[@niquemonet929]

She’s a Nickelodeon kid so it’s not surprising

[@ajm7596]

I wasn’t into the Wiz as a kid so Wicked was never on my radar until now…. This movie was such a wonderful way to be introduced to this timeless piece. Outstanding!!!!!

[@HskHeroReborn]

I thought it was cap they were acting during the promo run. Went into the film not knowing nothing about it and boy this was an amazing film they laid it all on the line. Amazing performances

[@VorpalSpider69]

I love all of the renditions, but Erivo's especially blew me away. Her voice is incredibly powerful, and that battle cry at the end deserved a sick guitar riff to accompany it. I love it that the directors wanted to have Erivo experiment and "defy gravity" in her own unique way.

[@DivaDelgado128]

Saw it last night and was in tears during this song. I can barely wait til next year for part 2

[@ZomBabeZoe]

I LOVE WICKED! Saw it this morning and am utterly utterly stunned💚🖤

[@littlebopeep3182]

I went into this movie knowing nothing about musicals or the world of Wicked and I was honestly blown away. The singing was incredible, the dancing, the cast. Everything was perfect. During the finale of "Defying Gravity" I got chills and teared up. I can't wait for part 2 🩷💚

[@islaythejabberwokky]

Both Cynthia's and Ariana's sung performances are such a perfect balance of fresh and unique in their own take on the songs while also being faithful to the originals and not overdoing/out-doing any of the riffs. THIS is how you do it!

[@agustdankk2784]

i saw wicked for the first time time on broadway last year with my best friend who LOVES wicked and has since she was a child. i instantly fell in love. elphaba is a character i hold dear to my heart cause i relate so much to her so much and… her and glinda’s relationship their love for each other genuinely reminded me of my relationship with my best friend. my bestie is such a glinda girl personality wise and she~ i was sobbing throughout the whole damn broadway show and film. it is so good.

[@bushitwo6367]

Seeing defying gravity on screen was amazing! I love the way they acted out the scene and stopped the song for the action sequences! Then the absolute show stopper when she is on the broom and yells at the people while still singing! Amazing!! I was left wanting more! I will be back for part 2! 🥹

[@cinemaflixtrailers8636]

"Its not about us in any way" thank you for telling them that. Idena is the true hero here

[@rosekopelowitz5069]

It's so sweet how they were all holding hands 🥰

[@KingMaxMcqueen]

My first time seeing "Wicked" Shoshana Bean was Elphaba, so SHE was my 'standard'💚 -- Seeing THEE Cynthia Erivo deliver this cinematically was a DREAM! ✨👌🏾✨

[@giovonaralphs8036]

Her voice is outstanding & the little videos I've seen she's an amazing actress too. I actually love her version more then Idinas. She should be so proud of herself.

[@JohnsysChannel]

She's incredible in the film. Fantastic portrayal.

[@tinabirdshafer]

The whole thing is just one great big magical Gem ... you could literally feel it. I had no expectations when going to this move and came out just BLOWN AWAY! the entire "Village" that made this happen deserves endless applause and awards

[@kjo3532]

I saw the movie and was in tears twice, especially at the end. Such an amazing story and played perfectly by this case. For those who don't get the emotional reaction by Cynthia and Ariana, I guess you never had a dream come true. For those of us who understand and admire their humility i being chosen for the roles, then playing the roles to unbelievable heights, you were rewarded with exceptional performances.

[@JiovanniLopez-v9r]

I loved her in the green she is beautiful and the emotion that the wicked has to go through the pain can be felt her dancing singing is the growth she gives to the audience that. Go through hardship to find true self

[@samirae5307]

Oh my gosh, all these strong women just sitting so nicely together and supporting each other and holding hands ❤

[@kuceracm]

This movie was a masterpiece of cinema. There is nothing out there that is better than this. The music, the costumes, the choreography, the cinematography....this film is a master class.

[@ShenteriaChilds]

Cynthia’s version sent chills throughout my body while in the theater. So EPIC ❤ I wish I had seen this on Broadway, I loved Idina Menzel in RENT

[@tikolopez8884]

I am so glad the producers got it right. It took them all these years to finally do it, but they found the best people to fulfill these these icon roles, as well as the voices to match. BRAVA !!

[@rachelh2731]

These ladies are so sweet. I love their support. 💖💚

[@candy4weasley]

I love Idina's voice. I always have, but hearing Cynthia's version over and over, I like Cynthia's better. So powerful. But I'm glad they support each other 🎶🧙‍♀️💚

[@myajanell2504]

I will and always love idina's version but Cynthia did a good job😍

[@saravictor4983]

They're emotional cause they put all they have as people and professionals into this movie and its perfect. Grande and Erivo's as a team will be the defining performance of any film version to follow.

[@lester10023]

CONGRATS! Mission accomplished-- Everyone should be so proud.

[@catdragon2584]

I had chills and tears in the final stretch of the song. That doesn’t happen often. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba was everything

[@Cher1990]

The movie is so good. Cannot wait for part two! 💖💚💖🙌🏼

[@enjolras76]

who else is tearing up just watching THIS?!? All four of them have been immortalised.....

[@renee9745]

Saw the stage show last month with my 8yr old and was excited to see how the movie would go. I'm not usually interested in musicals, but I loved them both. Bring on part 2 🎉

[@jenniferferguson1517]

This is so adorable! The touch has been passed!

[@z414141]

So sweet. I've enjoyed the behind the scenes just as much or more so than the film.

[@FlyLikeDove]

I absolutely love these moments between creatives. There is something so magical about connecting through art.

[@SupremeNugget17]

I get total total chills hearing her in this theme, incredible

[@ororodrf4150]

Those voices were meant to be together! Bravo Cynthia and Ariana 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@AnnieStarOficial]

I prefer her version SHE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE OMGGG❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹🤭🤭🤭

[@tweety1864]

Cynthia singing makes me cry every time!!!!!

[@cheekiereynolds]

I’m glad Cynthia did her own thing. You can feel the soulfulness in her version and to me it’s wayyyy better. I’ve seen it on Broadway and in the theater and I will never forget the movie. Cynthia brought Elphaba to life.

[@jessicachan6273]

God I watched this movie last night and I’m sooooo obsessed!!! This movie was soooo amazing and magical 😩💕🥰

[@th3blackghost214]

Her voice is beautiful ❤️

[@rogueryder3285]

I love her version. So proud of her

[@notyouraverageharleyquinnstan]

All 4 are amazing💚💖💚💖

[@Marilynn.03]

I love both versions of Defying Gravity however the new version made me cry much more. Guess now that I have daughters I saw the movie in a different mindset and so I cried a lot.

[@ernestodiaz63]

I watched it on Wednesday, and I was glued to screen, but Defying Gravity made my hair stand up. It was simply amazing!!!!

[@Debthouse]

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth are both so incredibly brilliant and talented, but so gracious and classy that they impulsively make sure everyone gets their flowers.

[@belleetlabete1819]

I loved it. It was definitely different to Idina’s but so it should be. I rarely cry in the cinema (because I’m very British about my emotions in public) but I just let the tears flow during Wicked. I couldn’t stop them.

[@adeleyedaniel3640]

I love the sense of validation indina gave Cynthia ❤

[@chazj2425]

Cynthia had me sobbing, breathtaking!

[@RandMdiscussions]

I've never seen the stage version, but will see the film!

[@Nando_Disco]

I watched Wicked last night and I loved it. Cynthia better get that Oscar. Incredible voice and adaptation.

[@missgoldensunshine11]

I was floored.....FLOORED by the movie. I was so afraid, to be quite honest, that they were going to miss the mark with this, because I love the musical so much. I cried throughout and I honestly cannot wait to see it again and again and again.

[@o.m.2203]

Cynthia gave me chills. 🤩

[@kazehikaru24]

The lady has great speaking & singing voice. Beautiful.

[@sirusbones]

Her nails are always fierce, I swear.

[@LeeLeeCRN]

I think I heard her say somewhere that she does them herself!! Imagine being so talented AND being able to do nails like that!?🤯

[@sirusbones]

@LeeLeeCRN if that's true, that's wild!

[@sarahmitchell4455]

This movie is AMAZING ❤🎉

[@ithamarlowe6158]

She captivated the character. The casting here was beyond perfect and Cynthia is crazy like he wicked witch too so she’s perfect.

[@rachelhimes7715]

I love what Cynthia did with the character. I have held elphabas character close for 20 years and I can say she made me fall in love with her all over again.

[@divinelyindifferent]

Cynthia and Ariana’s friendship is out-of-this-world cute. I hope they really do love each other.❤️

[@NinjaMaxHaven13]

I think it's sweet that the Elphabas were holding hands and the Glindas were too

[@MsRenny23]

I got chills!!!!

[@christophercowan1645]

the hand holding, the tears, the "feelings" kills me. lolol. I am glad they are so happy

[@classyboy04]

This is so beautiful. I can’t wait to see it!!!

[@scarecrow108productions7]

The OGs and the New Gens, ushering into the new era of Wicked. Honoring the past and inspiring the future. 💚🖤💖✨️

[@MoonlitCrow]

Cynthia’s will become the next evolution of the note. Her version was packed with emotion. The ending was a beautiful expression of Elphabas feeling of loss and gain all in one moment