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

[@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!

[@noelreyes6591]

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

[@joshuarosario39]

me too!!

[@saxtonjohnson8363]

FACTS

[@chrismartinez1121]

Same here

[@treblazer]

absolutely

[@angelaechon4083]

Yes!!! 💜

[@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😭😭😭

[@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!

[@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

[@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 👏👏

[@kevinwingate7938]

When she did that spin I knew she was ready!

[@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

[@kendrarenee2089]

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

[@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!!

[@aitorkevineteomba6431]

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

[@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. 😊

[@caps_lock_]

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

[@newtonduck1]

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

[@YogiGospel]

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

[@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

[@delanodawkins2192]

This woman was an absolute FORCE

[@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.

[@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

[@MelQuint]

Cynthia's vocal range is amazing!

[@barbarasmith253]

And that band

[@ajsamarita2939]

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

[@giancarloalamilla]

Me: Perfect voice doesn´t exist Cythia Erivo: Hold my voice

[@dominiquet2836]

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

[@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.

[@trgoohileshea2820]

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

[@jonnelgubat3170]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@ytyt1598]

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

[@hotdamndan9892]

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

[@JayKayEllEmm]

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

[@jocelynhkcarter]

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

[@Keeng_Aman_Duh]

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

[@louis-henribaillet890]

Saaay it Keeng !

[@jahzxrx]

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

[@OsheyBaddest]

Same 😭

[@anasan00]

Woww... she looks like an ancient Egyptian empress😘😘😘😘

[@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!

[@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 💀

[@carylbrowngirl5148]

I love her voice. I first saw her in a movie where all these interesting people checked into a hotel. She would sing in her room. Anyone else see that movie? I forget the name. It was a good movie.

[@roadkill_wildcat4742]

Bad times at the El Royale. I just watched it and heard her sing for the first time which brought me here. I am now in love. Her voice is amazing.

[@Luckie382]

Her voice is awesome & blessed. Omg ❤️it. 👏🏿👏🏼👏🏾👏👏🏽

[@raekwonsmith965]

She’s also a Broadway star you guys should check her out

[@cismaglinte7592]

Harriet

[@tonniwolf687]

that movie was the first time I got introduced to her and I was immediately mesmerized by her voice. For me, this performance is confirmation that she is a star indeed.

[@derrelfosch1558]

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

[@HB-mg5ko]

Her Voice Sounds clear as a chrystal....

[@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.

[@slimgirls78]

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

[@rosedelacruz8118]

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

[@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!!

[@alexandrous]

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

[@PersnameLastname]

She has a very nice voice. Effortless singing!!

[@Tech-gv6qk]

She's not familiar to me but she's so damn good

[@Luckie382]

Played Harriet Tubman. I didn't know either but after first hearing this I won't. Awesome.

[@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!

[@judithwalton1523]

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

[@marvinestillore1785]

There is so much clarity in her voice

[@Invinciblezombie]

It really bothers me that music this good, will never be written again.

[@Luckie382]

But we will have it always.

[@johnlennox7140]

Amen

[@ByteMwen]

Have you heard silk sonic leave my door open?

[@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.

[@jettap7652]

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

[@somerslim25]

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

[@veevoh583]

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

[@vrncxx]

Her voice is just 😫

[@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

[@zaradavis3578]

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.

[@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 ✨

[@suzettelawes2104]

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

[@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!

[@renlyyohanisrampi7350]

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

[@joshuarosario39]

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

[@annewas46]

Philip Bailey approved of those high notes! They were worthy!

[@ariellehackett7896]

The man in the red jacket is my mood when I hear this performance 💕💕🔥🔥

[@rrubio6660]

She only needs an Oscar to be among the elite members of EGOT --- those who've won an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. That's how good she is!

[@OsheyBaddest]

Yessss. I think she’s get it in like the next 3 years

[@christinecupic6871]

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

[@mikAz121]

Her voice is just heavenly ❤❤❤❤❤

[@garyrobertson6778]

if i'm feeling down, i put this on and blast it.

[@msrose4]

Her voice is effortless and those high notes were the perfect touch 😊

[@kayserasera6460]

The band was great, the back up singers were great and Cynthia ate and left no crumbs- period! 🥰

[@diahannstevens5223]

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

[@xylusudinov5987]

I truly believe that Cynthia will win an Oscar someday either as an actress or as a songwriter. She will join the elite recipients of EGOT .... . P. S CYNTHIA HAS A GRAMMY, TONY AND EMMY...ONLY OSCAR IS MISSING. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE AND TALENTED WOMAN!

[@Luckie382]

I hope so & her voice, omg!!!!!

[@nehemiahkasika]

Every time I watch this, I feel like liking it and then always realise I already did long ago. Great work Cynthia Erivo, very disciplined band, overall, great music, easy to listen to!

[@Luckie382]

Me2😊

[@redzoom7857]

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

[@CHGOES]

Ms. Erivo is a superstar. I luv this girl ❤✊🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@udohnsikak6352]

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

[@PeaceFan1]

Cynthia has a MARVELOUS Voice.. It is HEAVENLY!!!!

[@lwaz_songo2268]

Cynthia is one of thee vocalists of this generation

[@chitchaiyodspol4496]

Gorgeous lady!

[@tonylee7714]

She has a billions dollars voice , out of this world , unbelievable , thank you

[@inbutnotoftheworld2237]

She did that...go Cynthia!! Performance and vocals spot on, befitting of those kings, EFW!!😍❤

[@carladorchester7730]

What does a person with cancer look for at this time in life? Inspiration is just what I need 🌷

[@johnP0908]

her voice is so mesmerizing!

[@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!

[@adamtak3128]

I need an entire Earth, Wind & Fire album cover from Cynthia and that band ... this was mind blowingly good.

[@ajproductionsmusic]

I watch this at least 5 times a week and it puts me into a much better mood. Cynthia is sublime and the songs are just beautiful and soulful and and and....🔥

[@tramekn]

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

[@iamdynez]

Just beautiful when u just sing and connect with the music instead of trying to go crazy and flood it out with acrobatics

[@kingeliii9011]

When talent doesn't need a G-string. This was just incredible. Like the Great Maurice White said in song "SHE SANG SO BEAUTIFUL, DON'T YOU 'GREE!"

[@tinskie17]

I'm back here after her interview with Fallon, where she whistled, "I'll be home for Christmas." This video is where I 1st found out about Cynthia. She is so underrated. I loved her album, especially her song "You're not Here", always makes me cry whenever I hear it. ❤

[@brunoduarte2390]

OMG!! THAT DREEEES wig snatched

[@louis-henribaillet890]

Oh Lord have mercy Bruno Duarte! I will remember these look & performance for the rest of my life, WOAW...

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

...who made that for her.....that dress was just pure CLASS...it really was the mood for the performance....

[@RS-io8rp]

Cynthia Erivo? Wow! Haven't heard of her since just now. Voice so clean, so classy and so simple, I just loved it!!!

[@f4tori]

The first she started singing I was In love with her voice..

[@chocomoto3three871]

This performance is visually and audibly stunning, sophisticated and spellbounding!!!! Pure Class!!

[@phoenixherbert]

This Lady is such a gift to the world.

[@aaronnewman19]

her voice is beautiful

[@smokinhawt842]

I've listened to this song maybe around 200 times. Cynthia Erivo is AMAZING.