Willemijn Verkaik - Defying Gravity

[@Ehntu]

The girl at the front shaking her head in awe at 4:05 is literally all of us omg.

[@evhoRoLL]

That's my favorite part of this whole video. Because that girl can probably sing her ass off too.

[@violettbellerose1173]

"You're doing great, sweetie"

[@dacostarik]

did you have to point that out? lol. NOw u got me looking at her

[@andrewth5276]

For real 😂

[@theboyjames3065]

I noticed her too. It's so heartwarming. Watching the master at work 😁

[@IUsedToBeAnAdventurerLikeYou]

I know everyone loves Idina, but Willemijn will always be my favorite

[@stellaschuler3586]

S J I do also prefer her :) she always gives me chills

[@justaguy1768]

This one might have turned me. I've liked the German version more than the English for years, but Idina was always my English Elphaba. But this might've changed my mind.

[@Vixxenkiss]

Same. Idina is a close 2nd but sorry Willemijn has really made this role her own in many countries and languages.

[@davidmccarthy4546]

Stand Ready in one version however at the oliver awards in 2014 she kicked indinas ass! i love indina but this gal got some pipes bitch!!!!

[@contranimal]

Well she was also doing it with a full symphony orchestra that was playing a bit slower than it typically is on stage .... also in the stage production the person playing Elphaba dictates the final impact of the song. The pit conductor watches for when she thrusts the broom into the air and the conductor will give the final impact of the song at that time to the orchestra. Also the person in charge of the light board does a full blackout of every light in the house from stage lights to pit orchestra music stand lamps.

[@IMournTheWicked055]

Those high Fs are squuueeeaaaky frigging clean. How can she still ping them so well after all these years?? Masterclass.

[@carlosalejandroalvarenga4913]

IMournTheWicked055 mixed belting.

[@jodavitow]

Good technique, no yelling your voice into destruction *cough*Idina*cough*

[@andkyrmar]

Menzel asks herself the very same question.

[@Melbern11]

Her vocals are flawless! Her "Bring me down" gives me chills! She's an artist who doesn't need to scream to hit those high notes, it just floats out of her mouth....ugh, she is a goddess!

[@braziliansimon2737]

But she IS screaming. Screaming is talking way too loud. But she knows HOW to scream correctly ;)

[@miguelangelgtz5725]

@@braziliansimon2737 jejejejejejejeje ¿es broma?.

[@braziliansimon2737]

@@miguelangelgtz5725 speak english son of a bitch

[@miguelangelgtz5725]

@@braziliansimon2737 did you understand? bitch your mother.

[@miguelangelgtz5725]

@@braziliansimon2737 🤢 iug! ugly man. 🤮

[@Suzycat1000]

Her face at 5.07 just says 'Yeah nailed it again didn't I?'

[@GuadalupeGuacamole]

Suzycat1000 Every performance is so flawless it’s like she looks out and says to the crowd: “This is what you came to hear isn’t it...I got you fam.” 🤣🤣🤣🖤🖤🖤💚💚💚

[@dingdongslick9344]

"That's right, you got what you damn paid for!"

[@DaneNorris]

The orchestration in this is EPIC! This is the kind of full and rich orchestration and arrangement I'd love to see in the film!

[@theludotheory]

I hoped so too but we have Cynthia Erivo singing and from what I have seen she doesn't look the part at all. Come on, Elphaba is supposed to become more attractive as the story develops but Erivo doesn't work. And before you start, my partner is black!

[@officialdanavanlierop9019]

Willemijn is the only one that can sing this song the way it’s meant to be sung. I had the pleasure to watch her in the musical when I was very young and it will stay with me forever. She is insaaaane

[@effystonumerrr]

how she whispered "and no body in all of OZ" gave me chills. it's like Miranda Pristley singing Defying Gravity

[@krystalmorrison6679]

She also does Elsa in German and Dutch versions of Frozen

[@Shinji0708]

In german shes just singing :( thats why i will watch the Dutch version of frozen 2 on blueray

[@braziliansimon2737]

Yesss

[@GamingWithMoonLight]

Also the Dutch Erika in barbie princess and the pauper

[@thatrandomgirl4574]

Trust me we know

[@Hessed3712]

Krystal Morrison Whoa! Really!?

[@latif87]

She is the mother of musical voices... I had the luck the see and listen to her in London. God bless u willemijn verkaik!

[@josephpurdue7583]

Bloody hell. You just can't beat this...that was absolute PERFECTION!!! One of the very best singers I've ever heard. Definitely getting tickets to see her perform next month!

[@josephpurdue7583]

No way. I love Rachel, see her live and she was great. But she does struggle with those notes, you can hear it's a lot harder for her to do. Willemijn Verkaik can pull it off cleaner and more consistently, than anyone else that I've heard.

[@josephpurdue7583]

From the videos I've seen of her, and the one you sent, it doesn't sound100% comfortable for her in Defying Gravity. Also there are a lot of great riffs out there from Elphaba's, but it gets soooooo over done. The power in Willemijn's voice is unquestionably good. Her voice bigger and more epic, that's what people love about her. Composer's writer great melodies for these shows and when people riff the shit out of them, a lot of the time they ruin it! We all have our own tastes, but to try and fault this video and performance from Willemijn is ridiculous. It's a masterclass.

[@josephpurdue7583]

No actually I did look at all of them and too be honest Alice did sounds amazing. I'll check out more of her. But to me, this is still the best performance of it.

[@zalua]

nobody blew Willemijn away, just accept the fact that Willemijn was voted as world wide best Elphaba for a reason

[@zalua]

Sarah Louise because they asked her for the 10th anniversary in London and then she had to stop because of backproblems. She came back, but after a few months she had to rehearse for another musical she’s currently playing. And by the way, that has nothing to do with her amazing vocals.

[@rebeccahillerud2303]

Willemijn is completely sensational! But can we also take a moment to appreciate the orchestration??? 🥹

[@rebecca8836]

After being obsessed with Wicked for two years before I actually got to see it, watching Willemijn sing in Wicked live in London is easily up there with one of the best moments of my whole life. Just before she started to fly, I began crying uncontrollably and was sobbing so hard by the end that I thought I wouldn't have any tears left. Trying to explain to my sister why it was so emotional, I told her it was like watching a major historical eventtake place knowing exactly what will happen and how amazing it will be.

[@japhun79]

My favorite Elphaba ever! Just saw her last month in London againnnn!

[@graceisadisgrace8625]

Jonathan Arrowood I'm jealous!!

[@drix1020041]

love this version, the orchestra sound so lovely

[@jvpolkim]

she can voice a warrior princess on disney !

[@bijan8088]

pol kim she actually voiced The Dutch and German Elsa

[@tanchuzhen9057]

Bijan so she is tied with idina, isn’t she

[@TheGalWithTheBlueCat]

I know everybody is complimenting on Willemijn being a musical godess, but thats obvious to me. What I’d like to point out is that I’m overwhelmed hearing that song with an actual, huge, ingcredible live orchestra! This is how the song is supposed to sound, not like they‘re doing it here in Austria and Germany. I watched Wicked once in germany with only 6( or 8?) people playing in the band, nope, it wasn‘t in a small school theatre but in a theatre runned by one of the biggest companies in Europe who sell their tickets for 150€ or more. I don‘t want to give you further details in what that sounded like, all I want to say is that it‘s just so sad that the first people suffering from money cuts are always the musicians even though they play a major part in creating this whole atmosphere, volume and power to every song who gets interpreted by an artist.

[@kieran96johnson]

Dude, how you expecting to fit a 60 piece symphony orchestra in an pit in a theatre? This is a specific arrangement for an orchestra of this size, don’t deep it so much.

[@TheGalWithTheBlueCat]

@@kieran96johnson I‘m not expecting a 60 piece symphony orchestra in the theatres. But still more than 6 people with synthesizers instead of strings. Especially in big houses.

[@kieran96johnson]

@@TheGalWithTheBlueCat the Broadway production of wicked has an orchestra in excess of 20 people...

[@TheGalWithTheBlueCat]

@@kieran96johnson Well. That‘s nice. Usually in Germany and Austria there are between 10 and 35 musicians in an orchestra. The production of Wicked had as I said, between 6-9.

[@wintergirl1223]

Good gravy! She's fantastic! Yeah..Idina's cool and all, but her voice is VERY hit or miss for me. This is the best version I've ever heard. Easily.

[@celiar1726]

She is perfect but I gotta say that the orchestra is awesome too 👏🏻

[@dougy_dawg]

that’s what I was thinking!

[@missprincesscarina]

When she sand "FLY!" My heart literally defied gravity!!! Yes, girl!!!

[@lilyevans2442]

I'm shaking my head since 5 minutes because I can't believe how good she is 😂😍

[@davesmith1803]

She needs David Foster to represent her. She is wayyyyyyy too amazing. I just discovered her on here. I am thinking OMGGGGG she is amazing. Just a good a Celine!!!! She needs to get to Vegas.

[@uncoolartist358]

@@davesmith1803 I thought the same thing!!! The richness and resonance of their voices.. not to mention the consistency as well...

[@msfuegoyluz]

I knew the Wicked cast recording backwards and forwards before I saw the show and was worried I wouldn’t like Elphaba. Well she was Elphaba and OH MY GOD!! Blew me away!! I consider myself very lucky to have seen her as Elphaba on Broadway!

[@Minya2009]

Willemijn.... BEST Elphaba ever ♥

[@lilyl3470]

Happily I wasn't in that room. I would have broken my two hands clapping ToT Willemijn really is among the most talented singers I've ever heard, whatever her golden vocal cors touch instantly becomes a masterpiece

[@robynrob4867]

I'm sitting here, applauding in front of my computer screen. I love love love Willemijn. She's my favorite Elphaba.

[@biancavoorman2328]

Idina was my favorite Elphaba untill i heard Willemijn sing. She is wonderfull.

[@simonbrooksstoryteller]

Watching the chorus watching Willemijin with total awe and admiration is amazing.

[@dacostarik]

everyone deserves a chance to FLY!! my fav part!

[@cosmiclegalist717]

Ikr omg beautiful

[@Bandaid_Brigade]

Wellemijn will forever be in my heart for her role. She brought so much POWER to this song. Just chills

[@Seiferboi]

Powerful performance! The notes are spot on and the tone is crisp. She doesn't have to yell her high notes because she has a lot of control and uses it to perfection.

[@eveningstar1982]

She's brilliant and she sings this difficult song so effortlessly. I've never been too crazy about Idina, as I often felt the song didn't match her vocals and it often sounds like she's forcing it. This is how it should be! Bravo!!

[@stuartcarden5402]

Will always be my favourite - Particularly in No Good Deed and As Long As You're Mine when she really gets to show off her gorgeous, rich low register. I know everyone likes to talk about the high stuff but with Willemijn it's all about the insane support and power she has in the lows. I was blown away when I got to see her in London.

[@GabeGOG]

That conductor doing the right thing and following her to finish the song. That orchestra was pure insanity. 🔥

[@FrankjoshuaBandilla-xb3nt]

No other Elphaba can beat this Godly performance. And as much as I like Idina Menzel's Defying Gravity barefoot at the symphony, this performance of Willemijn is vocally and instrumentally rich. The real UNDERRATED.

[@seansmithronsen9645]

She sounded beautiful just beautiful ❤😊

[@katrinanye8115]

I'm performing this for my school's annual 'On Broadway' show, where each student chooses a piece from a Broadway musical to showcase their talent and skill, and the way she makes it sound so effortless is so impressive. This is such a difficult piece, but you'd never know listening to her. There's not a single hint of fear, raspiness(is that a word?), strain, or any insecurity. Mama Idina will always have a place in my heart, but really Willemjin is my favorite Elphaba.

[@rosanaortiznunez]

This is timeless, I love her 😭

[@ClaudiaBronte]

OMG! It's all so beautiful

[@catlove1494]

Claudia Bronte IO

[@danielmitchell451]

Wow!!!!!! Those final notes were everything and more! I have always been an Idina fan but I am now a fan of hers also.. That was a great performance!

[@sola6964]

I had the chance to see her live last month #WickedUK and I must say that I've never been so amazed during any kind of live show in my life. It was a top level singing perfomance !

[@hannalindbladofficial]

Totally perfection!!!! Wow!!!! What an inspiration! You are amazing!

[@alexb.6186]

I am crying everytime i am listening to this. Because it is perfection!

[@chaoticgeorgie722]

Idina is incredibly talented but Willemijn is not only a powerhouse but can also sing in different languages.

[@NinaC]

Omg she is so beautiful!! This might be my favorite rendition ever! 😍

[@missannicherry]

This woman...such an icon and such an inspiration 💚 I can't watch this version without some happy tears 🙈 just wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow 💚💚💚💚💚

[@Matser038]

Idina is always struggeling to catch the high notes. Willemijn is just flawless, pouring it out effortlessly.!

[@liesewies.9895]

De dag dat ik dit fragment op tv zag, woonde ik net 1 dag op mezelf. Ik ben al jaren lang een fan van Wicked en kende dit lied al langer. Maar op dat moment kwam dit lied echt binnen. Het gaf mij het gevoel dat ik onoverwinnelijk was en dat ik alles aan kon. Dat is wat dit lied met je doet, dat is wat Wicked met je doet, dat is wat Musical met je doet dat Is wat Willemijn met je doet.

[@louisercilla]

she has the best version, no one can top that.

[@davesmith1803]

You should hear her sing it in German, English and Danish in the same song. Indina can't do that.

[@AtuyChannel30]

3:08 - 3:15 her face is really cute . Im done . Amazing voice

[@MvGLeentje]

The best Elphaba for a reason. Willemijn is an absolute incredible singer with an amazing range. ❤

[@connormccoy6836]

Oh my god, this is stunning. I adore Idina and her original will always be my go to, but this is absolutely gorgeous in execution. She deserves so much more praise and recognition than what she's getting

[@catalina6024]

This is it. I've died and gone to heaven. This is it.

[@jacobzelmore6080]

This. This is the greatest performance of this song. EVER.

[@mensch2757]

Jacob Zelmore watch her Last defiying Gravity the riffs are amazing

[@nicolasbdl8369]

agree

[@iplumzer]

OMG she hit ALL those notes! I’m in awe

[@KJBigBelter]

It's been LONG TIME, since a performance of THIS song brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps at the same time. Not since my old friend Patti Murin sang it in my home recording studio in 2004! You are a GIFT to music! xoxo

[@lewbertiacono-andrews4710]

She is my elphaba when I saw her and I’m so glad as she is defo the best

[@rfrolicarts]

She has beautiful eyes on top of a beautiful voice 🤩

[@alexanderzamora5930]

Hope she does a CD of English songs! She is amazing!

[@tomasharras7582]

Perfect voice and a perfect witch face...

[@jotasier7098]

Exactly!! Perfect appearance for a witch. She's redhead and has blue eyes - Which is pretty rare. Back then, redheads were in fact considered witches. She fits with splendor the role.

[@alvinmedina7121]

if only there was more original work on broadway. I would love to see her in a piece. she is incredible

[@Jukka70]

This really is pure perfection, the more I listen to it

[@randelrevilla5453]

Wow I’m blown away, my high tenor is obsessed with her voice! Applaus to her incredible vocals.

[@world_of_wicked]

This is why she’s my favourite Elphaba for the eternity! 💚 Beyond words to express the feelings I have when I listen her beautiful voice! 💚

[@queengueniverletigio8376]

She looks like a Queen to me, dropping her crown and come to stage to sing an iconic song.❤

[@jennawelsh5377]

Wow. She made that look so easy! No huffing to catch her breath at the end.

[@lexbrand7504]

Best Defying Gravity ever😍

[@patrickdean282]

You were my first elphaba and that’s why I am obsessed with wicked you Are elphaba simply amazing 😉

[@LuisCornejo.]

¡No hay nadie que se acerque a esta versión! Es perfecta vocal e interpretativamente. De verdad hay versiones bastante buenas de otras cantantes, pero esta versión es perfecta.

[@andreakohler5747]

Ich liebe diesen Auftritt von ihr mit diesem super Orchester. Ich freue mich sie endlich demnächst live in der Premiere von " Ghost" in Berlin zu sehen. Grossartige Künstlerin!

[@chevydude658]

Idina is the first Elphaba and did a treme dous job. This phenomenon right here is majestic! What a tremendous artist. She is one of my favorites. It's so hard to choose a favorite because there are so many wonderfully gifted actresses. She truly is one of my favorites!!

[@confidenciahl]

Best performance EVER!

[@hazel2639]

omg i’ve never heard that powerful and such a perfect defining gravity😧

[@Macrogue65]

I hardly hear her take a breath, I'm astounded, FANTASTIC!

[@jonga.menchavez1968]

❤ 👍👍 🎼🎵🎶 I love Lea Salonga and Idina Menzel, but I love this version of this roller coaster of a song by Willemijn Verkaik. Bravo!!!

[@marieklenke2916]

Outstanding performance! She is the best!!

[@anni.ka310]

After 5 years still one of my favorite versions of defying gravity!

[@mariana96ssantos]

Her voice is perfection! Stunning! 💕

[@끼룩-p4s]

아.. 이언니 ㄹㅇ 짱이야... 넘 좋다 또 들어도 좋다.

[@nicolafrancescutto537]

I'm spreechless, such a powerful and beautiful voice, definitely should be famous worldwide

[@itsabbycadabby]

the orchestra was phenomenal!!!!

[@fayel1043]

I cried, again. I love her so so much. Her voice could touch people's heart.

[@gkerr9949]

BRAVO! OUTSTANDING!

[@dixin0ator]

I had the joy hearing and seeing her performence in wicked live. It was realy great, and the song live... i have no words for describing that!

[@viniciusmachado8791]

this version made me cry A LOT! Wow!!!

[@liasimonides6665]

Anyone here in 2021 still obsessed with this performance?

[@moow950]

Best ever performance of this great song, written by Stephen Schwartz, by Willemijn Verkaik and a great full orchestra!

[@WanderFeetChronicles]

Wow. What a talent this woman is. Amazing.

[@michaelbaxter1755]

What a performance, Stunned by this at her west end performance

[@chrismclaughlin6323]

Saw Idina she was effortless. But this is crystal!

[@sean_lucas_]

I love how they mixed in bits of the wizard and I ❤️❤️❤️

[@88borres]

Idina, trajo a la vida a "Elphaba", creó el bosquejo de ella, y desarrolla un personaje muy emocional. Pero de todas las "Actrices/ Cantantes" que visto y escuchado en videos y de la única vez que he visto el musical. Considero que Willemjin es la mejor voz que ha cantado a "Elphaba", vocalmente tiene todo lo que necesita este personaje, potencia, limpieza, peso, color, forma, permanencia y frecuencia en notas. La Elphaba (Danna Paola) de Wicked México, matizó y personalizó su versión de "Defying Gravity", con riffs y nota de cabeza, muy bien colocadas, les recomiendo mucho esa versión.

[@jarijodokus2342]

Idina, brought to life "Elphaba", created the sketch of it, and develops a very emotional character. But of all the "Actresses / Singers" I watched and heard in videos and the only time I've seen the musical. I consider that Willemjin is the best voice that has sung to "Elphaba", vocally it has everything that this person needs, power, cleaning, weight, color, form, permanence and frequency in notes. The Elphaba (Danna Paola) of Wicked Mexico, qualified and personalized their version of "Defying Gravity", with riffs and head notes, very well placed, I highly recommend that version

[@88borres]

¡Gracias por la traducción!.

[@deborahsecretlife2065]

De Hecho Stephanie J. Block creo el personaje y trabajó con el por más de 3 años. Los productores necesitaban una estrella para elphaba ya que no querían que todo el peso de la promoción cayera sobre glinda(chenoweth) así que contrataron a Idina(quien yo adoro también) poco antes del estreno mundial en san francisco calirfonia. Stephanie iba a quedarse como la suplente cuando renunció para hacer the boy from oz. Los productores luego contrataron a stephanie, quien sería la primera Elphaba en el tour, y hace exactamente 10 años haría su estreno como elphaba en broadway tirando la casa por la ventana. No critico tu comentario, solo agrego el mio que está más que bien documentado en videos, entrevistas, artículos etc... btw Idina y Stephanie son amigas y han hablado también al respecto!

[@lovesweetpictures]

this is the best interpretation i have heard of defying gravity, does anybody know where i can find just the instrumental part of this exact version, would like to do it for the theater closure of my senior year

[@ayellib8841]

god i love that lip tilt sooo much

[@remnotrem9962]

I love her version of elphaba!!!💗

[@Ben-my2wz]

Deserved the standing O...freakin awesome!

[@robotvilla8244]

Chills from beginning to end. Amazing... truly amazing...

[@LinCMA]

I always cry. So beautiful 💚

[@laurapitner7573]

Yes that english horn player!!! I hope my tone quality is as good as that someday!

[@sean13]

Miss hearing this 6 nights a week side stage. Impeccable voice from a wonderful person. Hope you’re well! ❤

[@queengueniverletigio8376]

I love her voice so crystal pure, texture is very smooth and raw. I'm sorry Idina, this should be the one to rule Queen Elsa.

[@latif87]

Just her presents in the room is epic. Every gesture every tone, perfect my willyyyy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️