Cynthia Erivo's unique rendition of 'Defying Gravity' in the film version of 'Wicked' has profoundly impacted her career and public reception. By choosing to reinterpret the iconic note with a personal riff, she has created a version that resonates widely with audiences. This change has led to fans spontaneously singing her version in public, illustrating the song's powerful connection with them. The creative decision, encouraged by the musical director and composer, was initially an experiment that naturally evolved into a signature moment. The widespread admiration for her version has surprised Cynthia, who didn't anticipate such a significant response and cultural impact from her interpretation.

Cynthia Erivo made a creative decision to revamp the iconic note in 'Defying Gravity' from 'Wicked' with her own unique riff, which has become widely popular among fans.

Her rendition has led to unexpected public recognition, with people singing her version to her in various public settings, indicating a deep connection with the audience.

Initially, Cynthia aimed to perform the note as per the original Broadway version, but was encouraged by the musical director and composer to explore her own style, resulting in an impactful rendition.

The natural evolution of her unique interpretation has reverberated widely, even sparking challenges and discussions among fans who attempt to emulate her version.

Cynthia's revamped note has exceeded her expectations in terms of public reception, profoundly affecting her life and showcasing the power of artistic innovation.

Her experience illustrates how a personal artistic risk can resonate broadly, transforming a well-known piece into a new cultural phenomenon.

The spontaneous and enthusiastic response from fans underscores the emotional and cultural impact of her creative choices in musical performance.

Cynthia Erivo‘s creative choices in Wicked have surely paid off.

If you didn’t know, Wicked: Part 1 ends with Elphaba singing “Defying Gravity,” a song that ends with an iconic battle-cry note. However, in Cynthia‘s film version, she decided to revamp the signature note with a unique riff.

Recently, 38-year-old singer and actress talked about how making the moment her own impacted fan response to the film.

“It has completely changed my life. One, because people sing it to me randomly in the street when I’m going, when I’m leaving somewhere. If I’m signing or like I’m talking to people, I will often hear it just as I’m leaving. So someone will do it as I walk away. But like, who knew that people would fall in love with that?” Cynthia said while on “SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning.”

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She also gave details on why she chose to sing the note differently from the original Broadway version.

“With that note, with how it sung because it really, at first I wanted to do it like the original. And when I did the musical director and the composer were like, ‘Okay, great. Now what’s your version?’ And when that version sort of happened and it was a natural thing. I just tried something and that felt really good. That has sort of reverberated,” she explained.

“I keep hearing it in different places. People keep doing it. There was a challenge on it. I had no idea that it would do that. And that song would do that. That people would connect to the song in that way. And I love that people keep trying to do this note, it’s kind of wonderful,” she added.

If you didn’t see, last month, Cynthia gave details about her physical transformation to play Elphaba.