Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are two of the most celebrated vocal talents today, and they’re showcasing their incredible voices in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. The talented duo breathes life into the iconic characters Elphaba and Glinda, tackling some of the most memorable and demanding songs from the beloved Broadway musical.
Traditionally, many actors opt for lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks in film projects. However, fans might be surprised to learn that Ariana and Cynthia took a different route for Wicked. In an interview, director Jon M. Chu shared that both actresses were adamant about performing live while filming. While he was initially anxious about this approach, they reassured him, emphasizing that singing is their passion. Ariana called the choice an “immediate no-brainer” for both her and Cynthia in a behind-the-scenes clip. Cynthia further elaborated on their decision, noting that live singing fostered a deeper connection to the lyrics and to one another. She remarked on the unique energy that emerges when music is created live on set.
With this commitment, the filming environment transformed into what Jon described as “essentially a recording studio.” It’s a fascinating choice that underscores their dedication to authenticity in storytelling through music.
Stay tuned to find out if their co-star Jonathan Bailey lends his voice to the film as well. And don’t miss the fun tidbit about Ariana’s revelation regarding lyrics to the song “Popular” that fans had been singing incorrectly.