Cynthia Erivo Shines in Wicked and Competes for the 2025 Oscar Against Fernanda Torres

Cynthia Erivo teases new music. pic.twitter.com/MDlCgQJ19V

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 20, 2025

Beyond her work in film and theater, Cynthia stands out as a singer and activist, using her platform to advocate for inclusion and diversity in the arts. Her role in the Genius series, where she portrayed Aretha Franklin, received unanimous praise and reaffirmed her versatility as a complete artist.

Cynthia Erivo’s Journey to Stardom

Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo was born on January 8, 1987, in Stockwell, a district in South London. The daughter of Nigerian immigrant parents, she grew up in a working-class family and showed an early talent for music and acting. She studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where she honed her acting skills. Her first major role came in British theater, but it was on Broadway that she gained international recognition with The Color Purple, a production based on Alice Walker’s novel.

Her performance as Celie Harris won her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and a Daytime Emmy Award for her televised performance. These accolades placed her in the spotlight in the entertainment industry, opening doors for her film career. Her first significant opportunity in cinema came in 2018, when she starred in Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale, both of which received critical acclaim.

The year 2019 marked her definitive breakthrough with the role of abolitionist Harriet Tubman in Harriet, earning her nominations for the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress. Additionally, Cynthia co-wrote and performed the song Stand Up for the film’s soundtrack, which was also nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Song, further solidifying her presence in the awards circuit and demonstrating her talent as a songwriter.

The Challenge of Playing Elphaba in Wicked

Portraying Elphaba in Wicked was one of the most significant challenges of Cynthia Erivo’s career. The character requires intense vocal skills and deep emotional depth, traits that the actress mastered brilliantly. For months, Cynthia underwent rigorous vocal and physical training to meet the demands of the filming. The flying scenes, where she is suspended by cables, required endurance and extensive preparation.

The Wicked musical was already a Broadway phenomenon before its adaptation to film. The story, inspired by The Wizard of Oz, explores the life of the Wicked Witch of the West before the events of the classic tale. The role of Elphaba was immortalized on stage by Idina Menzel, and Cynthia’s casting for the film generated great anticipation. Alongside Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, she brought new depth to the character, adding layers of emotion and complexity.

The film’s impact extended beyond the performances of the lead actresses. The production was also praised for its grand scale, elaborate costumes, and impressive visual effects. The adaptation was split into two parts to maintain the original story’s integrity, increasing the public’s excitement even further.

Awards, Recognition, and Legacy in the Industry

Over the years, Cynthia Erivo has accumulated numerous awards and nominations in prestigious competitions. Her impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond her performances. She has become a symbol of representation, opening doors for new generations of Black artists and promoting discussions about inclusion in Hollywood.

Among the awards she has won, the most notable include:

• Tony Award (2016) – Best Actress in a Musical for The Color Purple
• Grammy Award (2017) – Best Musical Theater Album for The Color Purple
• Emmy Award (2017) – Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety Program
• Academy Award Nominations (2020) – Best Actress and Best Original Song for Harriet
• Golden Globe Nominations (2020) – Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama and Best Original Song
• SAG Awards and BAFTA – Nominations reinforced her credibility as a standout actress.

With her 2025 Academy Award nomination, Cynthia has the chance to become one of the few EGOT artists in history. Currently, fewer than 20 artists have achieved this status, including Audrey Hepburn, Whoopi Goldberg, and John Legend.

Cynthia Erivo’s Influence in Film and Music

Beyond acting, Cynthia is also a talented singer, known for her powerful and emotional voice. Her solo album, Ch. 1 Vs. 1, released in 2021, featured original songs addressing themes such as identity, love, and resilience. Her music career complements her acting, making her a multifaceted and complete artist.

The relationship between Cynthia and Ariana Grande behind the scenes of Wicked was also one of the production’s highlights. The two actresses developed a close friendship and frequently share moments together on social media. This bond strengthened their on-screen chemistry and helped make their performances even more authentic.

Future Prospects and Upcoming Projects

After Wicked, Cynthia already has confirmed projects for the coming years. In 2025, she will return as Elphaba in the film’s second part, titled Wicked: For Good. Additionally, she has been cast in the film adaptation of Prima Facie, where she will play a lawyer facing moral and personal dilemmas.

Her influence in the entertainment industry continues to grow. As Vice President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she invests in the training of new talent and promotes diversity in the arts. Her commitment to both the craft and social inclusion makes her an essential figure in today’s cultural landscape.