Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are raising excitement for the highly awaited Wicked movie adaptation with a powerful behind-the-scenes snippet of their “Defying Gravity” performance. Fans got a glimpse of their incredible vocals in a short clip shared online, where their voices soar and blend perfectly. Though just 11 seconds, it was enough to create a buzz, with the movie’s Instagram account commenting, “You two have swept us away🧹🫧.”
The preview was released alongside a featurette, offering a closer look at the film’s intense preparation, including live singing. Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the importance of using live vocals instead of pre-recorded dubbing, highlighting how Grande and Erivo’s talent helped bring real emotion to each scene. “Every scene, they have been singing live,” Chu explained, calling it “the best concert you could have ever attended.”
Shooting with live vocals has been a unique experience for the cast. Erivo noted that singing live allowed her to connect deeply with the lyrics and her co-star, while Grande said the decision to perform live felt like a “no-brainer.” Chu shared that the film set was transformed into a recording studio, capturing the raw and authentic emotions of each performance for the big screen.
Wicked, set to release on November 22, is based on the Tony-winning Broadway show, itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel that tells The Wizard of Oz story from the Wicked Witch’s perspective. The film follows Elphaba (played by Erivo) and Glinda (played by Grande) on their paths to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, respectively. The all-star cast also includes Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Peter Dinklage.
The film’s commitment to live singing brings fans closer to the experience, promising a magical and unforgettable journey.