Wicked: Cynthia Erivo vs. Idina Menzel Singing Defying Gravity 💚

To celebrate the release of Wicked Part 1, we're comparing Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel singing "Defying Gravity." The Wicked movie stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, and more! Will you be seeing Wicked in theatres? Let us know in the comments!

#shorts #wicked #DefyingGravity #CynthiaErivo

[smartestgirl]

*_Both are extremely impressive!_* Cynthia's runs are breathtaking and Idina managed to do all of that after like an hour of running around a stage.

[mc-gebt]

If we don’t get an Oscar mashup of all four women doing defying gravity, I’ll lose it. Hell, I’ll lose it if it happens.

[mommyalyssa]

People don't give Idina enough credit. Running around for hours during the show and singing. Doing it every night for a few weeks is intense. She did that every night and still whooped a** and sounded incredible!! Idina is forever the true Elphaba .

[shamc]

Idina Menzel is the benchmark. That song became so popular even prior to tge movie, because of how it ws performed by Idina. Having said that though, Cynthia Erivo’s interpretation is also one for the books. Adding rifts in the ending part definitely added a lot more depth and character to the song. Standing ovation to both

[AS-rimb]

Cynthia’s voice is on another plane of reality. She makes it sound easy.

[kathywilson]

I saw Idina Menzel, in LA doing Wicked, and she was excellent. Her voice wow.

[RitsuOuO]

I always loved Idina version most but wow Cynthia just changed the game for me! I can’t wait to hear Cynthia singing Defying Gravity live, it’s going to be unbelievable!

[Crvolney]

I wish we would stop putting everyone against each other. They are all amazing.

[Airrazor]

cynthia version stuck in me ever since i saw the movie, the amount of emotion we’ve been through with her really made defying gravity more impactful, and you can feel the emotion in both of their voices especially elphaba.

[derekkinnear]

I looove Cynthia and she did an incredible job. Oscar nom (even win?) worthy. But I think people forget Idina was the first - there was no example to follow when she originated the role. She was the blueprint. She sang the score as written (although she did throw in several little riffs here and there), but at the time, the song hadn’t evolved into what it is today (20+ years later). She did the job, got her well deserved Tony, and let dozens of talented women put their own stamps on the material.

[christineangelyn]

I enjoyed Cynthia’s voice so much. She sings every song smoothly. I also enjoyed her version of Defying Gravity until the end. There’s something about the way Idina sings the last part that always makes me cry.

[margotputnamdelaney]

Cynthia’s recordings are fabulous. As someone who saw Idina do it in the original run, she became my favorite singer of all time in the span of two hours. GOAT!

[liz.the.libra]

I love them both but Cynthia made me cry because she touched my soul. They're both extraordinary <3🖤💚🔮

[bananamuffin]

Idina is the og, the benchmark for elphaba, every actor has made it their own since wicked premiered in 2003 💚

[Natu]

Cynthia’s ending riff is super satisfying to me

[jayborussell]

The two greatest to ever do it. Idina set the bar high for Elphie and Cynthia did her justice cry 😭😭.

[josyperez]

This song is iconic Cynthia did a beautiful job

[mei]

Cynthia has something special in her timbre I am mesmerized every time I hear her it is as if I can receive all the sensations of her interpretation she is magnificent

[kimberlyontiveros]

Cynthia nailed the hell out of this scene tooo powerful and just beautiful 😍 🤩 👌 ❤️ 👏 wonderful movie ❤❤💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[ruthreji]

Idina and Kristin's chemistry, vocals, and emotion in 'Defying Gravity'—with Idina's powerhouse belt and Kristin's crystal-clear voice—are pure magic. ✨ Cynthia and Ariana brought their own magic, but this original duo is just timeless. Legends will always be legends! 💚💗