You would have to be living under a rock to not know the magnificent human being known as Cynthia Erivo.
However, perhaps not everyone has followed her career as obsessively as I have, so allow me to drop some knowledge about this tiny, beautiful human with an enormous, anointed voice.
According to Wikipedia, Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanasu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo is an award-winning British actress, singer, producer and songwriter of Nigerian descent. She’s a Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner who has also been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award.
Erivo rose to fame as Celie in the musical The Color Purple, winning awards and critical acclaim both on Broadway and in London’s West End. That is not how I came to know and love her, though, as I didn’t have the good fortune to see her perform.
Following are the five times Cynthia Erivo stole my heart and made my soul leap from my chest. Actually, I’m throwing in a bonus sixth time. She’s worth it!
5. In her role as the haunting singer in Bad Times at the El Royale (2018). While this movie is fairly good, Erivo’s performance in it is spectacular. She sings and acts her heart out, capturing my heart and making the movie stay with me far longer than it would have on its own merits. Erivo’s hauntingly beautiful voice and soulful eyes were captivating and memorable in this film – it’s well worth a watch if you like action movies and magical vocals.
4. In her standout role as Holly Gibney in HBO’s The Outsider (2020). I liked the character of Holly in Stephen King’s The Outsider, but it wasn’t until I saw the HBO series that I truly fell in love with her. That’s because Erivo breathed so much life, authenticity and uniqueness into the role that Holly became a phenomenally quirky and lovable human being. At the end of the show, I found myself missing Holly and wanting to see her again. That’s how real Erivo’s performance was; I felt like we had actually become friends. She doesn’t sing a note, but her acting prowess is on full display in this role.
3. As Elphaba in Wicked (2024). I’m a Wicked fan from way back, and I’ll always love Idina Menzel’s classic Elphaba. But Erivo gave new life to a familiar character, making Elphie uniquely her own and catapulting herself into superstardom. Her voice, power and vulnerability are unmistakable in this role, easily holding her own next to – and even outshining – pop superstar Ariana Grande, who is also superb in her own effervescent performance as Glinda.
2. As Elphaba in Wicked For Good (2025). I can already tell, just based on the trailer, that Erivo is going to blow our socks off in the sequel. This movie doesn’t come out until Thanksgiving and I am already at the theatre, seated, in spirit. I’m that excited! She’s green, she’s glorious and she’s going to truly come into her power in this film. There is no role I can imagine being more perfect for the goddess known as Cynthia Erivo. Except, possibly…
1. In the title role of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl in August 2025. When two of my favorite vocalists took on one of my all-time favorite musicals this month for three nights of vocal adrenaline, my mind was blown. Erivo headlined an incredible cast that also featured Adam Lambert in the pivotal Judas role. The clips I’ve seen on Instagram and TikTok rocked my entire world. They have already released a spectacular recording of Lambert performing “Heaven on Their Minds” and now my prayer is please, oh please, let them release a recording of the entire show. Erivo as Jesus was the queer, Black lord and savior we need and want in 2025! Her performance was breathtaking – and I’ve seen both Ted Neeley (who originated the role) and Dennis DeYoung of Styx play that role on Broadway and in traveling shows.
Bonus: on her album, I Forgive You. Let’s not forget that Erivo also released a gorgeously sonic studio album of her own this year. I didn’t listen to it when it first came out, saving it instead for a time when I needed it most. Her voice comes on like a hug, caresses like the touch of a lover and blows you back in your seat like a HellCat launching. She is also a killer whistler – who knew! Is there anything Erivo can’t do? In short, this album is everything and I’ve had it on repeat ever since I played the first note.
Hopefully, I’ve convinced you to give Cynthia Erivo a watch and a listen the next chance you get. She’s magic, she embodies both Black joy and queer joy, and her vocal talents are beyond spectacular. I can’t wait to see and hear what she does next!
