Cynthia Erivo recently opened up about her deep connection to Wicked while sharing an emotional conversation with original Broadway icons Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. In a special video released by Entertainment Weekly, Erivo appeared alongside co-star Ariana Grande as the group discussed the legacy of the beloved musical and the impact it continues to have on performers and fans alike.
During the conversation, Erivo—who plays Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation—became visibly emotional as she reflected on how meaningful the original cast’s performances were to her. Fighting back tears, she told Menzel and Chenoweth, “I’ve been listening to you for so many years,” acknowledging how their voices shaped her understanding of the character long before she took on the role herself.
As Erivo teared up, Grande and Chenoweth held hands while Menzel offered comfort with an arm around her. Erivo went on to say that sharing the moment with the women she admired felt “wonderful and surreal,” adding, “You’re the voices I grew up with, and now we get to experience this together.”
Chenoweth also grew emotional and shared that seeing the story continue through new performers is one of the most meaningful parts of being an artist. She told Erivo, “Wicked carries on because of you,” calling the moment a rare and cherished experience for all four women. Menzel brought humor into the conversation with a playful comment about being grateful they were all still present to witness such a full-circle moment.
In a separate interview highlighted by E! News, Erivo revealed surprising details about the filming of the emotional For Good sequence. She shared that several of the heartfelt exchanges between Elphaba and Glinda—including Ariana Grande’s “What’s going on?” and their final “I love you”—were not scripted. Director Jon M. Chu encouraged the actresses to continue exploring their characters’ goodbye, allowing the camera to capture raw, unscripted emotion.
Erivo later posted a touching farewell message on Instagram, thanking fans for embracing her as their Elphaba and expressing how profoundly the role has changed her. Her emotional tribute, along with her behind-the-scenes revelations, highlights how deeply Wicked continues to resonate with audiences and artists decades after its debut.