Cynthia Erivo Shares Her ‘Wicked’ Song Ranking on ‘Fallon’
Cynthia Erivo, the Tony and Grammy-winning star set to play Elphaba in Wicked, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and ranked her top songs from the beloved Broadway musical. The segment gave fans a sneak peek into her deep connection with the material ahead of the highly anticipated film adaptation.
A Must-Watch ‘Fallon’ Interview
Fresh off her acclaimed performances in The Color Purple and Harriet, Erivo joined Jimmy Fallon for a lively chat about her upcoming role in Wicked. Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), the two-part movie stars Erivo as Elphaba alongside Ariana Grande’s Glinda—one of the most anticipated musical pairings in years.
Fallon couldn’t resist asking Erivo, a powerhouse vocalist, to rank her favorite Wicked songs. Her enthusiastic breakdown offered insights into which tracks resonate most with her as she prepares for the iconic role.
Cynthia Erivo’s Top 5 ‘Wicked’ Songs—Ranked
Here’s how Erivo ordered her favorites, along with her thoughts:
- “Defying Gravity“ – The ultimate Elphaba anthem took the #1 spot. Erivo called it a “song of liberation” and teased a “magical” film rendition.
- “No Good Deed” – Praised for its raw intensity, she admitted it’s challenging but deeply rewarding.
- “The Wizard and I” – A hopeful Act 1 standout that introduces Elphaba’s dreams.
- “For Good” – The emotional Glinda/Elphaba duet, which Erivo called “one of the most beautiful friendship songs ever.”
- “Popular” – Though Glinda’s solo, Erivo joked she’s “low-key jealous” of Ariana Grande’s performance.
Behind-the-Scenes ‘Wicked’ Movie Teasers
Erivo revealed the cast is deep in rehearsals and recording sessions, praising Grande’s dedication and their “electric” chemistry. Fans can expect fresh takes on the songs while honoring the original’s spirit.
Why This Matters for ‘Wicked’ Fans
With Wicked a global phenomenon since 2003, Erivo’s song ranking highlights the emotional and technical brilliance of Stephen Schwartz’s score—proving the film is in expert hands.
How to Watch the Full Segment
Catch Cynthia Erivo’s Tonight Show interview on YouTube or NBC’s platforms. Wicked: Part One arrives November 27, 2024; Part Two follows on November 26, 2025.
Which ‘Wicked’ song is your favorite? Share in the comments!
