Yes, Fans Have Been Singing the ‘Defying Gravity’ Riff to Cynthia Erivo in Public

Cynthia Erivo defied the laws of vocal gravity at the end of Wicked, when her character Elphaba lets out a passionate riff to conclude the “Defying Gravity” number.

The riff has since gone viral, with fans constantly attempting the difficult belt on social media — and to Erivo’s face, apparently. The superstar, who is an Oscar away from becoming the youngest EGOT member, joined Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, where the host asked her if people have sang the “war cry” to her in person.

“Yes, randomly, when I don’t ask for it,” she replied with a laugh, adding that sometimes the fans don’t even introduce themselves and “go straight into it.”

“I’m still trying to figure out how [to react to it],” she continued. “Sometimes it’s really delightful, sometimes it’s really wonderful. I think what’s wonderful is that people are willing to try anyway. If the emotion has moved you to do that without even introducing yourself, then I think we’ve done something right. I’m just going to go with it.”

The Academy unveiled its 2025 nominees last week, with Erivo snagging a nod in the best actress in a leading role category for her portrayal of Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked. She was previously nominated for best actress in 2020 for her role in Harriet, as well as best original song for the film’s “Stand Up.”

Watch her full interview with Jimmy Kimmel below.