Cynthia Erivo Defies Gravity Twice in Epic 'Wicked' Taping

On September 27, 2025, thousands of "Wicked" fans, press, and other guests convened at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the taping of "Wicked: One Wonderful Night," a special celebration of the beloved musical film. The audience was treated to several memorable moments during the extended taping.

The most notable performance was Cynthia Erivo's rendition of "Defying Gravity," which saw the multi-talented artist defy gravity itself with the help of a flying harness. Erivo's epic display drew an emotional response from the audience, who immediately roared for an encore. Luckily, the production team obliged, allowing the audience to witness Erivo's gravity-defying feat twice.

Another standout moment came when Marissa Bode introduced "Defying Gravity," noting that Elphaba stood up to a "power-hungry dictator." This statement drew a lengthy standing ovation from the audience, who seemed to resonate with the message amid the current political climate. However, this moment was ultimately cut from the final broadcast.

The taping also featured appearances by Ariana Grande and Bowen Yang, who joined the cast for several songs, including the opening number "No One Mourns the Wicked." Despite a few technical hiccups, the audience was treated to a night of magical moments from the world of "Wicked."