'Wicked' Star Cynthia Erivo Calls Out Critics of Her New Role
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Cynthia Erivo remains one of the most talented performers working today.
One letter shy of an EGOT, Erivo most recently garnered critical acclaim for her iconic performance as Elphaba in "Wicked," which earned her a second Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress.
Now, with "Wicked: For Good" releasing later this year, Erivo is ready for her next project: "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl.
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The Tony Award winner will be taking on the role of Jesus Christ opposite Adam Lambert as Judas.
Erivo's casting has received complaints from conservative critics over, and it seems that she really doesn't care about that.
INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Cynthia Erivo performs with Gustavo Dudamel & LA Phil at the Coachella Stage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 19, 2025 in Indio, California.
INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Cynthia Erivo performs with Gustavo Dudamel & LA Phil at the Coachella Stage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 19, 2025 in Indio, California.for Coachella
In an interview with Stephen Daw of Billboard, Erivo addressed the claims that her performance as Jesus in the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical was "blasphemous," pointing out that there was no reason she shouldn't be able to play the character.
"Why Not?" Erivo asked with a chuckle. "You can't please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off. So hopefully they will come and realize, 'Oh, it's a musical, the gayest place on Earth.'"
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Erivo received similar criticism when she was cast as Elphaba, with many critics claiming she was a "woke hire."
"I had to audition, just like everybody else. And I'm glad I had to do that," Erivo said, per Afua Hirsh of Elle. "I have the credentials for it. I've done the work. But I'm glad they got to be sure about the choice. It allows me to take this, and to know that I had to work really hard for it."
In fact, she believes her experience as "the other" informed her performance as the future Wicked Witch of the West.
"I was conscious that I didn't want to erase the thing that I am underneath the green," Erivo said. "For me, it was about using my own experience as the 'other,' as someone who exists in that way. So, that's partially the reason why Elphaba has braids, as opposed to straight hair. It's the reason why she has long nails."
Erivo will be performing in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl from Aug. 1-3, 2025. "Wicked: For Good" hits cinemas on Nov. 21, 2025.
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