Cynthia Erivo co-wrote the original song and debut album for Wicked 2.

Cynthia Erivo knows how to do it. Erivo has already wowed audiences with her powerful performances on stage and screen. Still, her role as Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked has cemented her place as one of the most versatile and compelling artists of her generation.

The first half of the two-part Wicked saga is already a sensation, and Erivo’s portrayal of the misunderstood green-skinned witch is earning high praise. But as she reveals Diversity’On the Awards Circuit Podcast, this journey is much more than just a career milestone – it’s personal.

When approaching Elphaba, Erivo drew on her own experiences. “I know what it feels like to walk into a room where people don’t want you to be there,” Erivo says in this week’s episode. “I know what it feels like to be bullied, to feel rejected, to feel unloved. It wasn’t easy to bring these memories to the surface, but it was necessary to show Elphaba’s vulnerability and resilience.” Listen below!

The stunning British artist has been showered with accolades throughout her career, with her “EGOT” just shy of an Oscar. If she wins Best Actress, Erivo will become the first actress to complete her EGOT on the Oscar stage.

Erivo’s interpretation of the role originated by Idina Menzel on Broadway captures Elphaba’s complexity and shows her evolution from an outcast to a symbol of strength. Still, she didn’t want to belt out every note. Erivo says she wants to earn her melodic power from the audience. “When I sing as Elphaba for the first time, it’s almost spoken – hesitant, uncertain. She hasn’t earned the right to rise yet. When she gets to “Defying Gravity,” it’s not just a song; It’s a statement of power,” explains Erivo.

One of the most discussed aspects of the film is the emotional connection between Elphaba and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande. One of the key moments is the scene in the Ozdust ballroom, where the two divas exchange emotions in a powerful, wordless dance number.

Reflecting on the scene, Erivo says, “The dance we share is an act of forgiveness. It’s Elphaba saying, “You hurt me, but I’m ready to start over.” Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we can do, and this moment was needed to show that. Ariana and I worked closely together to bring authenticity to our relationship. We wanted the audience to feel the bond between them and the pain of their decisions.”

Beyond “Wicked,” Erivo channels her artistry into music. She reveals exclusively diversity that their debut album will be released next year, just before the release of Wicked: For Good. “The album is eclectic and combines soul, country and pop,” she says. “My voice is the backbone – I’ve even used it as an instrument to layer sounds.”

The release is deeply personal for Erivo, who sees music as a therapeutic outlet. “I worked so hard on this album. It is an extension of me and a reflection of all the influences that have shaped my life.”

For the second part of “Wicked,” Erivo worked closely with composer Stephen Schwartz to create an original song for Elphaba. “I worked on one of the new songs and it’s very special to me,” she says. “When we shot it, the entire crew was in tears. I hope the audience is ready – it’s a song that goes to the heart of who Elphaba is.”

She also teases the darker, more mature tone of the second film. “We delve deeper into the consequences of the characters’ decisions. The story is richer and the stakes are higher. It’s not just a sequel; It’s a transformation.”

Countless social media videos from viewers filming themselves after the credits roll show people crying. If you’re familiar with the stage adaptation, I’m not sure we as a nation are ready to see Erivo and Grande sing “For Good” from Act II. It’s sure to be a heartbreaking moment of reconciliation, which Erivo reveals even moved the cast and crew to tears during filming.

In “Wicked,” Erivo is passionate about challenging traditional notions of good and evil.

“Elphaba is not evil. None of the characters are purely good or bad. They are flawed, complex and human,” says Erivo. “This story challenges us to rethink the labels we give to others and ourselves. It’s about empathy and understanding. The world needs more of this now.”

Also in this episode, breakout star Monica Barbaro talks about playing Joan Baez in James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown” alongside Timothee Chalamet and Elle Fanning.

Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, hosted and produced by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider, is your one-stop shop for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode of Awards Circuit features interviews with top talent and creatives from film and television, discussions and debates about awards shows and industry headlines, and much more. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you download podcasts.