- 13 hours ago
Prepare to be dazzled by the extraordinary talent of Cynthia Erivo as we highlight her most unforgettable performances! From heartfelt tributes and powerhouse musical numbers to stirring live concert moments, witness a vocal range and emotional depth that have captivated audiences worldwide. Whether on Broadway, at major award shows, or special events, Cynthia’s artistry transcends every stage she graces. Which moment left you breathless? Share your favorites with us!
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today, we're counting down our picks for the Cynthia Erivo performances
00:11that were so breathtaking, they practically altered our brain chemistry.
00:23Number 20, the closing number, 78th Tony Awards.
00:27After the performances we'd become accustomed to from Cynthia, expectations for her stint
00:31as Tony host were sky high.
00:51From the opening number to the finale, she proved she could still defy them all.
00:57Singing a reworked version of And I Am Telling You, Cynthia sent the audience home with her
01:12powerhouse vocals reverberating in their minds.
01:15Sure, it's not the official Dreamgirls version, but it was definitely a dream seeing her join
01:20the ranks of former F.E. Whites, who blew the roof off with their performances.
01:34We can only hope that someone in the audience was inspired to revive Dreamgirls after that.
01:38If not, were they even paying attention at all?
01:40This was a toll!
01:47Nooooooo!
01:49Nooooooo!
01:51Nooooooo!
01:53Nooooooo!
01:55Number 19, Don't Rain on My Parade.
01:59Cynthia Erivo, legendary voices at the proms.
02:03It's hard not to associate this song with Barbra Streisand and measure every cover against
02:07her, but not this time.
02:09Tell me not to fly, I've simply got to, if someone takes a spell, it's me and not you.
02:20Erivo sings with this gorgeous, liquid, bell-like clarity that sounds as modern as it does soulful.
02:26This is a toughie for the most trained singer.
02:29Yet Erivo navigates the song's quieter moments with its big belts like she's just taking a gentle stroll.
02:34Whether I'm a rose of sheer perfection, a cinder on the nose of life's completion, a cinder or a shiny apple of my mind.
02:45As she reaches the song's crescendo, it's like she opened some energetic floodgate,
02:49and you can almost feel the electricity charge throughout the room.
02:53The fact that she opened with that song meant the bar was already through the roof before the night had even really started.
02:58Number 18, Get Happy, Happy Days Are Here Again, Wicked, One Wonderful Night.
03:22It's hard not to get happy when listening to Erivo sing, and somehow her voice can compliment anyone's.
03:28Get ready, happy days are here again.
03:34So we felt that Happy Days Are Here Again, when she and her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande sang this Judy Garland,
03:40Barbra Streisand mashup during One Wonderful Night.
03:51It's hardly surprising that their harmonic blend is basically perfect.
03:55Like they instinctively know when to step forward and when to let the other shine.
03:59The way the two songs intertwine at the climax, where one is singing a long sustained note while the other is doing runs,
04:06felt like it's designed to trigger a dopamine hit for the listener.
04:09Here again, the skies, your views above, is all clear again.
04:19And yes, more of this please.
04:21Happy days are here again.
04:36Number 17, You're Not Here, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
04:41We already know there's no limit to Cynthia's range, and she proves it in a way that feels almost unfair during Musical Genre Challenge.
04:47My heart wants to sing every song it hits.
04:59But going back a few years to her performance of You're Not Here on that same stage really shows why she's on another level.
05:06And when I sing, I'm singing to your heart.
05:13The song is about her estranged father, and she lets every emotion behind every lyric fill the room through her crystal clear voice.
05:20Her stillness does half the work.
05:22Because in spite of you I'm here, oh yes I'm here.
05:28Watch her shoulders, her control, her breath support.
05:31It's truly something else.
05:33Even when she's visibly emotional, she never gasps for air.
05:36By the time the song ends, the silence says everything.
05:49This may just be the gold standard of tributes, and it's obvious why from the very first note.
06:01The medley starts with fantasy, upbeat and fun, immediately pulling you into the rhythm.
06:13She doesn't overdo it.
06:14Instead, she captures everything that made the song iconic, turning the whole performance into a party.
06:25That builds the perfect setup for reasons, where she suddenly hits incredibly high, glass-shattering notes.
06:30What makes it so amazing is how effortless it all looks.
06:42If you watch her face, she isn't straining in the slightest.
06:45She's joyful, she's in the moment, she's calm.
06:48That level of vocal ease is what separates a great singer from a vocal athlete.
07:01Number 15, The Impossible Dream, 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.
07:06Cynthia was just starting to make herself known to American audiences when she was invited to sing this tribute to JFK.
07:12She was just making her Broadway debut in The Color Purple, but a performance like this is what really solidified her status as a premier vocal powerhouse on a global stage.
07:36She pours everything into a song that's both insanely demanding and deeply emotional.
07:41And even Aretha Franklin was spotted getting completely lost in the music.
07:52When Cynthia found out about that later, she said, quote,
07:55Okay, my life is made.
07:57And of course, she closed it out with a finale that absolutely blew us away.
08:08Number 14, I Who Have Nothing, Cynthia Erivo, legendary voices at the proms.
08:14If singing were an Olympic sport, Cynthia Erivo would absolutely take gold for this performance.
08:19She gives us everything from quiet, intimate moments to soaring belts and those unbelievable melismas.
08:30It's the kind of showcase that makes you wish you were in the room hearing it live.
08:42She completely reimagines the Shirley Bassey classic while still showing real respect to the icon behind it.
08:48This felt like more than just a tribute to a woman who shaped her musically.
08:52It was Cynthia carving out her own space right alongside her.
08:55One thing's for sure, you can't watch her without getting totally lost in whatever story she tells on stage.
09:01Number 13, Gethsemane, I Only Want to Say, Jesus Christ Superstar.
09:17Since we're already subverting 50 years of tradition, and technically history, why not take it a step further?
09:23After all, this marathon of a song is in good hands.
09:26This version changes the key and replaces the piercing falsettos with strong soprano belts.
09:40That doesn't make it easier by any means.
09:42If anything, her grounded, powerful chest mix is a display of vocal strength few singers could pull off.
09:49She knows exactly when to pull back, when to keep the audience simmering, and when to go off.
10:04Reportedly, the audience broke into a standing ovation lasting over two minutes.
10:09If we'd been there, we'd have been on our feet too.
10:21Number 12, No Good Deed, Wicked For Good.
10:24We could probably make this entire list about Wicked, but today, we're highlighting her phenomenal performance of No Good Deed from Wicked For Good.
10:32Mainly because we're in complete awe that she sang the shiz out of it live.
10:36You're dead!
10:45If you thought Defying Gravity was impressive, this was the moment she was like, hold my broom.
10:50She uses raspy growls and sharp, jagged tones that make you feel her real pain.
10:55All good deed goes unpunished.
10:59All helpful luck, you should be circumvented.
11:03Instead of starting angry, she begins terrified and desperate, letting her emotions guide every note.
11:09It's no wonder audience members in theaters everywhere were applauding like they were watching her live.
11:14She basically made it impossible not to.
11:16A good deed will I do again.
11:33Number 11, Edelweiss, 48th AFI Life Achievement Award.
11:37Before Cynthia sang a note, Julie Andrews revealed this was one of her favorite songs from The Sound of Music.
11:43No pressure or anything.
11:44Edelweiss, every morning you greet me.
11:55But if anyone could rise to that and even elevate it, it would be Cynthia Erivo.
12:00She sings with crystal clarity and a beautiful lightness, perfectly balanced with deeper soulful tones.
12:05Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever.
12:22Once again, she finds that sweet spot between honoring the original and putting her own stamp on it,
12:28with subtle improvisations and runs that still respect the simplicity of the melody.
12:32And of course, she makes you believe every single word she's singing.
12:36Honestly, we could listen to her sing this forever.
12:39Bless my homeland forever.
12:57Number 10, I Can't Sing, Royal Variety Performance.
13:02In 2014, British comedian Harry Hill's The X Factor-inspired musical, I Can't Sing,
13:07premiered in the West End.
13:09It starred Cynthia Erivo as Shanice, a woman with the perfect backstory for a talent contest,
13:14but no confidence in her talents.
13:27It's almost laughable that Erivo would play someone who can't sing, because she certainly can.
13:33In fact, she has, to borrow from her companion, the voice of an angel.
13:37I never knew, I didn't think I could, so I made Jerry Halliwell sound good.
13:44She not only stuns with her incredible range, but doesn't miss a comedic beat either.
13:49The show may have closed after just six weeks, but it introduced the world to a rising star.
13:54And I'll rise out of this shit, God willing, I've got something to bring, I can sing, I can sing.
14:07No wonder the other contestants didn't want Shanice to audition.
14:13Maybe she's better off not entering.
14:16Number 9, I Want to Dance with Somebody Who Loves Me.
14:20Live from Lincoln Center, Cynthia Erivo in concert.
14:23Wendy Houston's songs are notoriously tough to tackle,
14:26but Erivo effortlessly makes I Want to Dance with Somebody her own.
14:36She doesn't go too hard or too soft, and most importantly,
14:40she doesn't simply try and replicate Houston's sound.
14:43Every note shows off her incredible talent,
14:46and you can tell she and her band are having a blast from start to finish.
14:53What makes this number truly special is how she captures the essence of this iconic bop
15:02while making it feel brand new, like we're hearing it for the first time.
15:05It's a fresh, joyful take that celebrates both the original and Erivo's unique artistry.
15:10Number 8, Somewhere with the National Symphony Orchestra,
15:24Cynthia Erivo and Friends, a New Year's Eve celebration.
15:27There's a place for us, somewhere a place for us.
15:41The thing about Somewhere from West Side Story is that you can sing it pitch perfectly,
15:46but if you don't pour your heart into it, the meaning gets lost.
15:49Thankfully, Cynthia Erivo doesn't have that problem.
15:52Somewhere, we'll find a new way of living.
16:01She sings from deep within, connecting to the lyrics in a way that feels incredibly personal.
16:06Her voice fills the room like sunshine, with such outstanding control and tone
16:11that it's like she's pulling us into her emotional space.
16:14Hold my hand and I'll take you there.
16:21Of course, it goes without saying that the technical side is just phenomenal too.
16:25Listening to her gives us hope that maybe, somewhere, someday, every word she sings will come true.
16:31Someday, somewhere.
16:41Number 7, Imagine, 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
16:46From the moment that first note leaves her mouth, we already have chills.
16:50Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try.
17:00Erivo sang Imagine at the GLAAD Media Awards to honor the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
17:06She starts softly, letting her voice fill the room and wrap around everyone listening.
17:11You can feel her belief in every word as if she's holding everyone affected by this tragedy and countless others in her heart.
17:27As the song progresses, she builds power, almost as if she's trying to make her message heard by as many people as possible.
17:33I'm not the only one.
17:36It's impossible not to get swept up in the emotion, especially as photos of those who lost their lives appear with her final note.
17:48As we've seen, Erivo wears her heart on her sleeve when she sings, and we have no doubt she touched many people at the 2024 National Memorial Day concert.
18:16One shining dream of hope and love, life and liberty.
18:28Her renditions of Bridge Over Troubled Water and Requiem for a Soldier could bring tears to anyone's eyes.
18:33However, the goosebumps we got from her take on When You Believe are something else.
18:49She pays homage to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, yet it's clear that this is her interpretation of the song's emotion.
18:55Her crystal clear tone, extraordinary range and pure beauty elevate the number to new heights.
19:13Paired with images of strength and resilience, her performance can uplift listeners and fill them with hope.
19:28Aretha Franklin is another of those powerhouse vocalists many artists might cower away from, but not Erivo.
19:46Her take on Ain't No Way is nothing short of breathtaking.
19:59From the first note, her voice is so emotive that it grabs your attention and doesn't let go.
20:04She infuses the song with such deep emotion, giving a nod to the original while totally making it her own.
20:17You can feel every ounce of passion and nuance in her delivery, spotlighting her incredible vocals.
20:23Also, her chemistry with her backing singers just makes the whole performance soar even higher.
20:40She also wowed everyone with her magnetic stage presence as she covered Etta James' At Last.
20:46Number 4. Nothing Compares To You, next at the Kennedy Center.
21:08We could rave about Erivo's flawless technique all day.
21:11However, what really makes her special is how she takes a classic like Nothing Compares To You
21:26and breathes so much new life into it that it's almost like we're hearing a brand new song.
21:32Her powerful voice is full of emotion and little details that just grab you.
21:41Plus, she captures the haunting melody and deep lyrics with an authenticity that few can.
21:46She brought that same magic to her cover of Killing Me Softly That Night with Joaquina Kalakengo, too.
21:59It left us in awe.
22:01Erivo has this incredible gift for transforming beloved songs into something truly extraordinary.
22:07Strumming my pain with this finger.
22:10One time.
22:11And singing her life with this word.
22:15Two times.
22:17Number 3.
22:18Alfie, 46th Kennedy Center Honors.
22:21You know when people describe someone's voice as their instrument?
22:24What's it all about?
22:26Alfie.
22:31This is what they mean.
22:32Erivo's voice is a finely tuned instrument that can hit breathtaking notes and convey intense emotions.
22:38What will you lend on an old golden rule?
22:45Her rich timbre adds so much depth and complexity to every performance.
22:49She flows effortlessly from delicate whispers to powerful crescendos.
22:53So it's no surprise she took on another legendary diva, Dionne Warwick.
22:57You can see Warwick light up just seeing Erivo on that stage.
23:07No pressure, right?
23:09Erivo pulls off vocal feats in this song that even some other well-trained singers might find challenging.
23:14Honestly, the Kennedy Center should have given out a second honor just for this performance.
23:19Help me!
23:21Help me!
23:22Help me!
23:31Number 2.
23:32Stand Up.
23:33Harriet.
23:34Erivo co-wrote and recorded Stand Up for the 2019 biopic Harriet, where she also played the title role.
23:40That's when I'm gonna stand up.
23:43Take my people with me.
23:46Together we are going to a brand new home.
23:52This soulful song speaks to standing strong in tough times, and few can deliver that message quite like Erivo.
23:59It was nominated for a Grammy, Golden Globe, Oscar, NAACP Image Award, and more.
24:05Calling me two hands, I'm gonna keep on keeping on.
24:11In the music video, it's just her and that phenomenal voice we can't stop gushing about.
24:15But honestly, adding anything else would distract from the raw emotion that flows from her.
24:20The song's ending lyrics pay tribute to Harriet Tubman's final words, and it's truly moving to see Erivo carry her message forward with such passion.
24:28I go to prepare a place for you.
24:33Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos.
24:40You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
24:44If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
24:49Number 1, I'm Here, 70th Tony Awards.
24:53If you caught Cynthia Erivo as Celie in the 2013 London production or the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple,
25:00then you know just how mind-blowing her performances are.
25:03I'm gonna see you sing now.
25:16Those who missed it still got a taste of her magic when she sang songs from the show at events like The Maker's Conference and Good Morning America.
25:23There are miracles for you and you and you and you.
25:31However, the performance that lives rent-free in our heads is her jaw-dropping rendition of I'm Here at the 70th Tony Awards.
25:38It's just her and a captive audience.
25:40She starts off quietly, creating this amazing tension, and then bursts into a powerful crescendo that fills the Beacon Theatre.
25:48And I'm Here!
26:03Seriously, our jaws are still on the floor.
26:06Happy days are here again.
26:13Which Cynthia Erivo performance defied your expectations? Let us know in the comments.
26:18redeeming you open.
26:19Tell us what again.
26:20apa
26:22pi
26:24kay
26:25kay
26:26kay
26:28kay
26:30kay
26:30kay
26:32kay
26:33kay
26:35kay
26:37kay
26:38kay
26:40kay
26:42kay
26:43kay
Comments