Cynthia Erivo, Beyoncé.
In a candid exchange with the Los Angeles Times, rising star Cynthia Erivo shared the astonishing feedback she received from none other than Beyoncé following her unforgettable 2025 Grammys performance. Erivo, the charismatic force behind Wicked, is gearing up for the release of her sophomore solo album, I Forgive You, set to debut this Friday.
During the highly anticipated February 2 awards ceremony, Erivo graced the stage with a soul-stirring rendition of Fly Me to the Moon, joined by jazz legend Herbie Hancock on piano. This performance was a heartfelt homage to the late, great Quincy Jones, who famously arranged the 1964 version immortalized by Frank Sinatra.
“They asked if I could do it, and I was like, ‘I can, but I’m not Frank,’” Erivo revealed to the publication. “Frank did Fly Me to the Moon how it was supposed to be done for him, so I had to find out how to do it for me.”
Erivo’s interpretation was a captivating twist on the classic, paying tribute to Jones while showcasing her unique artistry. Among those spellbound in the audience were Queen Latifah and John Legend, visibly moved by the 38-year-old’s vocal prowess.
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As she mingled with attendees after her performance, Erivo crossed paths with the iconic Beyoncé. Recounting the unexpected encounter, Erivo shared, “She was like, ‘You’re an alien, and I love it.’”
This dazzling night at the Grammys was not Erivo’s only headline-grabbing performance. She also captivated audiences at the 97th Academy Awards, where she joined co-star Ariana Grande for a much-anticipated Wicked medley, further solidifying her status as a multi-talented performer.
Film enthusiasts eagerly await the release of Wicked: For Good on November 21, a sequel promising to continue the franchise’s epic saga. Meanwhile, Erivo remains in the spotlight with her latest album, I Forgive You.
In a conversation with the Associated Press, Erivo described the album as “a collection of stories and songs that are both personal for things that are happening now, things that have happened in the past, and I think some of which I have had to forgive people for.”
She candidly added, “And honestly, some of which I’ve had to forgive myself for.” Erivo’s introspective project is slated for release on Friday, June 6.
With such profound artistry and her boundless talent, Cynthia Erivo is undoubtedly set to leave an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.