Angelina Jolie and Cynthia Erivo Unite Through the Power of Song: A Heartfelt Conversation on Art, Influence, and Defying Gravity

The Power of Live Performance During their conversation, Jolie expressed admiration for Erivo's ability to perform live on set, highlighting the unique challenges that come with such an intimate form of expression. Erivo explained how her experience in Broadway prepared her for the transition to film, noting that the nuances of singing live allow for a more genuine emotional connection with the audience. > "When we were doing a song like 'For Good,' there’d be silence in my ears, and [the director] would say, 'You start, and the pianist will come in.' We could even include all the breaks in the voice; if it turns into a whisper, then it turns into a whisper, and then you can build from there," Erivo shared, emphasizing the beauty of spontaneity in live performance. Finding Their Voices Both actresses reflected on their journeys of self-discovery through music. Jolie spoke candidly about her own struggles with finding her voice, metaphorically linking it to personal loss and trauma. She described her training for "Maria" as a transformative experience that allowed her to reclaim her voice after years of feeling silenced. "I didn’t know how much I had lost my voice. Maybe when I lost my mother, maybe when someone hurt me — whatever it was, the different things that had made it smaller and locked it away," Jolie revealed, underlining the emotional weight of her role and the cathartic process of rediscovery. The Influence of Art on the Next Generation A poignant moment in their conversation arose when Jolie shared her thoughts on the influence of art on her children, particularly her daughter Vivienne. Reflecting on a powerful moment when Vivienne experienced the song "Defying Gravity," Jolie expressed her desire for art to inspire and empower the younger generation. "I remember taking my daughter, who, when she watched 'Defying Gravity,' I felt that feeling of, 'Oh, she needs this — she’s feeling this desire to know that there’s endless possibility and something within her she hasn’t discovered yet,'" she said. This sentiment highlights the role of art in nurturing creativity and self-belief in children. The Emotional Impact of Their Roles As they wrapped up their conversation, it became clear that both actresses are not only dedicated to their craft but also deeply aware of the emotional and cultural significance of their roles. Erivo, reflecting on the legacy of "Defying Gravity," shared the responsibility she felt in portraying such an iconic song, which resonates with many who strive to exceed expectations. "I really wanted to mean it. The physical work of it was hard, because I’m in a harness: I’m flying and I’m singing at the same time — so many things are happening," Erivo noted. Her commitment to authenticity and representation speaks to the broader conversation about diversity in the arts.