Amanda Seyfried Recalls Auditioning for ‘Wicked’ with Cynthia Erivo

Amanda Seyfried's ‘Wicked’ audition experience is still evident in her mind.  The 39-year-old ‘Long Bright River’ star talked about her experience singing with Cynthia Erivo during her audition for the part of Glinda in the much-awaited musical picture in an episode of the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast.

 Although she didn't get the part, which eventually went to Ariana Grande, she took delight in the development and preparation that led her to that point. She revealed that she had never felt more assured in her singing voice than during those auditions.  Her favourite part was singing with Cynthia Erivo, and the event itself made an impression.

Even though Seyfried was not chosen to play Glinda, her family still sings ‘Defying Gravity’ around the home, demonstrating how much she loves ‘Wicked’.

Image Courtesy: Amanda Seyfried/ Instagram

 In a recent interview with the New York Times, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the movie, stated that she wasn't shocked to learn that Grande was selected for Glinda.  She even expressed relief, pointing out that not all of the candidates in attendance exhibited the same level of intensity during her auditions.

In 2022, Seyfried initially disclosed that she was balancing her rigorous schedule on ‘The Dropout’, for which she would ultimately win an Emmy, with weekend auditions for Wicked.  Because she wanted the position so badly, she explained that she sacrificed her little vacation time to prepare for it.  The procedure turned into evidence of her progress as a vocalist and performer.

In a recent interview with GQ, Seyfried looked back on her musical career and talked candidly about her 2012 experience filming Les Misérables.  At the time, she acknowledged that her live singing skills were inferior to those of her co-stars, including Eddie Redmayne, Anne Hathaway, and Samantha Barks.  She regards it as one of her regrets in retrospect, wishing she had the control and vocal strength she does now.

–Farheen Ali