Pop powerhouse Demi Lovato has set social media alight with a breathtaking, and somewhat divisive, vocal performance. The singer took to TikTok to attempt one of the most challenging notes in modern musical theatre, directly pitting her famous pipes against Cynthia Erivo's iconic rendition of 'Defying Gravity' from the upcoming Wicked film.
In the now-viral clip, Lovato is seen passionately singing along to the soundtrack's preview, building up to the song's legendary climax. As Erivo's voice soars on the recording, Lovato matches it, holding the sustained high note with formidable power and control, a testament to her incredible vocal range and training.
Fan Reaction: A Chorus of Divided Opinions
The internet's response was immediate and fervent. Lovato's dedicated fanbase, the 'Lovatics', flooded the comments with praise and fire emojis, hailing her as "one of the best vocalists of our generation" and celebrating her raw talent.
However, the performance also sparked a fierce debate among musical theatre purists and fans of Cynthia Erivo. Many argued that while technically impressive, Lovato's powerful, pop-belting style lacked the specific emotional nuance and character-driven storytelling that Erivo, a revered Broadway star, brings to the role of Elphaba.
Comments ranged from supportive to critical, with one user summing up the divide: "Demi has an insane voice, but Cynthia's lives in the character. It's a different kind of magic."
The Unmatched Legacy of 'Defying Gravity'
The song itself, 'Defying Gravity', is a vocal Mount Everest for any singer. It requires immense technical skill, emotional depth, and sheer stamina, famously separating professional performers from amateurs. Cynthia Erivo's casting as Elphaba was widely acclaimed precisely because of her proven ability to master such a demanding role on both Broadway and the West End.
Lovato's attempt, while not an audition for the role, highlights the cultural moment surrounding the long-awaited Wicked film adaptation and the enduring power of its music to captivate and challenge artists across all genres.
Whether viewed as a tribute or a challenge, Lovato's clip has successfully reignited global excitement for the movie and proven that the music of Wicked continues to defy expectations and start conversations.
