Acclaimed actor and singer Cynthia Erivo has opened up about the extraordinary, and sometimes peculiar, lengths she goes to in order to protect her world-famous singing voice. The star, currently headlining the Wicked films and preparing for a major West End run, shared her rigorous vocal preservation routine in a candid new interview.
The Extreme Daily Regimen of a Star
Erivo explained to The Hollywood Reporter that maintaining her instrument requires near-constant vigilance and several strict personal rules. "I don't drink. I don't smoke. I'm a crazy person," she joked. Her dedication extends to her travel habits, notably avoiding all food served on aeroplanes. Instead, she meticulously packs her own supplies. "I bring everything with me: my tea, my water," she stated.
This preparation centres on a now-iconic travel mug, which has even inspired its own internet meme due to its constant presence with the star. "Someone made a meme of the mug that I carry around because I have it with me everywhere," Erivo revealed. "I have it in several different colours. I will not be without it because I want my tea to always be warm enough to hydrate me." She summarised her philosophy simply: "I will do whatever I need to make sure she's okay — except apparently take a break."
A Relentless Schedule of Stage and Screen
The Harriet star admitted she rarely turns down challenging opportunities that push her artistically. This mindset has led to an incredibly hectic period, juggling promotion for both Wicked movies, her album release in June, and performances at Coachella. Her schedule shows no sign of slowing.
Erivo is currently deep in rehearsals for her one-woman stage adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. The highly anticipated production is scheduled to run at a London West End theatre from 3 February to 31 May. Beyond the stage, her film slate is equally busy, with roles in Suzie Miller's Prima Facie and the major fantasy adaptation Children of Blood and Bone, slated for cinema release on 15 January 2027.
Juggling Oscars Night with Combat Training
Erivo illustrated the intensity of her workload by recounting the chaotic period filming Children of Blood and Bone during awards season. The role required horseback riding, combat training, and dialect coaching, all while attending major awards ceremonies.
"The day I had to get to South Africa to start hair, makeup, costume, all of that was the day after the Oscars," she explained. "My flight was in the morning. So, when I say the day after, I mean the night of the Oscars." She described a frantic post-ceremony routine: "I had to come home. My nails had to be changed that night because I had embellishments galore all over them, so we had to get it back down to zero, and then I got on a plane that morning; 5:00 a.m. I was in the car off to the airport." This relentless commitment, supported by her unique vocal care habits, continues to define Erivo's extraordinary career trajectory.
