Top 20 Greatest Cynthia Erivo Musical Performances

#20: The Closing Number

“78th Tony Awards” (2025)

After the performances we’d become accustomed to from Cynthia, expectations for her stint as Tony host were sky high. From the opening number to the finale, she proved she could still defy them all. Singing a reworked version of “And I Am Telling You,” Cynthia sent the audience home with her powerhouse vocals reverberating in their minds. Sure, it’s not the official “Dreamgirls” version, but it was definitely a dream seeing her join the ranks of former Effie Whites who blew the roof off with their performances. We can only hope that someone in the audience was inspired to revive “Dreamgirls” after that! If not, were they even paying attention at all!?

#19: “Don't Rain on My Parade”

“Cynthia Erivo: Legendary Voices at the Proms” (2022)

It’s hard not to associate this song with Barbra Streisand and measure every cover against her, but not this time. Erivo sings with this gorgeous, liquid, bell-like clarity that sounds as modern as it does soulful. This is a toughie for the most trained singer, yet Erivo navigates the song’s quieter moments with its big belts like she’s just taking a gentle stroll. As she reaches the song’s crescendo, it’s like she opened some energetic floodgate, and you can almost feel the electricity charge throughout the room. The fact that she opened with that song meant the bar was already through the roof before the night had even really started.

#18: “Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again”

“Wicked: One Wonderful Night” (2025)

It’s hard not to “Get Happy” when listening to Erivo sing, and somehow her voice can complement anyone’s. So we felt that “Happy Days Are Here Again” when she and her “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande sang this Judy Garland/Barbra Streisand mash-up during “One Wonderful Night.” It’s hardly surprising that their harmonic blend is basically perfect, like they instinctively know when to step forward and when to let the other shine. The way the two songs intertwine at the climax, where one is singing a long, sustained note while the other is doing runs, feels like it’s designed to trigger a dopamine hit for the listener. And yes, more of this please!

#17: “You're Not Here”

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)

We already know there’s no limit to Cynthia’s range, and she proves it in a way that feels almost unfair during “Musical Genre Challenge.” But going back a few years to her performance of “You’re Not Here” on that same stage really shows why she’s on another level. The song is about her estranged father, and she lets every emotion behind every lyric fill the room through her crystal clear voice. Her stillness does half the work. Watch her shoulders, her control, her breath support, it’s truly something else. Even when she’s visibly emotional, she never gasps for air. By the time the song ends, the silence says everything.

#16: ““Fantasy” & “Reasons” (Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute)”

“42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (2019)

This may just be the gold standard of tributes, and it’s obvious why from the very first note. The medley starts with “Fantasy,” upbeat and fun, immediately pulling you into the rhythm. She doesn’t overdo it; instead, she captures everything that made the song iconic, turning the whole performance into a party. That builds the perfect setup for “Reasons,” where she suddenly hits incredibly high, glass-shattering notes. What makes it so amazing is how effortless it all looks. If you watch her face, she isn't straining in the slightest; she's joyful, she's in the moment, she's calm. That level of vocal ease is what separates a great singer from a vocal athlete.

#15: “The Impossible Dream”

“39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (2016)

Cynthia was just starting to make herself known to American audiences when she was invited to sing this tribute to JFK. She was just making her Broadway debut in “The Color Purple,” but a performance like this is what really solidified her status as a premier vocal powerhouse on a global stage. She pours everything into a song that’s both insanely demanding and deeply emotional, and even Aretha Franklin was spotted getting completely lost in the music. When Cynthia found out about that later, she said, “Ok, my life is made.” And, of course, she closed it out with a finale that absolutely blew us away.

#14: “I (Who Have Nothing)”

“Cynthia Erivo: Legendary Voices at the Proms” (2022)

If singing were an Olympic sport, Cynthia Erivo would absolutely take gold for this performance. She gives us everything, from quiet, intimate moments to soaring belts and those unbelievable melismas. It's the kind of showcase that makes you wish you were in the room hearing it live. She completely reimagines the Shirley Bassey classic while still showing real respect to the icon behind it. This felt like more than just a tribute to a woman who shaped her musically; it was Cynthia carving out her own space right alongside her. One thing’s for sure, you can’t watch her without getting totally lost in whatever story she tells onstage.

#13: “Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)”

“Jesus Christ Superstar” (2025)

Since we’re already subverting 50 years of tradition (and, technically, history), why not take it a step further? After all, this marathon of a song is in good hands. This version changes the key and replaces the piercing falsettos with strong soprano belts. That doesn’t make it easier by any means. If anything, her grounded, powerful chest-mix is a display of vocal strength few singers could pull off. She knows exactly when to pull back, when to keep the audience simmering, and when to go off. Reportedly, the audience broke into a standing ovation lasting over two minutes. If we’d been there, we’d have been on our feet too.

#12: “No Good Deed”

“Wicked: For Good” (2025)

We could probably make this entire list about “Wicked,” but today we’re highlighting her phenomenal performance of “No Good Deed” from “Wicked: For Good,” mainly because we’re in complete awe that she sang the Shiz out of it live. If you thought “Defying Gravity” was impressive, this was the moment she was like, “Hold my broom.” She uses raspy growls and sharp, jagged tones that make you feel her real pain. Instead of starting angry, she begins terrified and desperate, letting her emotions guide every note. It’s no wonder audience members in theaters everywhere were applauding like they were watching her live. She basically made it impossible not to.

#11: “Edelweiss”

“48th AFI Life Achievement Award” (2022)

Before Cynthia sang a note, Julie Andrews revealed this was one of her favorite songs from “The Sound of Music,” no pressure or anything. But if anyone could rise to that and even elevate it, it would be Cynthia Erivo. She sings with crystal clarity and a beautiful lightness, perfectly balanced with deeper, soulful tones. Once again, she finds that sweet spot between honoring the original and putting her own stamp on it, with subtle improvisations and runs that still respect the simplicity of the melody. And of course, she makes you believe every single word she’s singing. Honestly, we could listen to her sing this forever.

#10: “I Can’t Sing!”

“Royal Variety Performance” (2013)

In 2014, British comedian Harry Hill’s “The X Factor”-inspired musical “I Can’t Sing!” premiered in the West End. It starred Cynthia Erivo as Chenice, a woman with the perfect backstory for a talent contest but no confidence in her talents. It’s almost laughable that Erivo would play someone who can’t sing—because she certainly can! In fact, she has, to borrow from her companion, “the voice of an angel.” She not only stuns with her incredible range but doesn’t miss a comedic beat, either. The show may have closed after just six weeks, but it introduced the world to a rising star. No wonder the other contestants didn’t want Chenice to audition!

#9: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”

“Live from Lincoln Center: Cynthia Erivo in Concert” (2019)

Whitney Houston’s songs are notoriously tough to tackle, but Erivo effortlessly makes “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” her own. She doesn’t go too hard or too soft, and most importantly, she doesn’t simply try and replicate Houston’s sound. Every note shows off her incredible talent, and you can tell she and her band are having a blast from start to finish. What makes this number truly special is how she captures the essence of this iconic bop while making it feel brand new, like we’re hearing it for the first time. It’s a fresh, joyful take that celebrates both the original and Erivo’s unique artistry.

#8: “Somewhere” with the National Symphony Orchestra

“Cynthia Erivo & Friends: A New Year's Eve Celebration” (2023)

The thing about “Somewhere” from “West Side Story” is that you can sing it pitch perfectly, but if you don’t pour your heart into it, the meaning gets lost. Thankfully, Cynthia Erivo doesn’t have that problem. She sings from deep within, connecting to the lyrics in a way that feels incredibly personal. Her voice fills the room like sunshine, with such outstanding control and tone that it’s like she’s pulling us into her emotional space. Of course, it goes without saying that the technical side is just phenomenal, too. Listening to her gives us hope that maybe, “Somewhere,” someday, every word she sings will come true.

#7: “Imagine”

“28th Annual Glaad Media Awards” (2017)

From the moment that first note leaves her mouth, we already have chills. Erivo sang “Imagine” at the GLAAD Media Awards to honor the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. She starts softly, letting her voice fill the room and wrap around everyone listening. You can feel her belief in every word as if she’s holding everyone affected by this tragedy and countless others in her heart. As the song progresses, she builds power, almost as if she’s trying to make her message heard by as many people as possible. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the emotion, especially as photos of those who lost their lives appear with her final note.

#6: “When You Believe”

“National Memorial Day Concert” (2024)

As we’ve seen, Erivo wears her heart on her sleeve when she sings, and we have no doubt she touched many people at the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. Her renditions of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Requiem for a Soldier” could bring tears to anyone’s eyes. However, the goosebumps we got from her take on “When You Believe” are something else! She pays homage to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, yet it’s clear this is her interpretation of the song’s emotion. Her crystal-clear tone, extraordinary range, and pure beauty elevate the number to new heights. Paired with images of strength and resilience, her performance can uplift listeners and fill them with hope.

#5: “Ain't No Way”

“Cynthia Erivo: Legendary Voices at the Proms” (2022)

Aretha Franklin is another of those powerhouse vocalists many artists might cower away from, but not Erivo. Her take on “Ain’t No Way” is nothing short of breathtaking. From the first note, her voice is so emotive that it grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. She infuses the song with such deep emotion, giving a nod to the original while totally making it her own. You can feel every ounce of passion and nuance in her delivery, spotlighting her incredible vocals. Also, her chemistry with her backing singers just makes the whole performance soar even higher. She also wowed everyone with her magnetic stage presence as she covered Etta James’ “At Last.”

#4: “Nothing Compares 2 U”

“Next at the Kennedy Center” (2022-)

We could rave about Erivo’s flawless technique all day! However, what really makes her special is how she takes a classic like “Nothing Compares 2 U” and breathes so much new life into it that it’s almost like we’re hearing a brand new song. Her powerful voice is full of emotion and little details that just grab you. Plus, she captures the haunting melody and deep lyrics with an authenticity that few can. She brought that same magic to her cover of “Killing Me Softly” that night with Joaquina Kalukango, too. It left us in awe. Erivo has this incredible gift for transforming beloved songs into something truly extraordinary!

#3: “Alfie”

“46th Kennedy Center Honors” (2023)

You know when people describe someone’s voice as their instrument? This is what they mean. Erivo’s voice is a finely tuned instrument that can hit breathtaking notes and convey intense emotions. Her rich timbre adds so much depth and complexity to every performance. She flows effortlessly from delicate whispers to powerful crescendos. So, it’s no surprise she took on another legendary diva, Dionne Warwick. You can see Warwick light up just seeing Erivo on that stage—no pressure, right? Erivo pulls off vocal feats in this song that even some other well-trained singers might find challenging. Honestly, the Kennedy Center should’ve given out a second honor just for this performance!

#2: “Stand Up”

“Harriet” (2019)

Erivo co-wrote and recorded “Stand Up” for the 2019 biopic “Harriet,” where she also played the title role. This soulful song speaks to standing strong in tough times, and few can deliver that message quite like Erivo! It was nominated for a Grammy, Golden Globe, Oscar, NAACP Image Award, and more. In the music video, it’s just her and that phenomenal voice we can’t stop gushing about. But honestly, adding anything else would distract from the raw emotion that flows from her. The song’s ending lyrics pay tribute to Harriet Tubman’s final words, and it’s truly moving to see Erivo carry her message forward with such passion.

#1: “I'm Here”

“70th Tony Awards” (2016)

If you caught Cynthia Erivo as Celie in the 2013 London production or the 2015 Broadway revival of “The Color Purple,” then you know just how mind-blowing her performances are! Those who missed it still got a taste of her magic when she sang songs from the show at events like the Makers Conference and “Good Morning America.” However, the performance that lives rent-free in our heads is her jaw-dropping rendition of “I’m Here” at the 70th Tony Awards! It’s just her and a captive audience—she starts off quietly, creating this amazing tension, and then bursts into a powerful crescendo that fills the Beacon Theatre! Seriously, our jaws are still on the floor!

Which Cynthia Erivo performance defied your expectations? Let us know in the comments