The dynamic vocalist who is up for a best actress Oscar for playing Elphaba in the movie version of "Wicked" discusses what she brought to the role of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Cynthia Erivo is already going to the Oscars as a best actress nominee for “ Wicked ,” but some have expected the star to have a bigger spotlight during the ceremony. As reported by Puck, the Academy is looking to open the telecast with a medley of “Wicked” songs performed by Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande.

Look: We get why people would like to see Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande perform “Defying Gravity” at the Oscars: 22 years after its debut, Stephen Schwartz’s anthem remains a genuine showstopper, the one bit of Jon M.