Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

As a fashion enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours analyzing red carpet looks, I must say that Cynthia Erivo‘s style evolution during the promotion of “Wicked” is nothing short of enchanting! It seems as if she has perfectly embodied her characters, Elphaba and Evanora, by donning outfits that truly speak to their personalities.


Cynthia Erivo was all ears when it came to ways she could commit to her role in Wicked.

In the movie version of the Broadway show, the Tony Award-winning actress, who plays Elphaba alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch, was required to modify her distinctive look temporarily due to the demands of the film’s musical style.

In a November 7th backstage video posted to the film’s official Instagram, Cynthia explained to her mom, “Since I have piercings in both ears, rather than removing all the jewelry, we applied a prosthetic over them to conceal my real ears. So, the prosthetic ear is actually covering my real one.

And Cynthia was quick to calm her mom’s worries, saying, “It won’t hurt me when I take it off.”

Apart from the false ears, Cynthia, who acts alongside Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater, made another transformation to embody Elphaba. At 37 years old, she donned a full-body green paint job as well.

She shared with Empire magazine in an interview published on November 7 that the outfit was incredibly comfortable. Depending on our schedule for the day, makeup preparation could range from two and a half to four and a half hours. Yet, it felt like a second skin, and I never found it irritating.

She explained further, “I put a great deal of thought into selecting the perfect shade, one that would blend harmoniously with my skin tone, as well as considering the care needed for my skin while wearing the makeup.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

Moreover, comfort wasn’t the only factor that mattered to Cynthia. The green complexion, integral to Elphaba’s storyline in “Wicked,” was also crucial for helping her immerse herself in the character.

She disclosed that there was an opportunity for Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). When asked about the choice between CGI and practical makeup, she immediately preferred the latter, as she desired to have green hands during the process and see her reflection with a green face in the mirror.

But Cynthia also noted that the benefit wasn’t just for herself. 

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

She mentioned that she was curious to observe others’ responses when they saw her as a person with green coloring, rather than just herself. This helped her understand how to present herself better.

Keep reading to see more of Cynthia and Ariana’s Wicked-ly good fashion.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that at the 2024 Oscars in March, none other than Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande hinted at the exciting prospects of the upcoming first installment of “Wicked,” set to hit theaters on November 22.

Erivo, the actress portraying the green-tinged villain Elphaba, appeared prepared for both glamour on the red carpet and combat, donning a leather Louis Vuitton piece adorned with reptilian frills along the spine. Meanwhile, Grande, who plays the benevolent witch Glinda, exuded classic Hollywood elegance in a soft-pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture column dress, which seemed to enchantingly incorporate elements such as a peplum, a cape, a bustle, and a train all in one.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

At CinemaCon in April, the “Wicked” train pulled up with Grande on board, dressed in a white and pink Oscar de la Renta minidress reminiscent of a blossoming flower. Erivo, meanwhile, donned a green and silver Versace outfit, complete with striking thigh-high satin boots.

Not the colors of dear old Shiz, but she has an open invitation to play Quidditch for Slytherin.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

2024 Paris Olympics saw Team “Wicked” being awarded the title of ‘Best Dressed’, with its members seen attending various events throughout the Games.

Initially, the Games commenced at the Opening Ceremony on July 26th, with Erivo donning a strapless green Louis Vuitton gown featuring an extraordinary silhouette, and Grande gracefully wearing a powder-pink drop-waist Thom Browne dress that would undoubtedly have earned approval from Audrey Hepburn.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

At the 2024 Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 4th Annual Gala held on October 19, Cynthia Erivo, who had also sung “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during the event, was stunningly beautiful in a radiant emerald dress designed by Naeem Khan, exuding an air of mischievous elegance.

Another popular choice: Grande’s leather-trimmed polka dot ball gown courtesy of Balmain.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

At a screening of Wicked on October 28, held at the DGA Theater in New York, Cynthia Erivo paired her T-shirt and cropped jeans with eye-catching bright green heels and an intricately patterned Louis Vuitton coat as part of her stylish ensemble.

Grandé appeared prepared for her debut at Witch University, dressed elegantly in a cream-colored button-up vest and coordinating skirt from Atelier Versace.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

It’s uncertain whether Ariana Grande arrived at the 2024 WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards enclosed in a magical bubble, yet her exquisitely embroidered white gown by Vivienne Westwood seemed fitting for such an extraordinary trip.

Similarly, Erivo’s Erdem gown, a blend of gray pinstripes and adorned green silk, had an enchanting mix of The Land of Oz and Wall Street aesthetics.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

At the November 3 Australian debut of “Wicked”, Grande appeared in all her Glinda-like glory, wearing a stunning pink ball gown by Vivienne Westwood.

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

At the premiere, Elphaba’s sinister future was hinted at by Erivo, who wore a sleek, strapless black dress from Louis Vuitton. She adorned herself with an imposing lion-head choker and showcased another eye-catching green nail art.

The British actress expressed her affection for this particular ensemble to Vogue Australia, stating that it echoes her personality. She likened it to feathery wings and the sensation of overcoming gravitational forces. (Or in simpler terms, she adores the outfit as it reflects her character and makes her feel like she can fly.)

Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked

At the November 5 Wicked photocall in Australia, Cynthia Erivo enchanted again, donning an emerald and black Marc Jacobs blouse alongside a black embroidered skirt.

Lastly, she divided the spectator’s gaze between her delicate headpiece and the impressive Mary Jane shoes with multiple straps, each boosting her 5-foot-1 height by about 6 inches.

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2024-11-12 06:48