Cynthia Erivo, the star of Wicked [pictured/Universal] was recognised as the 2024 Out100 Icon of the Year at a prestigious event hosted by Out Magazine on Wednesday evening, at NeueHouse Hollywood. The British actress and singer, known for her compelling performances and powerful voice, received the honour amid celebrations from fellow artists and peers in the LGBT community.
Erivo, who has kept her personal life largely private despite publicly coming out as bisexual in 2022, has reportedly been in a relationship with The Chi creator Lena Waithe for the past two years. Although the couple chose not to pose together at the event, Waithe was present in the audience, sharing moments through her Instagram stories as Erivo celebrated her accomplishment.
Dressed in a striking black and white dotted Moschino gown, Erivo captivated attendees not only with her fashion choices, complemented by green patent leather Louboutin boots, but also with her heartfelt acceptance speech. The actress was awarded the Icon of the Year trophy by actress Reneé Rapp, who opened by sharing how Erivo’s performance in The Color Purple inspired her own artistic career. “When I was 17, I had an ex-boyfriend… and we used to get super high in his college dorm room and watch videos of Cynthia singing in ‘The Last Five Years,'” Rapp recalled, emphasising the impact Erivo has had on her.
In her acceptance speech, Erivo paid tribute to iconic queer figures such as Marsha P. Johnson, Reverend Pauli Murray, and singer George Michael, expressing her gratitude for the historical figures who paved the way for today’s artists. She articulated the importance of representation in her role as Elphaba in Wicked, stating, “As a queer black woman, she’s allowing people who’ve never seen themselves in Elphaba to identify with her more deeply. And that’s critical for visibility for those who need it.”
Erivo’s speech reflected her commitment to using her platform to advocate for others, paralleling her character’s journey in Wicked. “Elphaba had discovered these new powers, and instead of using them for herself, she chose to use them for others, even though it meant she had to do it alone,” she noted, illustrating the depth of her character’s struggles and triumphs.
The evening was further highlighted by the presence of various artists and creators who celebrated their allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. Alongside Erivo, actress Marissa Bode, who is starring as Nessarose in the upcoming Wicked film, also attended the event, showcasing her own fashionable ensemble.
Erivo’s achievements continue to extend beyond the stage, as she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) for her celebrated performance in Wicked, where she faces a competitive field in the upcoming awards.
As she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, Erivo is also set to executive produce and star in the adaptation of Prime Facie, slated for release next year, as well as lend her voice to the animated series Robogobo. The accolades and opportunities reflect her trajectory towards becoming an icon in her own right, carrying forward the legacies of those who have inspired her along the way.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Cynthia-Erivo-Named-Out-Magazines-2024-Icon-of-the-Year-Featured-on-Out100-Cover-20241017 – Corroborates Cynthia Erivo being named Out Magazine’s 2024 ‘Icon of the Year’ and her feature on the Out100 cover.
- https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a63045991/cynthia-erivo-dating-history-explained/ – Supports the information about Cynthia Erivo’s relationship with Lena Waithe and her private personal life.
- https://www.out.com/out100/2024/artists/cynthia-erivo – Provides details about Cynthia Erivo being Out’s Icon of the Year, her role in ‘Wicked,’ and her impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
- https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Cynthia-Erivo-Named-Out-Magazines-2024-Icon-of-the-Year-Featured-on-Out100-Cover-20241017 – Details Cynthia Erivo’s career, including her roles in ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Wicked,’ and her awards.
- https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a63045991/cynthia-erivo-dating-history-explained/ – Mentions Lena Waithe’s presence at the ‘Wicked’ premiere and her relationship with Cynthia Erivo.
- https://www.out.com/out100/2024/artists/cynthia-erivo – Highlights Cynthia Erivo’s commitment to using her platform to advocate for others and her role as Elphaba in ‘Wicked’.
- https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Cynthia-Erivo-Named-Out-Magazines-2024-Icon-of-the-Year-Featured-on-Out100-Cover-20241017 – Provides information about the ‘Wicked’ film adaptation, including the cast and release dates.
- https://www.out.com/out100/2024/artists/cynthia-erivo – Corroborates Cynthia Erivo’s impact on young Black girls through her role as Elphaba and her advocacy for queer identity.
- https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a63045991/cynthia-erivo-dating-history-explained/ – Details Cynthia Erivo’s public statement about her queer identity and relationships.
- https://www.out.com/out100/2024/artists/cynthia-erivo – Mentions Cynthia Erivo’s upcoming projects, including the adaptation of ‘Prime Facie’ and the animated series ‘Robogobo’.
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14184811/cynthia-erivo-moschino-gown-out100-event-girlfriend-lena-waithe.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
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