Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Sabrina Carpenter Surprises Herself By Masterfully Hitting 'Defying Gravity' Riff In Hilarious TikTok

Sabrina Carpenter singing; Carpenter looking shocked
palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

The singer made a surprise appearance in a video on TikTok featuring several people attempting Cynthia Erivo's battle cry at the end of the song "Defying Gravity"—and she appeared to shock even herself by totally nailing it.

Sabrina Carpenter was up for a TikTok challenge where participants try wailing the famous battle cry riff at the end of the epic Wicked song, "Defying Gravity," but with her own twist.

Her look at the end says it all.


The "Espresso" singer's friend, TikToker @palomaidaliasandoval, posted a video featuring several people demonstrating their vocal chops by channeling their inner Elphaba–a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West character played by Cynthia Erivo in the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked currently in theaters.

The overlaying text of the clip read, "Wicked tryouts," and featured a number of people by the poolside at a residence at nighttime and giving it their all.

Among the impromptu belters was Carpenter, who went for the high notes with conviction and immediately gave a "Did I just do that?" expression.

We know who the winner was, hands down, but kudos to her fellow auditioners for abandoning inhibitions to tackle the intimidating feat.

Carpenter has an unfair advantage over her poolside peers, obvi. At 25, she is a pro singer who's performed to stadium crowds and even performed a leading role on Broadway in the musical stage adaptation of Mean Girls.

But the fact that she surprised herself here demonstrates how difficult the climactic ending to "Defying Gravity" is to sing.

Fans couldn't help but notice the same, and they loved her humble reaction.

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok


@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

It took others a hot minute to even recognize the celebrity cameo.

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

@palomaidaliasandoval/TikTok

"Defying Gravity" closes Act 1 in the stage version and wraps up the first of the two-part film adaptation.

Composed by Stephen Schwartz, the song was originally sung by Idina Menzel, who originated Elphaba on Broadway in 2003 and won a Tony Award for her performance, and has been reinterpreted numerous times on stage and TV.

Menzel's original co-star Kristin Chenoweth, who played Galinda, also sings parts of the mostly solo number.

Thanks to the new Wicked film starring Erivo and Ariana Grande, the 21-year-old song has found new life with fans "holding space" with the song's empowering lyrics.

"Defying Gravity" is sung after the Wizard of Oz reveals himself to be a scheming ruler with no magical powers and attempts to exploit Elphaba's gifts as his own to continue manipulating the people of Oz.

As she begins her transformation into the Wicked Witch, Elphaba embraces her powers and she vows to fight the Wizard. The wailing riff at the end is emblematic of her going into battle.

The vocal range required to sing the song effectively is a challenge for even the most seasoned singers but remains a coveted role opportunity.

And now it appears that Carpenter, who was nominated for five Grammys, realized that nothing can bring her down.

More from Entertainment/celebrities

Screenshot of Ben Ferguson and Abby Philip
CNN

Right-Wing Podcaster Blasted After Making Absurd Claim About Trump And Crime Rates In 2024

Conservative podcaster Ben Ferguson left hs fellow CNN panelists stunned after he made the bizarre claim that falling crime rates in 2024 were due to President Donald Trump's policies—even though Trump didn't begin his second term until January 2025.

Ferguson spoke after Trump—who presented fake crime statistics—announced his decision to federalize police in Washington, D.C., and deploy the National Guard in an effort to fight crime.

Keep ReadingShow less
A bride and a groom holding hands
man and woman holding hands focus photo

People Who Attended Multiple Weddings For The Same Person Describe The Differences

Weddings are a wonderful celebration of love and commitment.

That being said, all of us have likely been to a wedding where we have wondered "how long do you think it's going to last".

Keep ReadingShow less
Kristi Noem
Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images

'South Park' Hits Back At Kristi Noem's Gripe About Show With Hilarious Profile Photo Change

South Park began its 27th season doing what they do best: skewering public figures that take themselves too seriously. The season premiere focused on MAGA Republican President Donald Trump and his alleged micropenis to the delight of old and new fans.

For the second episode, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone turned their focus to infamous puppy (and goat) killer Kristi Noem, South Dakota's former Republican Governor that Trump tapped to head up the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Keep ReadingShow less
Emma Thompson; Donald Trump
Alessandro Levati/Getty Images; Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Trump Asked Out Emma Thompson

Back in the ‘90s, two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson had the Sense and Sensibility to decline a dinner invitation from then-Jeffrey Epstein bestie and tabloid real estate mogul Donald Trump.

At least, that’s how Thompson recounted the awkward phone call during the Locarno International Film Festival, which took place from August 6–16 in Switzerland.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots from the Vikings' TikTok video
@vikings/TikTok

Conservatives Are Melting Down After Minnesota Vikings Add Male Cheerleaders To Roster

Well, now MAGA conservatives are sure they've seen it all, and they're not happy about it.

Beloved NFL team the Vikings have signed two male cheerleaders to their dancing squad for their 2025 American Football season: Louie Conn and Blaize Shiek.

Keep ReadingShow less