Idina Menzel, renowned for her powerful performance of “Defying Gravity” in the original production of Wicked, shocked fans with a second, less favorable version. While her Broadway rendition remains beloved, her alternative cover has been widely criticized as the worst ever.
Collaboration Gone Wrong
Menzel teamed up with music legend Glen Ballard, known for hits like Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” to create a pop-infused version of “Defying Gravity.” Aiming to transition into top 40 music, they produced a track that many describe as disposable soft rock, stripping the song of its theatrical essence and leaving fans disappointed.
Missed Potential and Fan Backlash
Despite numerous covers by Broadway stars and artists like Cynthia Erivo, Menzel’s pop version failed to resonate. Critics argue that abandoning her musical theater strengths for a generic pop sound diluted one of Broadway’s iconic anthems. Fans prefer Menzel’s original style, evident in her successful roles in Glee, Enchanted, and Frozen.
What Went Wrong?
In a 2008 interview, Menzel expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Ballard, aiming to stay true to herself. However, the execution fell short, leaving many to wonder if the attempt to reinvent “Defying Gravity” was a misstep. Ultimately, this rendition remains a cautionary tale of straying from one’s strengths.