Cynthia Erivo recalls the mortifying moment she forgot the words to the US national anthem while performing at a basketball game: ‘A split second felt like 20 years’
As an ardent admirer of Cynthia Erivo’s captivating talent and resilience, I find myself deeply moved by her humbling experience at the 2018 Nets v Lakers game. Her story is a testament to the human spirit, reminding us all that even the most accomplished individuals can stumble, just as we do in our everyday lives.
Cynthia Erivo recently shared a memory from the 2018 match between the Nets and Lakers in New York, where she momentarily drew a blank on the lyrics to the US national anthem while performing in front of thousands of spectators.
37-year-old actress is currently on a promotional spree for the musical Wicked, and recently participated in a fun game of “Never Have I Ever” with her fellow cast members Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey for British Vogue magazine.
In a different wording, when Jonathan Bridgerton actor, aged 36, inquired: “Have I ever failed to remember my lines during filming?”, Cynthia responded by sharing an experience: “Once upon a time, I regrettably agreed to sing the national anthem at a basketball match. Not a smart move.
Upon arriving, the dial-up connection flickered to life, and let me tell you, it took some time before I pressed on, eventually finding my bearings. In that fleeting moment that stretched on for what seemed like an eternity, I was momentarily at a loss, struggling to recall even the most basic of facts.
In the hit movie where she portrays Glinda, Ariana mentioned that there are two instances within the national anthem where it seems like she might be singing the same line thrice consecutively.
It brings to mind the scene from Zoolander where it repeatedly spins, and he says something like: “Regardless of how many relationships crumble or lives are lost in your pursuit, all for the sake of building a reputation…

‘But it’s the national anthem.’
The embarrassing incident unfolded as Cynthia tripped over her own words, coming to a halt before a speechless audience.
For about 24 seconds, Cynthia remained motionless on the court, listening attentively as someone from the staff secretly shared some words with her.
Ultimately, she began anew with the encouraging audience behind her. Following the contest, she admitted to feeling both anxious and fatigued.
She later tweeted: ‘Some people have quiet mess ups, some people mess in front of the world.
Just like any other person, I’m prone to mistakes. If you happened to watch tonight, please accept my apologies as I was feeling quite anxious and fatigued. I aim for excellence in all that I do, which means that no one is harder on me than myself when things don’t go as planned.
Supporters expressed their condolences online. One person commented: ‘To be fair, she spent most of her life in Britain before moving to America not long ago.’
Another added: ‘I feel terrible for her. Plenty of videos on YouTube of Americans screwing up the anthem themselves, so I hope she doesn’t feel too bad about it.’



In 2015, Cynthia took on the role of Celie in the Broadway reprise of The Color Purple. Additionally, she appeared in the crime film “Widows,” directed by Steve McQueen.
She was born to Nigerian parents in Stockwell, south London and dropped out of a music psychology degree at the University of East London to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
The actress plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
It’s said that Cynthia received a reported sum of $1 million, whereas Ariana, the supporting actress, earns more than ten times that amount.
It’s said that the popular music star is allegedly earning a $15 million salary for her role in the movie version of the musical, which smashed records during its opening weekend with box office figures typically seen on Broadway.
It’s said that Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, portraying Madame Morrible and the Wizard, are allegedly taking home $2 million apiece.
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2024-11-26 19:06