Since breaking into A-List stardom with “Wicked,” Cynthia Erivo has become a figurehead for some members of the LGBT+ community. But her involvement in the gay rights cause clearly goes much deeper, as we’ve uncovered a 2017 performance from the 28th GLAAD Media Awards, in which Cynthia honors the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting with a spellbinding rendition of John Lennon’s ever-relevant hit, “Imagine.”
This jaw-dropping live performance is certainly one for the history books, amassing more than 769,000 YouTube views to date while keeping fans bewitched with its timeless, heart-stopping sentiments. Music Man readers can watch the emotional performance unfold in the viral video below…
Now, “Imagine” has been used to soundtrack both tragedies and moments of hope, practically since its 1971 release. But its peace-aspiring lyrics have never felt as needed as on this occasion. Delivering the first verse completely a cappella, Cynthia’s vocals serve a stellar mix of vulnerability and strength as she pays tribute to the souls lost to the tragic massacre, still fresh in the minds of her LGBT audience.
Soon, a single cello lines Cynthia’s velvet vocals, a grand pianist joining her second verse to resurrect the ballad’s original tones. But, rather than performing a straight cover, Cynthia weaves her own twists into the chart-topper, reinventing melodies with soulful, R&B twists that instantly place her amongst the greats of her genre. It’s brave, bold, and beautiful, delivered with astounding sensitivity and respect to her American audience.
Haven’t heard of the GLAAD Media Awards before? This annual show, presented by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, recognizes and celebrates “those in the media who have shown exemplary achievements for the fair, accurate and inclusive representations of [people and issues in] the LGBTQ community,” according to the non-profit organization’s official website. Launched in 1990, GLAAD will be celebrating its 37th show this year, with categories including film, television, gaming, music, theatre, books, podcasting, journalism, Spanish-language media and more.
Cynthia’s 2017 performance is spot-on to GLAAD’s mission, creating a cultural moment which actively remembers the victims of the despicable, LGBT-targeted massacre, reminding each and every viewer of the tragedy the community has been subjected to, and the unflinching strength of its members.
Fans simply can’t get over Cynthia’s impact on the award show, and on this song, with one viewer highlighting, “She is everything: she has the sweetest tone, she can belt (obviously), she has control, she interprets songs beautifully and she sweeps you away with her emotion.” Another top commenter backed up her influence, writing, “No, you’re ‘not the only one,’ beautiful Cynthia. We stand with you and remember our sisters and brothers lost in Orlando that evening. Thank you for your remarkable light.”
Cynthia Erivo’s moving GLAAD performance of “Imagine” reaffirms her commitment to LGBT+ causes and showcases her extraordinary talent. If you’d like to explore the performance and learn more about her advocacy, check the useful links below.