Cynthia Erivo at the Hollywood Bowl: Covering Barbra & Whitney; Introducing Co-Star Kylie Minogue and Never Standing Still (7 Best Moments)
Erivo told the audience that just four days before the show, she had a chest infection and no voice. The star was in strong voice on show night.
Cynthia Erivo made her second headlining appearance at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl on Thursday, October 15, showcasing her vocal prowess and stage presence. She began the show with strong renditions of "Don't Rain on My Parade," a beloved song from the 1969 musical Funny Girl, and "I Have Nothing," a powerful ballad from The Bodyguard.
While Erivo may not have matched the iconic performances of Barbra Streisand or Whitney Houston, her rendition of these songs conveyed her intent to be in the same league as these legendary singers.
Dressed in an ensemble that exuded warmth and approachability, Erivo interacted with the audience as she moved throughout the catwalk and ventured into the crowd, more so than most performers, even those like Bruce Springsteen. Her enthusiasm for singing was evident in her improvised vocal riffing during several songs. Although this technique was initially impressive, it eventually became somewhat monotonous.
A standout moment of the evening was when Erivo candidly told the audience about a chest infection she had just four days prior, which prevented her from singing during the rehearsal. Despite her vocal challenges, Erivo managed to deliver a strong performance on show night. She sang several songs with minimal backing, mimicking the technique of Dionne Warwick, who often pulls the microphone away from her mouth to emphasize her voice's strength.
Erivo's performance raised questions about her lack of recording success. Despite being a Grammy and Tony-winning actress, singer, and having three Oscar nods, she has yet to achieve a top 40 ranking on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Her second studio album, I Forgive You, released in 2025, only reached No. 165 on the Billboard 200.
Considering her acting and singing accolades, it begs the question of when Erivo's recording career will catch up with her evident talent and fame. The show featured the Hollywood Studio Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther and musical director Mark Meadows.
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