Cynthia Erivo: On the Brink of EGOT Glory with 'Wicked' – Will the Numbers Add Up?
(Natalia Agatte / For The Times)
By Carla Meyer
December 3, 2025
Could a lead Oscar nomination for Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of the complex Elphaba in 'Wicked: For Good' propel her towards EGOT status and solidify her reputation as a top-tier entertainer? Let's dive into the fascinating numbers!
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A nomination would mark Erivo's third acting nod, following her previous recognition for 'Wicked' and the 2019 Harriet Tubman biopic, 'Harriet.' She also received a nomination for co-writing the original song 'Stand Up' for 'Harriet.' This demonstrates her multifaceted talent, spanning both acting and music.
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Erivo already boasts a Daytime Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony Award, all stemming from the 2015 Broadway revival of 'The Color Purple.' Fun fact: Ben Platt, who has occasionally performed duets with Erivo, achieved the same EGOT milestones with 'Dear Evan Hansen.'
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For eight years, Erivo has been tantalizingly close to achieving EGOT status. The anticipation is building, and fans are eager to see if she can complete this impressive feat.
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Erivo secured her Daytime Emmy in 2017 for a musical performance on the 'Today' show. This victory highlights the importance of Daytime Emmys in the EGOT journey.
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Yes, Daytime Emmys absolutely count! Notable EGOT winners like Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Hudson, and Alan Menken all earned their 'E' through daytime programming.
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A Primetime Emmy win seems almost inevitable for Erivo. She received nominations this year for her guest actress role as quintuplets on 'Poker Face' and in 2021 for her leading role as Aretha Franklin in 'Genius: Aretha.'
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The number of tracks on Erivo's critically acclaimed second solo album, 'I Forgive You,' released in 2025. This showcases her prowess as a singer-songwriter, adding another dimension to her artistry.
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Erivo garnered praise for two high-profile ventures: hosting the Tony Awards and playing the title role in the Hollywood Bowl staging of 'Jesus Christ Superstar.'
But here's where it gets controversial... Perhaps the major awards bodies should consider creating a hybrid 'Entertainer of the Year' award to recognize Erivo's exceptional achievements across multiple disciplines.
What do you think? Does Cynthia Erivo deserve an EGOT? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with the idea of a hybrid award? Let's discuss!
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