When Cynthia Erivo steps into a role, she doesn’t just intend to perform – she transforms. The London-born singer and actress cut a powerhouse presence in “Harriet”, and her Tony-winning turn in “The Color Purple” was imbued with a rare kind of depth. As Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s award-winning cinematic adaptation of “Wicked”, Erivo wields not only the witch’s iconic green skin but an unexpected yet deeply resonant detail: her nails.
For Erivo, nails are more than decoration—they’re a narrative. “I’ve loved nails since I was 16,” she recalls. “They’ve become an extension of who I am, a way to tell my story with each look.” It’s a sentiment that makes her partnership with OPI as their Global Brand Ambassador feel less like a collaboration and more like a destiny fulfilled. OPI’s “Wicked”-inspired collection, available to purchase at Sephora, features hues that mirror Elphaba’s journey, from the shimmering green-gold “Ozitively Elphaba” to the darker hued “Witch O’Clock.”
“Nail art is so expressive,” Erivo says. “With colour, length, or embellishment, you can reveal who you are. It’s a small but powerful way to catch someone’s eye, to say something without words.”
Erivo’s approach to nails isn’t just cosmetic; it’s cultural. Her vision for Elphaba included microbraids and a full set of striking nails, a deliberate nod to her heritage and to the legacy of Margaret Hamilton, the original Wicked Witch. “There’s a famous photo of Margaret standing in shadow, arms outstretched, her nails long and sharp. It felt like a way to honour the original while bringing in a piece of my own story.”
Throughout “Wicked’s” near-three hour run-time, Elphaba’s nails evolve with her character. They begin as a natural green extension of her skin and grow longer and more intricate as she steps into her power. “They became a storytelling device,” Erivo says. “They’re a visual metaphor for her humanity, her magic, and her self-discovery.”
Erivo’s Elphaba is more than a misunderstood witch; she’s a mirror reflecting our own vulnerabilities and triumphs. “I see so much of myself in her,” Erivo says. “Her stubbornness, her resilience, her ability to fight for what she believes in—those are things I carry with me.”
The role has left an indelible mark on Erivo. “Bringing Elphaba to life demanded everything -singing, stunts, choreography – all at once. It’s pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect,” she says. “But it’s also reminded me why I do this: to tell stories that resonate, to connect with people who feel unseen.”
Of course, every Elphaba needs her Glinda, and Erivo’s cinematic foil-turned-best friend is played by the famously famous Ariana Grande. Their bond, both on and off screen, became a touchstone for exploring the complexities of platonic love. “Ari and I developed a sisterhood,” Erivo says. “Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship celebrates love in its truest, most selfless form—accepting each other’s differences and growing because of them.”
