Understudy Joined: 7/30/05
When I saw saycon for the first time she tore the house down...People in the baclony stood up before the end of the song, although I'm not sure about the orchastra seats. She didn't have to resort to pop/rock riffs and ornamants to make the song interesting, her voice did that for her with its depth and tone and what she did do was so subtle and appropriate they felt like spur of the moment imporves, which I wouldn't be surprised if they were. She was the first girl I've heard who went into the frist "down" at the end without ugly pushing and grossness. Her voice was literally like sex...she was just so...black. Smooth voice, with a mo town type edge to it, and just the right amount of rawness...in my opinion this song is written for a black woman to belt, as is the rest of Elphie's part. But thats another story.
Saycon though, is absoloulty amazing.
i totally agree with you...jesus, lol
Swing Joined: 1/16/06
Best: There is a video floating around online of Shoshana Bean, live... date I forget. From that I would hands down give it to her. It sounds soooooooo good it's almost as if it's been worked over.
Worst: I have heard a number of live recordings of Idina and I have yet to hear a good one of her... it sounds like it's just out of her range and she has to scream anything high and doesn't really hold any of it out...
Eden...Stephanie comes in a close second.
I second Raul. Tehe
i loved stephanie live. she was so pure and powerful. and her the wizard and i was amazing.
Understudy Joined: 12/13/05
I really think shoshana bean does an amazing job at it. She is the only elphaba I've ever seen but when she sings that song, I swear I get goosebumps
Best - Sho. I prefer her singing it earlier in her run when she used a mix more than pop belting. But since I've warmed up to her pop belting and riffing and am in awe by her.
Worst - Idina. I just don't think it's in her range. Idina can belt, just not those notes. I love Idina....but no.
Definitely Raul.
there are a lot of illigial bootlegs around, and i have to say that I find my self watching Idina's the least, I just dont like what she has been doing with the song, although steph. j. is wird in the way she sings, it is a tie between her and shoshana
Broadway Star Joined: 10/22/05
IMO Shoshanna is the best, but I have not yet seen Eden, and the worst is definately Saycon Sengbloh, she's awful. Idina was good on stage I guess but completely destroyed herself at the tony's.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/8/04
When I saw Idina in Wicked she brought down the house with Defying Gravity. I guess I caught her on a good night.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Best- Idina when I saw her and OBC/Shoshana
Worst- Stephanie
That clip of Raul was AMAZING.
AWW i remember this old post of mine. Lol. I still think that Idina sang it the best, but i'd have to say, i luvv the way shoshana sang it. It was way different from Idina's style, and i really liked it. I luv all her subtle little Riffs and stuff. The "kiss me goodbye" one is my favorite.
Stand-by Joined: 11/30/05
I think I've become obsessed with that Raul clip. Is there anywhere I can listen to it in its entirety?
Featured Actor Joined: 3/31/05
I agree with everyone who said Raul.
My vote also goes to Mr. Esparza.
I'm obsessed with the way Kristy Cates sings "Western Sky"
So random I know, but I love it!
Featured Actor Joined: 12/31/69
apdarcey-- who's bso?
I'd have to say Idina though. She's the original and amazing. Well except the whole breathiness thing that sometimes occurs.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/15/05
IMHO...
Best: Stephanie J. Block
Worst: Shoshanna Bean
Best: Shoshana Bean
Worst: tie between Idina Menzel (later in the run) and Stephanie J. Block
Best: Eden
WOrst: Beany Poo.
best by far: ana gasteyer
worst: stephanie j block*, idina near the end of the run
*just because i can't stand the way she goes "no wiz-ard that there is..OR WAS" the rest is.. unique but not terrible
Best: Idina Menzel.
Second Best: Saycon & Eden.
Worst: Shoshana & Stephanie.
Chorus Member Joined: 1/9/05
i have seen the show 11 times...Many different elphies...
Best - Idina
No real worst - - they were all different. Soshana's was very controlled (but I saw her early in her run and on Idina's last day when she couldn't come out except the end). Eden yells a bit too much. Steph's more sweet.
Still - - I did like Idina the best although I agree toward the end of her run her voice was very tired.
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