Michelle Yeoh reveals she didn’t want to sing in ‘Wicked: For Good’

Michelle Yeoh admits she was terrified to sing live in ‘Wicked: For Good’ but found confidence with co-stars’ support

Michelle Yeoh has revealed that she was initially hesitant to play Madame Morrible in Wicked: For Good because singing live terrified her. Speaking on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Yeoh explained that she had no prior relationship with the musical before director Jon M. Chu approached her for the role.

“I read the script and I said, ‘Jon, my love, it’s a musical and I don’t sing. Not properly or professionally or anything like that,’” Yeoh recalled. Despite her concerns, Chu encouraged her to take on the role, assuring her that she could handle it.

Yeoh admitted she still worried about performing alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. “When I had to sing, I must say, I was terrified. These two girls. Bloody hell! They sing live! Cut me some slack please,” she said. During one scene, Yeoh admitted that she was literally squeaking while starting her song ‘The Wizard and I.’ She credited Cynthia Erivo with giving her the confidence to sing live, recalling that Erivo took her by the arms and said, “I know you can do this, Michelle, I’ve heard you sing.”

In a separate interview with Variety, Yeoh reflected on her initial fears and the enjoyment she found once filming began. “I went in thinking this is going to be so scary, they’re going to recast me when they hear me. But I am having so much fun!” she said. Her experience highlights both the challenges and the support actors can receive when taking on demanding musical roles.

Wicked: For Good had considered numerous other actors for Madame Morrible, including Jennifer Lopez, Hannah Waddingham, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Imelda Staunton and Angela Bassett. Yeoh’s eventual casting demonstrates Chu’s commitment to assembling a cast capable of blending dramatic and musical talent.