Awiting Wicked launches ‘Wicked’ fever

Filipinos love singing contests and here is one that will surely attract conteseras from all over the country in droves. This is Awiting Wicked, where they can give their best birit while singing, what else but Defying Gravity from the musical “Wicked.”

The contest is a promo bit for the upcoming release of the motion picture version of “Wicked” on Nov. 20. There are no prizes like a million bucks or a house and lot but in exchange for joining the contest, the 30 best singers will be part of a music video that will drop at the same time as the movie. Think of seeing and hearing yourself singing Defying Gravity on the big screen.

So, how to join. As per local distributor Universal Pictures Philippines, here is how to do it. “The official Universal Pictures Philippines TikTok account (@UniversalPicsPH) has posted the Awiting Wicked announcement and clips from the upcoming film ‘Wicked,’ with the instrumental version of Defying Gravity that contestants can duet with.”

“Entries should be tagged #AwitingWicked and entrants should set their accounts to public privacy setting, so the video is visible. The promo will run from Sept. 18 to Sept. 29, 2024, after which 30 winners will be given the chance to sing their rendition of Defying Gravity, and be part of the music video that will debut alongside ‘Wicked’ as it arrives in Philippine cinemas on Nov. 20, 2024.”

Don’t forget all you, biriteras, out there, you have only until Sept. 29 to join Awiting Wicked. So, get those pipes in excellent condition and show the “Wicked” people why Pinoys are known as great singers all over the world.

Just thinking. Can biriteros also join?

Anyway, “Wicked” is based on a novel The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, written by Gregory Maguire. The story is a prequel to the much-loved tale written by L. Frank Baum and also a movie which starred Judy Garland, “The Wizard of Oz.” “Wicked” is told from the point of view of the witches, the Good Witch Glinda and of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

The famous composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz turned “Wicked” into a musical in 2003. Schwartz also did “Godspell” with the hit Day by Day and “Pippin” with Corner of the Sky. But his biggest success is “Wicked” and Defying Gravity is the most popular song from the show.

“Wicked” has been running on Broadway since 2003. It is the second billion-dollar grossing musical on Broadway, second only to Disney’s “The Lion King.” It is also playing in London’s West End and is constantly on tour in other parts of the world.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba .

This goes to show that much is expected from the movie “Wicked,” which is said to be so epic that it will be shown in two parts. Part 2 is set for release next year. Part 1 has already dropped two trailers. Both are promises of a spectacular viewing experience. Director is Jon Chu, who also did “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights.”

The cast is most impressive. The leads are Cynthia Erivo, Tony winning star of “The Color Purple” as Elphaba who will become the wicked witch of the West and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda who will become the good witch of the East. Expect a lot of vocal duels between these two.

There are also Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible; Jeff Goldblum of “Jurassic Park” as the Wizard of Oz; Jonathan Bailey, the Viscount Bridgerton as Fiyero the Winkie Prince; Tony winning Spongebob Ethan Swift as the Munchkin Boq; and Peter Dinklage of “Game of Thrones” as the voice of Professor Dillamond.

And so, we wait for “Wicked” in November and also for the music video where we will see 30 of our best biriteros and biriteras singing Defying Gravity.

“It’s time to try, defying gravity…”