Sydnie Christmas, best known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence, delivered a spine-tingling live rendition of “Defying Gravity”, the most technically demanding song from the hit musical Wicked, aboard Independence of the Seas. The performance left audiences absolutely stunned.
She took on the musical’s iconic Act I finale, a number widely considered one of the greatest vocal and technical challenges in modern theatre. Christmas not only met the moment, she soared far beyond it.
Watch her performance below.
There were no pre-recorded vocals, no studio edits, and no shortcuts. Just raw, spellbinding talent.
With unwavering control and astonishing power, she navigated the song’s most difficult transitions effortlessly. Her voice cut through the night air with clarity and precision, and the audience was left in disbelief that it was all happening live. This wasn’t just a cover. It was a performance that commanded attention and earned respect.
And those final high notes? They weren’t just sung. They were declared. Broadway-worthy. World-stage-worthy. The entire performance felt like a statement. Sydnie Christmas is ready for more.
Here is why Defying Gravity matters, and why this moment stands out.
Famously performed by the character Elphaba in Wicked, the song marks a dramatic turning point in the story. It is the moment Elphaba rejects conformity and steps into her power, rising both emotionally and physically above the expectations placed on her.
In the film adaptation, capturing this number live posed an enormous challenge for the sound department. Between wind machines, complex flying rigs, and the sheer vocal demand of the song, the team had to invent new techniques just to preserve the authenticity of the performance.
So for Sydnie Christmas to take on Defying Gravity live, inside a cruise ship’s performance hall, and deliver something this vocally precise and emotionally commanding is nothing short of extraordinary.
She may have first captured hearts on television, but this performance proves she’s not just a rising star — she’s a voice built for Broadway and the world stage.
She didn’t just sing. She soared. She defied gravity.
