11 Springfield residents come together and add a new take on one of 2024’s most iconic musical moments, as Hank Azaria adds a The Simpsons twist to Wicked’s Defying Gravity. Azaria has been a core member of The Simpsons cast since the show first began in 1989, providing the voices for Moe Syzlak, Professor Frink, and Chief Wiggum, among others. Azaria has provided his voice talents to every season of The Simpsons and most major projects within the franchise, returning to his familiar selection of roles for the current Simpsons season 36.
While audiences eagerly await the second chapter of Elphaba’s tale in Wicked: For Good, Azaria takes to Instagram to share his rendition of “Defying Gravity.” The voice actor recited the lyrics of the final section of the song in the voices of 11 of his most recognizable Simpsons characters. The video sees Azaria effortlessly switch between Wiggum, Moe, Snake Jailbird, Comic Book Guy, Kirk Van Houten, Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel, The Sea Captain, The Sarcastic Middle-aged Clerk, Disco Stu, Duffman, and Frink, all while remaining in character.
Why Defying Gravity Is A Musical Sensation
The Song Is A Defining Track For Elphaba’s Journey
Even before the release of Wicked and the following grip it had on audiences, “Defying Gravity” had been shaping up to one of the movie’s most notable elements. Within the context of the story, the number represents not only the climax of the first act, but the moment Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) finds a new sense of self-acceptance, casting aside the pressures others have placed on her her entire life and taking a stand. The movie furthers this point by extending the entire sequence and having it serve as the climax to the feature.
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Defying Gravity Explained: The Elphaba Song’s Full Lyrics & What It Really Means In Wicked
The finale of the first Wicked movie sees Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba sing “Defying Gravity,” a memorable song with a powerful, resonating message.
Despite the pressures of having to live up to the 2003 musical’s status, Erivo’s rendition has been well-received by audiences and critics alike. Though the execution of the scene had some questioning whether the additional length was necessary, the star was celebrated for her powerful and emotional vocals, which perfectly conveyed the character-defining decision and moment. When paired with viral moments and a powerful duet between Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera at the Oscars, Wicked 2024’s finale has left lasting impressions on viewers.
Our Thoughts On Azaria’s Mult-Role Defying Gravity Cover
The Voice Actor Has Remixed Past Musical Hits
While not Azaria’s first brush with the iconic musical, thanks to a brief season 22 gag when Moe wanders onto a performance of Wicked, the actor’s video is a welcome crossover between Springfield and Oz. Furthermore, he has also shared several renditions of other hits as Azaria’s many Simpsons characters, including Sabrina Carpenter’s “Esspresso” following her success at The Grammys. As such, many may wonder which hit song the actor will add a Simpsons twist to next.
Source: Hank Azaria/Instagram
The Simpsons
“The Simpsons” is a legendary American animated franchise that debuted in 1987 as short segments on The Tracey Ullman Show before becoming a standalone series in 1989. The show follows the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—who live in the fictional town of Springfield. The franchise is renowned for its satirical and humorous take on various aspects of American culture, society, and the human condition. Over the years, “The Simpsons” has expanded into films, video games, comic books, and theme park attractions, becoming a cornerstone of popular culture.
- Created by
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Matt Groening
- First Episode Air Date
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December 17, 1989
- Character(s)
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Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson, Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Maggie Simpson, Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Sideshow Bob, Krusty the Clown, Moe Szyslak
- Video Game(s)
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The Simpsons Game, The Simpsons: Hit & Run, The Simpsons: Road Rage, The Simpsons: Tapped Out, The Simpsons Arcade Game, The Simpsons Skateboarding
Summary
“The Simpsons” is a legendary American animated franchise that debuted in 1987 as short segments on The Tracey Ullman Show before becoming a standalone series in 1989. The show follows the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—who live in the fictional town of Springfield. The franchise is renowned for its satirical and humorous take on various aspects of American culture, society, and the human condition. Over the years, “The Simpsons” has expanded into films, video games, comic books, and theme park attractions, becoming a cornerstone of popular culture.