Gayety

Tag: The Color Purple

  • Cynthia Erivo Announces Release of New Single “Replay,” Kicking Off New Era of Music

    Cynthia Erivo Announces Release of New Single “Replay,” Kicking Off New Era of Music

    Cynthia Erivo, the powerhouse actress and musician, is stepping into a new chapter with the announcement of her upcoming single, “Replay.” The 2024 Out100 Icon of the Year, known for her roles in Wicked, The Color Purple, and Harriet, revealed that the highly anticipated track will drop on Friday, February 28.

    Erivo has been teasing her fans with hints about new original music for months, and now the wait is almost over. On Instagram, the singer shared the official artwork for “Replay,” accompanied by a message confirming the release date: “Replay artwork confirmed đź’– Out this Friday!!!”

     

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    A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo)

    To build excitement, Erivo also posted a short clip on social media, offering a sneak peek of the song and what appears to be a music video or visualizer for the track. Fans are eagerly anticipating the new single, which is already available for pre-save on all major streaming platforms.

     

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    A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo)

    The announcement follows Erivo’s ongoing journey in music, which has garnered attention for its emotional depth and powerful vocal delivery. Ariana Grande, who stars alongside Erivo in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, recently shared her admiration for the new music in an interview with Out. Grande, who has had a chance to hear some of Erivo’s unreleased tracks, couldn’t contain her excitement about the upcoming album.

    “I keep doing this really bad thing where I tease what’s coming, but all of my favorites are on her upcoming album… and I’m not kidding,” Grande said. “It’s un-f*cking-believable.”

    @outmagazine

    The only witches we can think about. Cynthia & Ariana stopped to chat with Outs @raffyermac at the #Wicked premiere & we are GAGGED. #cynthiaerivo #arianagrande #wickedmovie @wickedmovie @cynthiaerivo @arianagrande

    ♬ original sound – Out Magazine

    Erivo herself has described the music as deeply personal, revealing that parts of the album are autobiographical. “Some of it is autobiographical. Some of it is a train of thought. I love the music that we’ve made; most of it is very much just me and my voice,” she shared.

    The new album is expected to drop later this year, making “Replay” the first taste of what’s to come. Fans of Erivo’s soaring vocals and emotionally charged performances are eagerly awaiting more music from the multi-talented artist.

    As Erivo moves forward in this new musical era, Replay promises to be the anthem that will keep fans hitting “repeat.”

  • Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe Spark Engagement Rumors After NAACP Image Awards Appearance

    Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe Spark Engagement Rumors After NAACP Image Awards Appearance

    Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe have once again sparked rumors about their relationship after a joint appearance at the NAACP Image Awards on February 22, reigniting engagement speculation that has swirled around the two for weeks.

    Erivo, who was nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Wicked, arrived at the event alongside Waithe. Their appearance follows months of speculation about their romantic status, especially after Erivo was seen wearing a diamond ring at the 2025 Grammys. Although the ring was later confirmed not to be an engagement ring, the sighting fueled ongoing rumors about their private relationship.

    While neither Erivo nor Waithe has publicly confirmed their romantic connection, the two have been linked since at least 2020. Their relationship is believed to have begun after meeting at the 2018 Met Gala. In a 2021 interview with Variety, Waithe revealed that she had long been a fan of Erivo’s performance in The Color Purple before they met, and that they had “been vibing” ever since.

    Erivo has shared rare glimpses of their bond on social media, referring to Waithe as “perfection” in one of the few photos of the pair together on her Instagram feed. Over the years, the two have been spotted together at various high-profile events, including the BET Awards, the GLAAD Media Awards, and the Golden Globes, but they have kept their relationship mostly private.

    Their closeness has been particularly noticeable in recent years, coinciding with Waithe’s separation from ex-wife Alana Mayo, with their divorce finalized in 2021. Despite their low-key public presence, the two have shown unwavering support for each other, often seen cheering one another on at major events. Waithe was by Erivo’s side at the 2024 Wicked premiere, helped hold Erivo’s gown at the 2024 Tony Awards, and sat beside her at the 2025 Golden Globes and Grammys.

    Erivo has also expressed admiration for Waithe, often sharing heartfelt posts celebrating the writer and producer. For example, in one Instagram tribute to Waithe’s birthday, Erivo wrote a moving message expressing her respect and affection for her partner.

     

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    A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo)

    Fans of the couple have continued to speculate about their relationship, but Erivo and Waithe have kept their personal lives out of the public eye. Their appearance at the NAACP Image Awards is just another example of their quiet but strong presence in each other’s lives.

    While they haven’t made any public declarations about the status of their relationship, their ongoing support for one another is undeniable. As their relationship continues to unfold under the radar, fans remain hopeful for more insight into their bond. Many are eagerly awaiting the possibility of an official announcement — or perhaps more clarity on that “not an engagement” ring — when Erivo takes the stage at the upcoming 2025 Oscars, where she is expected to complete her EGOT collection.

    Though the full extent of their relationship may remain a mystery, one thing is certain: Erivo and Waithe are a powerful representation of strong Black queer women in the entertainment world, and fans are fully supportive of their journey — wherever it may lead.