Cynthia Erivo raps with Audacy radio host Shelley Wade about her new album

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Just days before she commands the stage as host of the 2025 Tony Awards—and with the buzz building around “Wicked for Good”—Cynthia Erivo lit up the Audacy Sound Space in NYC for a soulful sit-down with Shelley Wade.

Cynthia Erivo on Audacy Sound with Shelley Wade

While at the Hard Rock Hotel Times Square, the GRAMMY, Emmy, and Tony winner also dropped her second studio album, “I Forgive You”, delivering raw emotion and bold artistry in one powerful release.

In their chat for 94.7 The Block New York, Erivo opened up about the album’s honesty, her love for Brandy, what pushed her to rap, and teaming up with Hamilton’s Anthony Ramos to bring the lyrics to life.

On Her Appreciation for Brandy

While discussing her album’s influences, Erivo praised Brandy’s signature sound—highlighting her raspy yet expansive range, melodic instincts, and masterful harmonies. Singing a few lines from “Almost Doesn’t Count,” she called Brandy’s voice “wonderful” and “inspiring,” even hinting at a dream duet: “If she lets me…I’d happily love to do it with her.”

Cynthia Erivo on writing with Anthony Ramos and rapping on the track

Erivo co-wrote and produced every track on “I Forgive You”, including “Push and Pull” with longtime friend Anthony Ramos. The song was born during an intimate writing session and centers on the emotional tug-of-war in romance. Originally written with a spoken-word interlude, Erivo later decided to perform the part herself—trying it once and realizing, “I think this might work.” Audiences agreed.