This years Oscar nominations went all in on genre, and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo is up for a leading actress statue. Cinemas Wicked Witch of the West was on Jimmy Kimmel recently and the late night host revealed Erivo was on a plane when the announcement was made. True to form. I was defying gravity, Erivo laughed. I didnt mean it to be that way, but the universe does what the universe does. In this case were hoping it fulfills her destined EGOT, if not for Wicked than for the upcoming Wicked: For Good. Wicked has quickly become a fan-favorite pick for awards with people from all ages being inspired by the Witches of Oz. There are countless TikTok recreations of Ariana Grandes What Is This Feeling? choreographyand apparently, many folks have taken it upon themselves to recreate Erivos take on Elphabas war cry at the end of Defying Gravity in front of the star. Kimmel asked if people would corner her with their versions of the intricate note. They just sometimes just go straight into it, she shared about experiencing the Wicked fandom in the wild, which is something shes still figuring out how to react to. Sometimes its really delightful. Sometimes its really, really wonderful. And I think whats lovely is that people are willing to try anyway. I think if the emotion has moved you to do that without even introducing yourself, then I think weve done something right, and Im just gonna go with it. Finding her voice as Elphaba to stand apart from Wickeds OG Elphie Idina Menzel and The Wizard of Ozs Wicked Witch of the West, Margaret Hamilton, was very important to Erivo. I wanted to make sure that I used the music as though it was the emotional heartbeat throughout her story. So I wanted to make sure that she grew within the songs you cant be at Defying Gravity right at the beginning, Erivo explained. She has to kind of grow to get there. She continued, adding in singing for emphasis. When the first time you really hear her sing, its The Wizard and I. So The Wizard and I has more youth in the sound. And then later on you have Im Not That Girl, which is a little bit more wistful and theres more heartbreak before you get to Defying Gravity, which has more ground in it. And [then] with Defying Gravity, in the beginning its like a cry, its grounded.Erivos own Wicked work has been recognized this awards season, but there are homages to the original Oz witch, like her clawsand of course a tease at her own version of the classic cackle. You heard a little bit in the first [movie], she said of the moment she sneaks it into a giggle fit during What Is this Feeling? and added Youll hear it in the second one for sure. Kimmel went on to share he was afraid of the original Wicked Witch of the West, and Erivo turned the tables. Do you think it was because of the Wizard of Oz that you were scared of Margaret Hamilton? she asked, speaking to Hamiltons legendary performance, which Erivo always fittingly admired. I dont think I ever experienced feeling afraid of her. Maybe thats the reason Im here.Watch the whole Wicked interview segment here: Wickedis out now in theaters anddigital.Wicked: For Goodopens this Thanksgiving. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.