Cynthia Erivo Judges F1 Drivers' Singing Prowess Ahead of Las Vegas GP
Award-winning actor Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in _Wicked_, brought a touch of Hollywood to the Las Vegas Grand Prix by humorously rating F1 drivers' singing. From Lando Norris's effort to Max Verstappen's impressive rendition of 'Viva Las Vegas,' Erivo offered candid critiques, providing fans with an entertaining and unique look at the personalities behind the helmets, underscoring F1's growing fusion of sport and entertainment.
Award-winning actor and singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo, known for her role as Elphaba in the Wicked film franchise, made a special appearance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where she took on the unique role of a vocal critic for F1 drivers.
Why it matters:
Beyond the high-stakes racing, celebrity appearances at F1 events like the Las Vegas GP inject a dose of pop culture appeal, broadening the sport's reach. Erivo's lighthearted critique offers fans a rare glimpse into the personalities of their favorite drivers off the track, creating engaging content that transcends traditional motorsport coverage.
The details:
Erivo was presented with a series of clips featuring current and former Formula 1 drivers singing from their cockpits, providing her expert commentary and scores:
- Lando Norris (McLaren): Sang Friday Dopamine Re-Edit. Erivo rated him 4/10, acknowledging his effort but noting a lack of discernible tune.
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): Performed We Are the Champions. He received 5.5/10 for clear tunefulness and immediate song recognition.
- Sebastian Vettel (Former Driver): Opted for Who Let the Dogs Out. Erivo gave him 3/10, wishing for more 'oomph' as the rendition was too gentle for the song.
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari): His signature Smooth Operator earned him 6/10. Despite calling the performance 'not smooth,' Erivo appreciated his song choice, which is a fan favorite.
- Jenson Button (Former Driver): Screamed We Are The Champions over team radio. Button received 7/10, impressing Erivo with potential vibrato and high-register singing, making him the most tuneful so far.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): Sang Viva Las Vegas. Verstappen secured the highest score of 8/10. Erivo was impressed by his rhythm, tunefulness, and the appropriate song choice for the event.
The big picture:
This playful segment highlights F1's increasing embrace of entertainment and celebrity culture, particularly in high-profile events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Integrating stars like Cynthia Erivo helps connect the sport with wider audiences, moving beyond hardcore racing fans to attract a more diverse viewership, which is crucial for global expansion and brand appeal.
What's next:
Erivo's visit wasn't just about vocal critiques. She also experienced a hot lap around the Las Vegas circuit with Jenson Button and visited the Williams garage, even sitting in Carlos Sainz's car. Such interactive experiences with celebrities are likely to become a staple at future F1 events, enhancing the fan experience and generating valuable buzz for the sport.