Cynthia Erivo Praises Sisqó’s ‘Thong Song’ as Vocal Masterpiece

Sometimes the most unexpected songs showcase the greatest vocal talent, and Cynthia Erivo just proved that point in spectacular fashion. The “Wicked” star stunned fans by naming Sisqó’s iconic 1999 hit “Thong Song” as one of her all-time favorite vocal performances during a June 30 interview with EntertainmentWeekly.

Erivo’s enthusiastic praise for the R&B classic has sparked widespread discussion about the track’s overlooked vocal excellence.

“Why do you need to sing like this when singing about a thong? The whole end section, the whole end section of this song is so unnecessary,” Erivo explained.

Her analysis focused particularly on the final portion of the track, where Sisqó delivers impressive vocal runs that elevate the playful lyrics into something truly special.

The Tony winner’s appreciation goes beyond simple admiration. She recognizes the technical skill required to execute such elaborate vocal arrangements, especially when paired with seemingly straightforward subject matter.

“You have a key change, there’s a praise break at some point in this. With his voice it’s ridiculous, you don’t need to sing like that. And he does, he’s just enjoying himself and the voice is doing what it’s meant to be doing,” she noted.

Erivo Called Sisqó’s Vocals ‘Brilliant’

Erivo’s commentary reveals her deep understanding of vocal craft and her ability to recognize excellence regardless of genre or context. The Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner demonstrated how artistic merit can emerge from the most surprising sources, challenging conventional notions about what is considered a serious vocal performance.

“You can’t tell me that that’s not a good vocal because it is a good vocal. That’s a brilliant vocal for a song about a thong. He just keeps going, ‘I don’t think you heard me.’ We did, we heard you. I just love how he uses his voice for something that you wouldn’t expect a voice to be used for,” Erivo shared.

Her praise extends beyond just technical ability to appreciate the sheer joy and commitment Sisqó brings to his performance. The actress acknowledged that while other songs in his catalog might showcase similar vocal prowess, “Thong Song” stands out precisely because its over-the-top delivery wasn’t necessary but happened anyway.

“Now are there other performances of Sisqó’s that merit this? Probably, but I just was like this is the one that didn’t need him to do that and yet he did. Hats off to you Sisqó,” she added.

Erivo Named Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin & Beyoncé Among Her Favorites

Erivo placed Sisqó’s performance alongside some of music’s most revered vocal moments, demonstrating her eclectic taste and broad musical knowledge. Her list of favorite vocal performances includes Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Loves You Porgy,” Jennifer Holiday’s “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” Aretha Franklin’s “Dr. Feel Good,” Luther Vandross’s “A House Is Not A Home,” and Beyoncé’s “Resentment.”

The inclusion of “Thong Song” among these legendary performances speaks to Erivo’s ability to recognize exceptional singing across different musical styles and eras.

Fans have been actively discussing the unexpected choice, with many revisiting the track to appreciate the vocal techniques Erivo highlighted.

The millennial hit has experienced renewed cultural relevance recently, appearing in the A24 horror comedy “Y2K” and receiving an elegant reinterpretation from John Legend. Erivo’s endorsement gives the song even more recognition and staying power, proving that the most unexpected places can hide great vocals.

Erivo continues her busy schedule, which includes her recent hosting of the 2025 Tony Awards and preparing to reprise her role as Elphaba in “Wicked For Good,” set to hit theaters on November 21. She’s also heading to London’s West End to take on 23 different roles in an adaptation of “Dracula.”