Cynthia Erivo Breaks Down Sisqó’s “Brilliant” Vocals In “Thong Song”

Cynthia Erivo listed her favorite vocal performances of all time and included Sisqó‘s “Thong Song” in the round-up. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, the Wicked star revealed why the chart-topping single is “brilliant” and shared her admiration for the singer’s skill and technique.

“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,” the 38-year-old explained. “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 continued, “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.”

“Thong Song” was released in 2000 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The record also earned the R&B singer multiple GRAMMY nominations, including Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

“I think that’s what makes the song work,” explained Sisqó to VICE about the song’s “dramatic” ending.

“I think it’s because of the complex simplicity of the record. On the surface, it seems pretty simple and, you know, a pretty basic concept. Then when you actually take a listen to the song you realise that it just has so many layers. Being a member of my group Dru Hill, we’re basically known for soul things. So anything that’s not like a ballad with me crooning was challenging—like when I’m doing the sing-rap thing.”

Sisqó’s ode to sexy underwear was joined in Erivo’s ranking by songs from Whitney Houston, Jazmine Sullivan, Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, and more.

Watch the full clip of Cynthia Erivo breaking down her favorite vocal performances below.