Cynthia Erivo just had the sweetest full-circle moment, and the internet is already eating it up. The “Wicked” star popped back into her old school in London with BBC Radio 1 and surprised a room full of girls who had no clue they were about to meet the woman they’ve been singing on loop. Cynthia returned to La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School in Clapham Park, where she first discovered her voice two decades ago, and the visit turned into an emotion-filled reunion.

In the YouTube video posted on November 18, Greg James from BBC Radio 1 walks into a choir rehearsal and tells the students they need to record “For Good” for Cynthia. Meanwhile, she is quietly listening right outside the door. As soon as she steps into the room, the energy shifts instantly. The girls scream, cover their faces, and try to gather themselves while Cynthia takes a seat and lets the moment wash over her. 

She tells the students, “I went to this school and left over 20 years ago, so to come back and listen to you singing that song is really wonderful.” She adds, “Well done, everyone. It is so nice to see you all and be back here.” You can see how much the moment means to her as she admits, “I am not okay at all” while trying to hold her composure. After the performance, Cynthia opens the floor for questions, giving the girls real guidance on what it takes to make it in entertainment. She tells them, “I was right where you were, literally, and I had some really wonderful teachers who helped and guided.” She also encourages the room, saying, “You start to figure out what you want and do not be afraid to ask for those things. Do not be afraid of dreaming of those things, and then do not be afraid of the hard work that comes because it will.”

James also brings back old memories by showing her photos from past school productions, including “My Fair Lady,” which she guesses she performed in at age fourteen, along with clips from “Guys and Dolls.” Seeing her laugh at those throwback moments adds even more warmth to the visit.