Defying Gravity (song) - Other Recordings

Other Recordings

A German-language version of "Defying Gravity" (called "Frei und schwerelos," which translates to "free and weightless") was recorded on November 21, 2007 by the Stuttgart, Germany cast of Wicked featuring Willemijn Verkaik as Elphaba and Lucy Scherer as Glinda.

The Tokyo cast of Wicked also recorded a version of the song, the title of which translates to "For Freedom." Featuring Megumi Hamada as Elphaba and Miyuki Numao as Glinda.

Kerry Ellis, who played Elphaba in the West End and Broadway productions of Wicked, released a rock version of the song arranged by Brian May in 2008 as part of her extended play Wicked in Rock. She performed this version at the 2008 Royal Variety Performance alongside May on guitar. This version of the song is also included on her debut album Anthems. Ellis also released a remixed version of her rock version of "Defying Gravity in March 2011.

Philos, a Nashville based band arranged a pop rock version of the song, and released the single on iTunes on October 26, 2008.

The song was performed by Lea Michele and Chris Colfer on the FOX show, Glee, on November 11, 2009. In the episode "Wheels", Kurt and Rachel audition to perform this song, with Rachel ultimately winning, after Kurt purposely misses the high F out of concern for his father being harassed about his son's sexual orientation. Kurt tells his father, "I love you more than I love being a star." Two versions were featured in the episode: solo versions by Michele and Colfer, and was re-recorded as a duet by both to be on one of the soundtracks. Those versions cut out the bridge and climax from the original recording. Both versions are available to listen to on Glee The Music.com Curiously, Idina Menzel plays the role of Puck and Quinn's child's adoptive mother and Rachel's biological mother in the series. Kristin Chenoweth also has a recurring role on the show.

Andi Kitten & Madeline Powell of "The Cactus Cuties" performed this track at "Cactus Cuties Live at the Cactus" in 2009. This was recorded at the Cactus Theater in Lubbock, Texas & released via iTunes & CD available at their website. It also appears on their live DVD of the same concerts."

The song was used to wake up astronauts aboard space shuttle mission STS-131 in April 2010 for astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger in honor of the day's planned extra-vehicular activity.

Tony-award winning Broadway actor and singer Lea Salonga included this song in her 2005 benefit concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York City for the Diverse City Theater Company. She also sang Popular from the same musical (sung in the play by the character Glinda).

In her 2012, after returning to Wicked in the role of Elphaba, Louise Dearman added a recording of this track to a "Wicked Edition" of her 2012 album, Here Comes The Sun.