Oscar-nominated, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Cynthia Erivo discusses her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s “Genius: Aretha”, a performance that has been called “incandescent” by The New York Times. To project both confidence and vulnerability, and sing Aretha’s songs -- all in the same ways Aretha had -- Cynthia did extensive research, and she enjoyed the challenge. “I like having to learn,” she tells host Stacey Wilson Hunt. “I like coming out different than I went in.”  The podcast episode concludes with Stacey talking to Cynthia’s hair and makeup artists who helped her look and feel like Aretha. Hairstylist Coree Moreno and makeup artist Terrell Mullin explain that they also strived for authenticity out of “respect” for both Aretha and Cynthia. 

Oscar-nominated, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Cynthia Erivo discusses her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in National Geographic&rsquo;s &ldquo;Genius: Aretha&rdquo;, a performance that has been called &ldquo;incandescent&rdquo; by The New York Times. To project both confidence and vulnerability, and sing Aretha&rsquo;s songs -- all in the same ways Aretha had -- Cynthia did extensive research, and she enjoyed the challenge. &ldquo;I like having to learn,&rdquo; she tells host Stacey Wilson Hunt. &ldquo;I like coming out different than I went in.&rdquo; &nbsp;The podcast episode concludes with Stacey talking to Cynthia&rsquo;s hair and makeup artists who helped her look and feel like Aretha. Hairstylist Coree Moreno and makeup artist Terrell Mullin explain that they also strived for authenticity out of &ldquo;respect&rdquo; for both Aretha and Cynthia.&nbsp;

THE MAKING OF is an ongoing podcast series from National Geographic Channels and National Geographic Documentary Films featuring in-depth interviews with some of the talented people responsible for the network’s award-worthy programming. Hosted by Chris Albert, National Geographic EVP of Global Communications & Talent Relations, the series features discussions with individuals who are both in front of the camera and also those behind the scenes.

THE MAKING OF is an ongoing podcast series from National Geographic Channels and National Geographic Documentary Films featuring in-depth interviews with some of the talented people responsible for the network&rsquo;s award-worthy programming. Hosted by Chris Albert, National Geographic EVP of Global Communications &amp; Talent Relations, the series features discussions with individuals who are both in front of the camera and also those behind the scenes.

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