Awiting Wicked: Here's how you can be part of the Philippine rendition, MV of 'Defying Gravity'

Filos, it’s time to trust your instincts, close your eyes, and leap!

Universal Pictures Philippines is calling on aspiring Filipino singers to submit their rendition of “Defying Gravity” from the classic musical, “Wicked,” as part of their Awiting Wicked contest.

The contest will be done through TikTok. The official Universal Pictures Philippines TikTok account (@UniversalPicsPH) has posted and pinned the Awiting Wicked announcement and clips from the upcoming film “Wicked,” with the instrumental version of “Defying Gravity” that contestants need to duet with.

Contestants must upload their duet on TikTok with the hashtag #AwitingWicked. Videos need to present the singer’s actual voice, which should not be altered or enhanced.

A panel of judges has full and final discretion in deciding the winners. They will choose them based on the criteria: vocal quality (70%), and style and performance, including overall appeal (30%).

The full contest mechanics can be found here.

Thirty winners will get a chance to sing the Philippines’ rendition of the song and appear in a music video that will debut alongside “Wicked” as it arrives in Philippine cinemas on November 20.

“Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz.” It is told from the perspective of the Good Witch Galinda and the Wicked Witch of the West Elphaba before Dorothy arrives in Oz. The story also follows the witches’ self-discovery journey.

It stars Ariana Grande as Galinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Jeff Goldbum as the Wizard.

In its Broadway run, Idina Menzel played Elphaba, and Kristin Chenoweth played Galinda.

The film adaptation is helmed by "In the Heights" and “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu.

“Wicked” premieres in Philippine cinemas on November 20.

@universalpicsph WICKED SINGERS WANTED! Get a chance to sing the Philippines' rendition of Defying Gravity and appear in the music video by joining #AwitingWicked ? original sound - Universal Pictures Philippines

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News