It marks a return to the show for Erivo, who was a guest judge for two weeks in 2021, and it sparked a big reaction on social media.
“I loved how much she boosted the confidence of every contestant,” wrote one X user, external, while another, external said she would have “cried tears” if Erivo had told her she “was fab”.
Erivo wasn’t the only nod to Wicked during Saturday night’s show.
The opening dance routine for movie week was inspired by the film’s forthcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, which hits cinemas next month.
The female professional dancers wore black dresses like the film’s Wicked Witch of the West, while the men channelled their inner Prince Fiyero.
Set against a green and blue backdrop, the number was theatrical, dramatic and… a bit spooky.
