Since its debut in 1989, Hank Azaria has been an integral part of The Simpsons cast, lending his distinctive voice to beloved characters like Moe Szyslak, Professor Frink, and Chief Wiggum. Throughout every season and the franchise’s major projects, Azaria has consistently returned to portray his iconic roles, including in the current 36th season of the series.
In a recent performance, Azaria showcased his impressive vocal range by reciting the lyrics of a popular song as eleven of his most famous Simpsons characters. The video features him effortlessly transitioning between personas such as Wiggum, Moe, and the Sea Captain, all while maintaining the individual characteristics of each voice.
A Defining Moment for Elphaba
In the narrative of Wicked, the song marks not just a pivotal moment in the first act but symbolizes Elphaba’s (played by Cynthia Erivo) journey toward self-acceptance. This transformative sequence is expanded in the film, serving as a climactic point that resonates with both the character and the audience.
The challenges of meeting expectations set by the acclaimed 2003 musical have not hindered Erivo’s portrayal. Instead, her performance has received acclaim from both audiences and critics. Although the extended scene sparked debate about its necessity, her emotionally charged vocals delivered the essence of Elphaba’s critical moment masterfully. Additionally, memorable performances, including a duet with Ariana Grande at the Oscars, have made the finale of Wicked 2024 particularly impactful.
Exploring Past Musical Classics
This isn’t Azaria’s first encounter with Wicked; he previously referenced the musical in a humorous season 22 moment. His latest video serves as a delightful intersection between Springfield and Oz. Beyond this, Azaria has delivered several renditions of contemporary hits using his various Simpsons characters, including a version of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso”in the wake of her Grammy recognition. Fans are eagerly speculating on which song Azaria will infuse with a Simpsons twist next.
Source: Hank Azaria / Instagram