Cynthia Erivo | Bitter X's

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Cynthia Erivo | Bitter X's
Release Date: June 6, 2025

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Introduction and Opening Monologue (00:00 - 03:55)

Stephen Colbert kicks off the episode with his signature humorous take on current events, diving into a heated Twitter feud between former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. The exchange, marked by sharp exchanges and sarcastic jabs, sets a lively tone for the show.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert (02:15): "Musk spent all day yesterday slamming Trump's big, beautiful bill to his 200 million followers on Twitter. What's most impressive? Only half of those are his kids."
• Donald Trump (02:15): "I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot."
• Elon Musk (02:42): "I've helped him a lot during the campaign. I helped him declutter his bank account of 288 million dusty dollars."

Escalation of the Trump-Musk Feud (03:09 - 07:03)

Colbert humorously narrates the escalation of the feud, highlighting Trump's press conference with German Chancellor Gerhard Knockwurst and Musk's retaliatory tweets accusing Trump of undermining his business ventures. The banter includes satirical remarks about government subsidies and SpaceX contracts.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert (05:21): "Elon Musk was clearly stung by the crack about electric vehicles, so he immediately fired back live tweeting..."
• Elon Musk (06:15): "SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately."
• Stephen Colbert (07:03): "Elon gave us a fun one. Time to drop the really big bomb. Donald Trump is in the Epstein files."

Interlude and Advertisements (07:03 - 19:00)

The episode includes several advertisements from Dermalogica, Workday, eBay, and State Farm. Colbert seamlessly integrates humor into these segments, maintaining the show's engaging pace.

Mayor's Race and Local Politics (19:00 - 23:45)

Shifting focus from national figures to local politics, Colbert discusses the upcoming New York City mayoral race. He lampoons former Governor Andrew Cuomo's attempt at a political comeback amidst his resignation and allegations, contrasting him with current mayor Eric Adams' campaign against rat infestations in the city.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert (22:06): "Andrew, remember why you left office. Bagels are fine. The thing you need to stay away from is the girlish figures."
• Stephen Colbert (23:00): "A Department of Homeland Security's new official overseeing terrorism Prevention is a 22-year-old."

Guest Introduction: Cynthia Erivo (23:45 - 27:57)

Colbert warmly welcomes Cynthia Erivo, a multi-award-winning actress and singer, to the show. Their interaction is filled with mutual respect and light-hearted banter as they discuss her upcoming role as Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert (19:00): "My first guest tonight is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony award-winning actor and singer... Please welcome back to the late show, Cynthia Erivo."
• Cynthia Erivo (20:38): "It just means a lot to me. I think the idea that I can play this role and I've been given the opportunity to play it in front of so many people at that place this time of my life is a really special thing."

In-Depth Interview with Cynthia Erivo (27:57 - 28:17)

The conversation delves into Cynthia's preparations for her demanding role in Dracula, where she portrays 23 characters. She shares her unique method of using scent memory to distinguish between her characters, ensuring each has a distinct identity.

Notable Quotes:

• Cynthia Erivo (24:05): "I kind of use sense memory. I have a scent for each of the characters."
• Stephen Colbert (24:09): "You smell good right now."

Closing Remarks and Advertisements (28:17 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Colbert promotes upcoming shows and advertisements, maintaining his comedic flair. He encourages listeners to engage with The Late Show's content across various platforms.

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Key Discussions and Insights

1. Trump and Musk's Public Feud:
   The comedic portrayal of the clash between two influential figures highlights the absurdity of social media wars, emphasizing the often petty nature of high-profile disagreements.

2. Local Politics with a Satirical Twist:
   Colbert's take on New York City's mayoral race offers a humorous critique of political comebacks and the city's persistent rat problem, blending real issues with satire.

3. Cynthia Erivo's Artistic Journey:
   The interview provides an intimate look into Cynthia's multifaceted career, her approach to diverse roles, and her passion for breaking gender norms in theatre.

4. Use of Humor in Advertisements:
   The integration of ads into the podcast maintains listener engagement while promoting relevant products and services in a light-hearted manner.

Conclusions

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert masterfully blends sharp political satire with insightful celebrity interviews. Stephen Colbert's ability to navigate between current events, local politics, and in-depth conversations with guests like Cynthia Erivo showcases the podcast's versatility and broad appeal. Listeners are treated to a mix of humor, critical commentary, and heartfelt discussions, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the specified instructions. All timestamps correspond to the transcript provided.

Transcript

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[Stephen Colbert]

I think you're on mute.

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[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome welcome one and all you beautiful people to the Late Show. I am your host, Stephen Colbert. My fellow Americans, My fellow Americans and all the ships at sea. I hope you've stocked your family's shelter with potable water and dehydrated turkey chili because, ladies and gentlemen, a full scale flame war has broken out between the world's most famous besties, Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Or as they're known by their celebrity couple name, two huge jagoffs. Here's where we stand. Anything new? Have you guys heard anything new? Anything new? Keep me up to date. Here's where we stand. Musk spent all day yesterday slamming Trump's big, beautiful bill to his 200 million followers on Twitter. What's most impressive? Only half of those are his kids. Trump. Here's the thing. I was impressed by this. Trump held his return fire until today in a press conference with German Chancellor Gerhard Knockwurst. I don't know, Jim.

[Donald Trump]

Elon's upset because we took the EV mandate, which was a lot of money for electric vehicles, and they're having a hard time with electric vehicles. I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here. He said the most beautiful things about me and he hasn't said bad about me personally, but I'm sure that'll be next. But I'm. I'm very disappointed in Elon. I've helped Elon a lot.

[Elon Musk]

Yes, I've helped him a lot. I've helped. I've. No, it's true. I've helped Elon a lot during the campaign. I helped him declutter his bank account of 288 million dusty dollars. He would hand me every dol. I would hold it and I would say, this one sparks joy. And in the pocket, in the pocket it goes safe and sound with daddy.

[Stephen Colbert]

Musk was clearly stung by the crack about electric vehicles, so he immediately fired back live tweeting, without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 5149 in the Senate. Yeah, you think we've forgotten that to a Tesla dealership lately? Because nobody else has. Now, as soon as Trump was done meeting with Chancellor Braunschweig, he clapped back.

[Elon Musk]

Elon was wearing thin. I asked him to leave. I took away his EV mandate that forced everyone to buy electric cars that nobody else wanted that he knew for months I was going to do. And he just went crazy.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm sorry. Went crazy. Elon has always lived the geographic center of insanitude. He's not the mayor of crazy Town. He's the governor of off his Medsylvania. Also, also, I want to point out, he says that nobody wanted electric vehicles when Trump himself sold them on the lawn of the White House. This is true, knowing no one wanted them. In fact, CNN pointed out that Trump himself bought a Tesla that day, and it's still parked there at the White House. So now Donald Trump is a Tesla owner who hates Elon Musk. Musk. He's never been more relatable. I can't believe it. Game sees game. Next, Trump escalated by threatening the easiest.

[Elon Musk]

Way to save money in our budget, billions and billions of dollars, is to terminate Elon's governmental subsidies and contracts. I was always surprised Biden didn't do it.

[Stephen Colbert]

To which El. Elon Musk replied, go ahead, make my day. Wow. Wow. Oh, you two bitches have already made mine. Cutting Elon Musk's contracts with the government isn't just petty. It's dangerous. Because as one user pointed out, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft transports astronauts to and from the International Space Station. So Elon snarked. In light of the President's statements about cancellation of my government contracts, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately. Okay, okay, okay. So to any astronauts currently in orbit, don't get too attached to your current bone density, then. Then I gotta say. I gotta say. Yeah, you gotta say it. Elon gave us a fun one. Time to drop the really big bomb. Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That's the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, D.J.T. oh. Oh, damn. Oh, oh, o.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh.

[Stephen Colbert]

I think. Is this Twitter war a cheesy gordita crunchwrap supreme? Because it's dripping hot, messy filth, and I am eating up every sloppy bite. Bring it, daddy like. But by the way, Elon, a little late on that intel. Donald Trump was a sexual predator that preyed on young women, which is something I've only decided to tell you because he hurt my feelings. I am the hero of this story. Trump's gonna have to get one of those bumper stickers for his Tesla that says, I bought this before Elon told everyone I was on Epstein's plane. So let's recap. That's good. Let us come. Let us recap together. The most powerful man in the world and the richest man in the world, each with their own missiles are throwing ha. Like Real Housewives on the girls trip. This could easily get out of control. But thankfully, a cooler head has stepped in to calm things down. Kanye tweeted, rose, please, no hug emoji. We love you both so much. Yay. Ye. Has entered the chat. It's Kanye, Elon, and Trump. The easiest game of marry kill ever. Cause. Cause obviously I'd kill myself.

[Late Show Advertiser]

You know?

[Stephen Colbert]

You know things are bad when the rational voice mediating your dispute is Kanye West. That's like walking into an intervention organized by Captain Morgan. ARR. ARR.

[Elon Musk]

Keep drinking.

[Stephen Colbert]

People like you more when you're a little spicy. So then I need, like, a sponge bath at this point. I need a towel. Then. As if things couldn't get any juicier, Elon Musk retweeted, trump should be impeached. Is that thunder? Is that thunder? Oh, my. Oh. Oh, my sweet Lord. I agree with Elon Musk. Siri, what is the current temperature of hell? Working on it. Okay, but I gotta say, Elon, damn, man. You were best friends with the guy last Friday. Did that meaningless key he gave you mean nothing? You know what, folks? I'm just glad Jeff Epstein isn't alive to see any of you. Would have broken his heart on the sidelines. Steve Bannon has weighed in, saying Elon Musk should be deported by Homeland Security. Okay, he knew that was coming. He knew that was coming. Though they are a bit short staffed over there. Short because many of them are still growing. We just learned the Department of Homeland Security's new official overseeing terrorism Prevention is a 22 year old. 22. How could he possibly know how to stop terrorism when he doesn't even know how to fix a cassette tape with a pencil? That's a skill reserved for those of us whose birth year begins with a 19. Now, this bulwark of national security, who I believe cannot legally rent a car yet is Thomas Fugate, a former Trump campaign worker who once worked at the Hardright Heritage foundation, where he served as an intern. Hear that, terrorists? You mess with him and he will refuse to pick up your dry cleaning on the way to Starbucks. Bishop macchiato. Goodbye. Let's take. You know what? Let's be fair. Let's take a look at this little fella. Oh, boy. Okay, terrorists, terrorists, cover your drinks. Now, it would be understandable if the idea of a young adult still on his parents health insurance being in charge of stopping terrorism unnerves you. But some folks in the news, some real news folks, found his LinkedIn and he has worked at. Okay. Internship, internship, another internship, and. Oh, landscape business owner. Okay, well, that's entrepreneurial. What was his portfolio? Performed lawn care work around my neighborhood. My duties consisted of mowing the yard, weed, whacking the weeds, then cleanup of debris. You mowed your neighbor's lawn, you damn fetus. You know. You know what? Wow. Wow. You know what? I'm pretty sure we actually have a picture of your White House interview. Is that. We got a great show for you tonight. More Late show pod show after this.

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[Stephen Colbert]

Folks, here in New York City, we'll be voting for a new mayor this fall. The frontrunner is somehow former governor and father of the bride realizing he wasn't invited into the chicken dance. Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021. He has 13 sexual harassment allegations. That's also called a Groper's Doz. And now Andy here is looking to make a comeback. So he did an interview with the New York Times where he described his go to breakfast order. Bacon, cheese and egg on an English muffin. Okay, real New Yorkers instinctually know that bacon, cheese and egg is wrong. It's bacon, egg and cheese. What does the man order for lunch? A TLB with a Cola Coca. Cuomo defended his choice, saying, and the bagel I try to stay away from to keep my girlish figure. Andrew, remember why you left office. Bagels are fine. The thing you need to stay away from is the girlish figures. Now Cuomo's. There you go. Cuomo is running against current mayor and even weirder man Eric Adams, seen here. Seen here under the impression that he's unveiling a new security robot. Adams was facing indictment for wire fraud, bribery, and illegal campaign activities until the charges were thrown out in a shady deal with the Trump administration. But this man, this man, his main focus right now is fighting New York's rats. And it might just be working because sightings in the city are down 18% since last year, which means a victory for Streets and Sanitation. Or the rats have now become ninjas. We'll know. We'll know if the rats have left the city once we start seeing annoying essays about it. Do I miss the energy of Manhattan? Of course I do. But if I'm being honest, I'm so much more fulfilled running my antique candy store in Rhinebeck. City officials say the dramatic reduction in rat sightings is thanks to what city officials call European style bins, so called because they do not shave their armpits. Now, not everyone, not everyone is thrilled about the new cans, with some residents complaining that there are taking up parking spots. And Manhattan parking spots are for one thing, and one thing, outdoor dining. How else. How else am I supposed to eat spaghetti while watching a man poop? Spaghetti fans. I'm hoping another New Yorker said this of the new bin in his neighborhood. It's an eyesore. Yes. So ugly. Before we had the bins, our sidewalks were gorgeous. Is that the Met gala? But Adams loves him. Yesterday he dropped this video boasting about his progress. First of all, if you're the good guys, why Darth Vader's theme song? Also at least the Cantina band. Also the Empire bin. Come on. The bin pyre strikes. Rats was right there. We'll be right back with Cynthia Erivo. More Late Show Pod show after this.

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[Stephen Colbert]

Hey everybody. Welcome back to the Late show, folks. My first guest tonight is a Grammy, Emmy and Tony award winning actor and singer, you know from the Color Purple, Harriet and Wicked. Please welcome back to the late show, Cynthia Erivo. Fantastic. Nice. Lovely to see you again.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Thank you. Lovely to see you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Nice. Warm myself by your talent over here. That's very nice. Love these.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Love these. Thank you very much. Hey, nice to see you again.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You too.

[Stephen Colbert]

This is, is it this Sunday? It is this Sunday. This Sunday you are hosting the Tony Awards.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's right.

[Stephen Colbert]

Right here on cbs. On cbs.

[State Farm Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Nine years ago you won a Tony. Right. Here you go like there looking exactly the same for your role as Celie in the Color Purple. I've done both, you know, nominated and hosted award shows. What is more unnerving for you, the hosting or the waiting to see whether you win?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Waiting to see for sure. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Because hosting you got something to do.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Exactly. And you're not really waiting for anything. Your job is to make sure that everyone has a good night and you usher people through the evening. That is like for me, fun, hard work. But I really enjoy it. I'm enjoying it.

[Stephen Colbert]

One of the challenges of hosting any award show is being familiar with what everything is going to be. Nominated. Have you seen many of the shows?

[Cynthia Erivo]

I've seen everything. I think but one, but I've seen everything. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. And who's gonna win?

[Cynthia Erivo]

I have no idea.

[Stephen Colbert]

Anyone you're rooting for? Anyone?

[Cynthia Erivo]

You particularly Everyone.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. Okay.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You know, I can't.

[Stephen Colbert]

I know.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Pick one of my favorite children.

[State Farm Advertiser]

They're all wonderful.

[Stephen Colbert]

All right. One of my favorite musicals of all time is Jesus Christ Superstar. I love that. And I'm so excited that in August you're gonna be playing Jesus.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's right.

[Stephen Colbert]

In Jesus Christ of The star at the Hollywood bowl, right? At the Hollywood Bowl.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

First woman to play Jesus in a major production. Long overdue. I've said for years I'd love to see a woman in that part. And what does that mean to you?

[Cynthia Erivo]

It just means a lot to me. I think the idea that I can play this role and I've been given the opportunity to play it in front of so many people at that place this time of my life is a really special thing. It's the first time I've been on stage in that way for a long time. So to do it with this role is awesome and I think an incredibly.

[Stephen Colbert]

Demanding part of Jesus in the rock opera. You know, you gotta have things. Maybe we know that.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, wow.

[Stephen Colbert]

I mean, you have not exactly hidden your light under a bushel you share with the world. Cause I love. See, I'm totally unqualified to do so. But I think Judas. This is a fantastic part. Like having on their minds. Unbelievable. Can you hear his version of. Do you know the song My mind is clearer now.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Alaska.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, I can see where we all soon will be if you strip away. Yeah, go ahead. Oh, my gosh.

[Elon Musk]

I love it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you remember.

[Cynthia Erivo]

What did I say? Do you remember the first time I sat with you and I sang to you?

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

This is my return.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you very much. Do you have a favorite. Do you have a favorite song?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Well, Gethsemane.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And obviously it's Mary Magdalene. Everything's all right.

[Stephen Colbert]

Everything's all right. Yeah, sure, sure, sure. Woman. You find ointment brand new, inexpensive. We could just do the whole thing right now. Yes. Anyway, I'm so excited.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I'm so excited.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you have to be the Hollywood bowl or people be able to see it? Will there be a recording of it or anything like that?

[Cynthia Erivo]

I don't know if there'll be a recording of it, but now you've said it. There might be a recording.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, let's get a recording of it.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Force them to do that.

[Stephen Colbert]

We have to take a quick break. But we're right back with more. We're back with a woman who's releasing the new album. I forgive you. It's Cynthia Erivo. You just.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Let me get this.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let me get this right here. You just played. This is a real challenge. You played quintuplets.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I did.

[Stephen Colbert]

In the show Poker Face.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

And you are about to. You're about to tackle 23 roles. Let me see if I get this right. 23 roles in a one woman theatrical production. Of Dracula.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's right.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Are you on the West End in London next year? How are you gonna bite your own neck? How do you do that?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Kind of, in a way. Yes, yes. There's a lot of mechanics that go into it. There's this wonderful production called Picture of Dorian Gray on right now with Sarah Snookley. That's right. And it's the same production company and the same director, Kip Williams, who is gonna be doing this with me or letting me do it with them. And so it will use a lot of on camera elements. So I technically will be biting my own neck.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, excellent.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

When you're. You can keep those nails.

[State Farm Advertiser]

I can keep those nails.

[Stephen Colbert]

When you're playing multiple characters, like when you're playing these quintuplets here. Okay. How do you. How do you maintain the specificity of that character in your head as you're sort of. As you're recording if you're changing from character?

[Cynthia Erivo]

I kind of use sense memory. I have a scent for each of the characters.

[Stephen Colbert]

Like a.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes, like a perfume. Like a scent. So one of the characters, Delia, was an apple picker. So I found a perfume that. It's interesting. She was an apple picker and she was a recovering alcoholic. And I found a perfume. I don't know how. With cognac and apple together.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, wow.

[Cynthia Erivo]

So that was her perfume. That was the scent. And then Cece was French and sort of unbothered by everything, and she sort. I wanted something that had a little heaviness in it, so I found an oud for her. And then Bebe was sort of like in the clouds and kind of airy and kind of silly, and I wanted something sweeter for her. So I found. I find each scent for each person, so when I have it on, it sort of reminds me who they are. And that's sort of how I sort of find the way into each of these characters.

[Stephen Colbert]

You smell good right now. Thank you. I don't know what character you're in now.

[Cynthia Erivo]

This is me. This is you. Very me. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you sing, dare I ask, do you sing in Dracula?

[Cynthia Erivo]

I do. I have one song in it. Yeah. I don't think I'm ever going to sing.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is it Dracula who sings surprises? All right. There you go.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I didn't know if I was allowed to say or not.

[Stephen Colbert]

I don't know. I can't let you go without asking about. Wicked. Here we go. Here we go. There's already a lot of excitement. I know. This is the last image. This Here, this is the last image of the new trailer that dropped last night. And everybody in the building walked by their offices. They're all listening to it and crying. And it was enormous. An enormous hit right out of the gate. Part one, last November. And this is. What's this one? The second one called For Good. For Good. Wicked. For Good. Has your life changed because of this over the past year?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Exponentially, yes, very much so. I think. I think in all ways, really. I think I grew up a lot over this course of sort of two, three years from the filming to it being released. And in a way, I'm sort of still in the middle of it because we still have another film to come out and share with people. But this sort of new amount of eyes on a person is a new thing to experience. So I'm trying to make sure that my feet stay on the ground and I'm still present for all the things that I'm in, you know, holding space for that. Holding space for that. Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now, I'll tell you what we're holding space for. We're all holding space for this. You released a new studio album tomorrow.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Called I Forgive youe.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Who are you forgiving?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Everyone really is forgiving. I know it sounds crazy.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

But it's. Yeah. I wrote an album that was. It's really personal. And I sort of looked back on the. The story I was trying to tell, and I realized that we're not very good as people at forgiving ourselves or other people. So it was really sort of a journey to forgiving myself for some of the things that I've been through or have done and forgiving other people who've done things to me and sort of letting some of those things go.

[Stephen Colbert]

And you wrote all of this?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah, I co wrote every song on that.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, that's nice. And what are you gonna be doing for us later?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Best for me.

[Stephen Colbert]

Best for me.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Cynthia, it's so lovely to see you. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you for listening to the Late Show POD show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.

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[Stephen Colbert]

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[Stephen Colbert]

She wants to find more young women for him to kill.

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[Stephen Colbert]

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