In her tranquil backyard, Idina Menzel gazes through an intricate wrought-iron gate, her head bobbing to an infectious beat as she playfully lip-syncs, “Got a beast inside, and I’m waking it up.” Striding down the street, clad in skinny jeans, she pours her heart into expressive hand movements, dancing spontaneously.
On another day, she bounces on a trampoline and descends rickety stairs, sporting a cropped T-shirt that humorously declares: “Get in loser, we’re going to book club.
These captivating scenes form part of the unexpected TikTok escapades by the singer, accompanying her latest dance pop album, “Drama Queen,” set to release on August 18.
A departure from her usual style, this disco-infused subgenre marries nightclub energy with radio-friendly hooks. Idina has embraced a bolder online presence to match her fresh musical direction.
Although a TikTok user since 2019, Menzel initially approached social media cautiously. It wasn’t until this summer that she ramped up her content output. You may also check 12 Mind-Blowing Facts About Pallas’s Cats.
Speaking from New York’s Fire Island via Zoom, she shares her perspective: “I’ve been aiming to have fun with it. To step away from my thoughts, embrace my new music, and showcase my whimsical side.”
Compared to the trendy standards of Gen Z’s social media, Menzel’s viral endeavors might not be considered “cool.” Yet, this unexpected transformation from the Tony-winning star renowned for her roles in “Wicked” and as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen” series is a refreshing and unpredictable reinvention.
Her fans are wholeheartedly embracing it. Talia Buksbazen, a 23-year-old student at Carnegie Mellon University, was inspired by Menzel’s TikTok to recreate her “Beast” street dance in her dorm room.
Buksbazen notes that her peers mostly recognize Menzel from “Frozen” and might not fully grasp her iconic status, making her dance pop and TikToks even more alluring. You should also read Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Joins Broadway’s The Outsiders Production.
In the 1980s, Menzel’s ambition was securing a record deal during her early days of performing at weddings and bar mitzvahs in Long Island, not landing Broadway roles.
However, her mezzo-soprano prowess led her to prominence in “Rent” and “Wicked,” later becoming synonymous with the nine-times platinum hit “Let It Go” from “Frozen.”
Although she has released various albums, spanning pop, Christmas compilations, and even a 1998 indie rock project, her Broadway and Disney performances have largely overshadowed her music career.
A dream still unrealized involves producing an “Evanescence-type album with a wall of guitars,” despite her apprehensions about the potential reaction. With “Drama Queen,” Menzel aims to shatter expectations and break free from preconceived notions.
“For me, it began as a joke, but I found myself genuinely obsessed with the song,” admits Pellegrino, reflecting on her unexpected affinity for Menzel’s music. Similarly, Grace Semler Baldridge, a queer alt-Christian singer-songwriter known as Semler, highlights Menzel’s ability to create delightfully “unhinged” videos.
Unlike celebrities who adopt curated and mysterious personas, Menzel’s approach thrives on TikTok’s authenticity. Semler emphasizes that Menzel’s deviation from the music industry’s norms is empowering and predicts that her current era will be her most triumphant.
While some social media commentary likens Menzel’s new music to background tunes at retail stores, the comparison is not necessarily negative. These infectious beats can be a comfort during tough moments – who hasn’t sought solace inside a dressing room and craved a song like “Beast” to uplift their spirits.
Despite the positive reception, Menzel is candid about reading comments, which occasionally dampen her spirits. She acknowledges the challenge of being seen as a role model for female empowerment due to her iconic roles, even if she doesn’t consistently feel empowered in her personal life.
In essence, “Drama Queen” represents Menzel’s endeavor to reclaim her own voice – one that resonates beyond her powerful singing ability. It’s a reminder, both for her and her audience, that there’s a distinction between a robust singing voice and an authentic, internal voice that deserves to be heard.
Originally from Austin, Texas, I graduated from the University of Texas with an English degree and minors in philosophy and history. Currently, I’m a content writer at Venturejolt.com, engaging in writing, research, and critical thinking.
Having traveled extensively, I’ve gained an open mind, receptive to diverse perspectives. My interests encompass mountain climbing, Faulkner’s works, and a strong affection for tortillas.
