Michelle Yeoh tells Jimmy Fallon her experience of working with 'angels' Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: In a recent conversation with Jimmy Fallon, actress Michelle Yeoh shared unexpected insights into her latest project, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical 'Wicked'.

As Fallon delved into the topic, he expressed astonishment at Yeoh's ability to not only act and perform action sequences but also sing, a talent many may not have known she possessed.

Michelle Yeoh's musical journey

When asked about the progress of filming, Yeoh revealed, "I just wrapped last week in London." Fallon, clearly intrigued, complimented her diverse skill set, saying, "I know you can act, I know you can do action, all this stuff, but I didn't know you could sing."

Laughing, Yeoh candidly admitted, "Neither did I."

The unexpected turn of events began when director Jon Chu approached Yeoh for the role. Recalling the moment, Yeoh shared, "When he called me, he says, 'I really wanted you to do this for me, with me. And, you know, read the script.' And I'm like, 'Jon, for you?'"

The actress, who previously collaborated with Chu on 'Crazy Rich Asians', praised the director, emphasizing his brilliance.

"For you? Yes! Send me the script," Yeoh exclaimed. However, upon reading the script, she discovered a surprising twist.

"Jon, you realize she sings, right?" she informed Chu, to which he responded with a nonchalant "Uh-huh." Unfazed, Yeoh joked, "Yeah, and I don't sing."

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's persuasiveness swayed Yeoh

Yeoh's reluctance to take on a singing role was evident when she recalled the next day's unexpected video message. "Then, the next day, I get this video, and I look at it, and it's like, 'Hi, Michelle. I just have two people here who really want to talk to you and tell you why you should be here.' And it was Ariana and Cynthia."

Describing the persuasive tactics employed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Yeoh mentioned, "She's like, 'It's imperative that you come and join us.  'Imperative' was the royal word."

The actress couldn't help but acknowledge the impact of their plea, praising both Grande and Erivo as amazing talents.

"Cynthia and Ariana are like angels. When you walk on and you hear them sing, it's like you've gone to heaven," she marveled.

Fallon joked, "I feel like that's extra pressure to walk on set." Yeoh confidently dismissed the notion, saying, "Oh, no. Hell no."