On a memorable evening in 2013 at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Kristin Chenoweth, the famous Broadway actress and singer known for her unmatched vocal prowess and her portrayal of Glinda in the musical “Wicked,” decided to perform the duet “For Good.” Although she typically refrains from performing this song at her shows, her heartfelt desire to sing it that night led to an unexpected and life-altering moment for a woman named Sarah Horn. Randomly chosen from the audience to join Chenoweth on stage, Horn’s incredible performance would soon make her a viral sensation.
Horn approached the stage seemingly unprepared, yet she possessed an extraordinary familiarity and command over the song, dazzling the audience with her flawless harmonies. As they sang together, Chenoweth was taken aback, exclaiming in a moment of genuine surprise, “Holy crap!” This spontaneous collaboration thrilled the audience, resulting in cheers of excitement and admiration. Horn’s ability to seamlessly blend her voice with Chenoweth’s left a lasting impression, and as she exited the stage, she was welcomed backstage by none other than Darren Criss, star of “Glee,” who chanted her name in celebration of the unforgettable moment.
Reflecting on the event years later during an interview with CNN, Horn revealed the emotional impact that performance had on both her and the audience. “Even today, more than a decade later, I still have people that are saying they’re re-watching the video, and it’s bringing tears to their eyes,” Horn expressed. The song “For Good,” a poignant piece from “Wicked,” encapsulates profound themes of friendship, growth, and change, resonating deeply with listeners since the musical’s debut in 2003. Horn’s experience of singing this song live is a testament to the transformative power of music.
Before the fateful night at the Hollywood Bowl, Horn was chiefly known as a voice teacher at California Baptist University and a performer in small theater productions. However, being part of such a prominent event rapidly altered her career trajectory. Opportunities flowed in; she began receiving invitations for roles in stage productions without the need for auditions and found herself performing across the United States and internationally. Eventually, her travels expanded from the stages of local theaters to diverse venues in countries like China.
During her time in North Carolina in 2017, Horn’s voice caught the attention of Branch Fields, an accomplished opera singer, who encouraged her to explore the world of opera. Under Fields’ guidance, Horn was introduced to Milena Kitic, a celebrated mezzo-soprano and voice coach in Los Angeles. Kitic played a pivotal role in honing Horn’s talents, leading her to significant artistic opportunities. By 2018, Horn participated in a young artist program in Italy with the Orange County Ars Vocalis Academy, which propelled her career further.
In a serendipitous twist of fate, during her time in Italy, Horn met Dr. Raffaele Cipriano, the conductor of the opera “Così fan tutte,” where she performed as the lead soprano. Their connection blossomed into romance, leading to their engagement and subsequent marriage in July 2023. Today, they reside in Kansas and are planning to see “Wicked” together, a full-circle moment for Horn, who has long cherished the musical.
Horn’s journey is a powerful reminder that dreams can manifest in unexpected ways. Having first seen “Wicked” on Broadway in 2004, she had dreamt of singing with Chenoweth. The opportunity to perform “For Good” not only fulfilled that dream but also provided her with a profound lesson. “It’s only when you’re tested that you see what you’re truly made out of,” Horn stated, emphasizing the importance of practice and preparation that allowed her to seize the moment when it arrived.
Today, while Horn may have transitioned into a life coach specializing in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, the essence of music continues to resonate within her. She recognizes that musical talents extend beyond the stage, and the joy of sharing one’s gifts is a remarkable privilege. As she puts it, “Music and the love of music is a driving force from within.” The legacy of that unforgettable performance alongside Kristin Chenoweth remains a pivotal chapter in her life story, illustrating the magical intersections of destiny and artistry.