Idina Menzel Reflects on Show Business Struggles and Success

NEW YORK — Idina Menzel, the Tony-nominated actress and singer, has opened up about the unpredictable nature of show business, describing it as a constant struggle with fleeting moments of success. The 53-year-old star, best known for her roles in ‘Rent,’ ‘Wicked,’ and as the voice of Elsa in Disney‘s ‘Frozen,’ shared her experiences during a recent interview on ‘CBS Sunday Morning.’

Menzel first gained recognition in the late 1990s for her role as Maureen in the Broadway production of ‘Rent,’ which earned her a Tony Award nomination. However, her subsequent attempt at a music career hit a snag when her debut album failed to sell, leading to her being dropped by her record label. “I got a record deal that I always wanted to get,” Menzel recalled. “I did, and that was a dream come true, but then I only sold like three albums. So then I got dropped from the label.”

Despite this setback, Menzel persevered and found renewed success with her role as Elphaba in the original Broadway production of ‘Wicked’ in 2003. Reflecting on her career, she emphasized the importance of embracing the moment. “It wasn’t until ‘Wicked’ that things really looked up again,” she said. “In our business, things ebb and flow. Those magical moments can be fleeting. It can be a struggle.”

Menzel’s fame reached new heights when she voiced Elsa in Disney’s ‘Frozen,’ a role that introduced her to a global audience. The film’s hit song, ‘Let It Go,’ became a cultural phenomenon, and Menzel continues to perform it in her concerts. “I get to sing it every time that I’m on stage,” she said. “People always ask if I get sick of a song like that. Maybe they think I’m lying, but I really don’t. For me, it’s one of those things that reminds me of how lucky I am.”

Menzel’s journey in the entertainment industry serves as a testament to resilience and adaptability. As she continues to navigate the highs and lows of show business, she remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way. “This idea of really trying to embrace the moment,” she said, “because in our business, things ebb and flow.”