After placing in the Top 10 of the Universal Pictures Awiting Wicked contest, Sophia Mercado of KAIA and Chill Paloma of FINA walked away with something even more meaningful than a win. Even though they did not secure the chance to be officially featured by the franchise, both artists felt their connection to the song was unfinished. That shared spark led them to create a PAP Live performance of “For Good”, filmed at the soon to open new studio by PROD AXIA called STUDIO AXIA.
A Collaboration Born from Love for Wicked
The idea came naturally. Sophia shared, “A mutual friend suggested it because she knows we both love Wicked. We hopped onto the idea right away because we are really fans of the movie and the artists in it.” Chill echoed the sentiment, saying, “The vibe with Sophia just made sense. It felt really exciting to bring this song to life together.”
When they learned they would be performing the full duet, Sophia said, “We were very excited because even the short snippet we did before was already so much fun. We always wanted to make a full cover.” Chill added, “To perform one of the greatest songs ever with a friend is something you do not want to miss.”
Stepping Into Glinda and Elphaba
For Sophia, tapping into Glinda meant accessing a softer part of herself. “Channeling her vulnerable side felt very personal,” she said. “I was not just telling her story, but also tapping into one of my dream roles.”
Chill approached Elphaba with her own emotional compass. “There is something unforgettable about breathing life into a character who is misunderstood yet strong. It reminded me of why I love theater.”
A Blend of Voices and Friendship
Despite their different vocal styles, their harmonies came together almost instantly. Sophia explained, “It was surprising how naturally our voices matched. With just a bit of rehearsal we clicked. Listening to each other helped us become better singers for each other.”
Chill shared, “Working with Sophia made everything easy. We understood each other musically and personally.”
Both artists are deeply connected to the message of “For Good”. Sophia said, “This song always makes me emotional. Every person we meet leaves something in us, even when we do not realize it.” Chill shared, “It is about closure, growth, and valuing the connections that shape us.”
A Comfortable Creative Space
The day of the shoot felt natural for both artists. Sophia shared, “Being in a space where everything was prepared made it easier to focus on my performance. I was grateful to be surrounded by a team that supported what I needed.”
Chill added, “The shoot felt warm, familiar, and very collaborative. It was like hanging out with friends while creating something meaningful.”
Their favorite moments extended beyond the set itself. “Our dressing room conversations were so memorable,” Sophia said. “It felt like bonding as much as working.” Chill echoed, “It really felt like home. That energy made the performance even more heartfelt.”
A Collaboration Filled With Heart
Their PAP Live performance is more than a cover. It is a celebration of Wicked, friendship, and artistic growth. It is a reflection of what happens when artists show trust, vulnerability, and love for the craft.
Sophia described the collaboration as “Wholesome.” Chill called it “Unforgettable.”
Their hope is simple. “We want people to feel touched,” Sophia said. “We hope they feel the importance of friendship.” Chill added, “We want them to feel all the emotion we poured into the song.”
With sincerity, talent, and genuine connection at the center, their rendition of “For Good” stands as a heartfelt tribute to the relationships that change us.
