Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Cynthia Erivo Reveals Synesthesia: Seeing Colors with Music
Synesthesia is a special condition where one sense triggers another.
For example, some people see colors when they hear music.
Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo has this condition and sees colors when she listens to music.
She shared this during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Other famous artists like Billie Eilish and Pharrell Williams also have synesthesia.
It's not a disease but a unique way the brain processes senses.
There are different types of synesthesia, and it can be present from birth or develop later.
Scientists are still studying why it happens.
Cynthia Erivo revealed she has synesthesia, seeing colors with music during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Synesthesia is a condition where one sense triggers another, such as seeing colors with music or tasting flavors when reading words.
It is not considered a disorder but a unique sensory experience, affecting around 1-4% of the global population.
There are multiple types of synesthesia, including developmental, acquired, and drug-induced forms.
Famous artists like Billie Eilish, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West also experience synesthesia.
- Who
- Cynthia Erivo, Billie Eilish, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and others with synesthesia
- What
- Synesthesia, a condition where senses overlap, such as seeing colors with music
- When
- Synesthesia can be present from birth or acquired later in life
- Where
- Global, affecting around 1-4% of the population
- Why
- The exact cause is unclear, but it is not considered a disorder
- Condition
- Synesthesia
- Description
- Sensory crossover where one sense triggers another
- Prevalence
- 1-4% of the global population
- Types
- Developmental, Acquired, Drug-induced
- Famous Examples
- Cynthia Erivo, Billie Eilish, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, Kanye West
- Common Experience
- Seeing colors with music
- Medical Status
- Not a disorder, but a unique sensory experience