 She cited the role of Elphaba as the "most challenging [that she had] ever undertaken" stating that it was "a massive journey" to go on at every performance and admits that "Wicked" "changed [her] life" in terms of boosting her recognition within the entertainment industry.Ellis also represented the musical at the annual "Royal Variety Performance" in 2008 where she performed her rock version of the "Wicked" song "Defying Gravity" alongside Brian May on guitar at the London Palladium.Following her departure from "Wicked", she recorded material with Brian May for her debut album and performed at various live events including her first set of solo musical showcase concerts entitled Kerry Ellis Sings the Great British Songbook at the Shaw Theatre on Euston Road in London.