According to Variety, Amanda Seyfried's viral cover of Joni Mitchell's 'California' on The Tonight Show wasn't coincidence—the actor had been preparing to portray the legendary singer in a biopic that has since been canceled. During the pandemic, Seyfried learned to play Mitchell's 'Blue' album on dulcimer, piano, and guitar, and even spent time with Mitchell over a steak dinner. Though the film never materialized, her preparation proved valuable when her cover went viral, demonstrating that dedicated artistic work can find an audience in unexpected ways.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton