Seyfried Says Viral Performance Tied to Shelved Joni Biopic

Actress Amanda Seyfried has revealed that her viral 2025 musical performance was the result of intensive preparation for a Joni Mitchell biopic that was ultimately shelved. In a new interview, Seyfried detailed the years-long project that saw her learn Mitchell's entire "Blue" album and spend an intimate evening with the folk legend herself.

The project was a film focusing on Mitchell and her longtime manager, Elliot Roberts. Seyfried was attached to star and began preparations just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which included meeting both Roberts before his 2019 death and Mitchell at the singer's Los Angeles home. Seyfried recalled sitting on the floor, petting Mitchell's dogs as the icon shared stories. The visit included a steak dinner and listening to Mitchell's seminal 1971 album "Blue" together. Mitchell reportedly remarked on the album's sparse production, to which Seyfried responded that it was perfect.

During the pandemic lockdowns, Seyfried dedicated herself to learning every song on "Blue," playing them across the dulcimer, piano, and guitar. She described the effort as a monumental challenge. The day she finished learning the final track, "The Last Time I Saw...