What's it like coaching the Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey? Vocal trainer reveals insights on the 'Wicked' star

Jonathan Bailey's onscreen magnetism in Wicked didn't require coaching, but his voice behind his most intimate musical moments says the appeal was never the point. Eric Vetro, the veteran vocal coach behind Bailey's work as Fiyero, says the actor's charisma was simply a byproduct of deeper craft.

In an exclusive interview with People, the vocal coach — who also worked with Ariana Grande — shared insights about coaching the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive.

Speaking of Jonathan Bailey's steamy scene and As Long as You’re Mine duet with Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Eric Vetro said that Bailey's appeal came out effortlessly.

"I don't think he has to work at all to play up the sex appeal because he is the Sexiest Man Alive. But the thing is, I hate even saying that because he's so much more than just an incredibly sexy man. He's so talented, so gifted, so thoughtful, so smart and so funny."

Vetro has worked with Bailey for his character in both Wicked and Wicked: For Good. In his chat with the outlet, the coach commended the actor's work ethic.

"He's so humble, so he doesn't enter the lesson like, 'I'm a really good singer. I've got a great voice.' He doesn't do any of that."

Vetro continued:

"He's always very, very open about wanting to learn good technique. He wants to know it so well that then the character can come through and he doesn't have to think about the technique when he's actually performing. He always encouraged me, 'Give me something harder, give me something more difficult.'"

How did Eric Vetro react when Jonathan Bailey was announced as the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive?

When asked how he reacted when Jonathan Bailey was announced as this year's Sexiest Man Alive, Eric Vetro shared that it didn't even come as a shocker.

"It was this combination of complete excitement and surprise. But then the other side of me was like, 'Well, not surprised at all.' When you think about it, he is. I can see where they immediately thought of him as being the Sexiest Man Alive."

Eric Vetro also admitted to poking fun at the Bridgerton star following the announcement by sending him a voice memo to humble him, saying:

"'I hope you don't think I'm being little Mr. Me Too, but I was in L.A. Magazine's 25 Men of L.A. issue.' I was like, 'I'm not saying Sexist Man Alive, but…'"

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Nonetheless, the vocal coach expressed how proud he is of Jonathan Bailey, further praising his charms and personality.

"I'm so happy for him because his response to it was exactly what I thought. I knew he would be respectful of it and feel honored by it, but also just think it was hilarious because he doesn't think of himself like that. And that's what makes it so effortless. He is effortlessly sexy and effortlessly charming."

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