Why Ariana Grande Refused to Change This Song in ‘Wicked’

A Wicked fan favorite almost received a modern upgrade for the movie adaptation.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times published on Monday, November 25, Stephen Schwartz, who composed the music for the stage and film versions of the musical, revealed that he considered changing the song “Popular.” However, Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda the Good in the film adaptation, insisted that the original composition not be touched.

“In the spirit of being open to new things for the movie, my music team and I thought, ‘Let’s refresh the rhythm. Let’s, maybe, I don’t know, hip-hop it up a little bit,’” Schwartz said. “Ariana said, ‘Absolutely not, don’t do it. I want to be Glinda, not Ariana Grande playing Glinda.’”

In this particular number, Glinda makes an attempt to help Elphaba — who is played by Cynthia Erivo in the movie — tap into her confidence and learn proper etiquette as she navigates Shiz University.

Schwartz previously spoke with Time, also noting that Grande was hesitant to make changes to the songs. In the movie, “Popular” has an extended ending, which Schwartz said took some convincing to get Grande to perform. However, he insisted that this little addition was something he believed Glinda would do.

“[Grande] does little inventive things within it, but I think they are strongly character-based,” Schwartz said. “That was something she was very insistent on.”

It’s worth noting that a hip-hop song called “Popular Song” inspired by Wicked’s “Popular” appears on singer Mika’s 2012 album, The Origin of Love and features the Lebanese-French singer rapping alongside Muni Long (who was then performing under the moniker Priscilla Renea). A remixed version of “Popular Song” appears on Grande’s 2013 debut album Yours Truly.

And soon, fans can look forward to putting their own spin on the Wicked soundtrack, as select theaters will offer sing-along showings of the movie musical on Christmas Day.

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