The composer of the new film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ has revealed that one of his most memorable scenes from the film could have been interpreted completely differently, without the objection of Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda.
Adapted from the Broadway musical, “Wicked” underwent some changes for its time on the big screen, particularly when it came to the songs. However, Ariana Grande flatly refused a hip-hop version of the famous song “Popular”, originally performed by Kristin Chenoweth, the lead Glinda in the 2003 Broadway production.
Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist for the original show, told the Los Angeles Times: “In the spirit of being open to new things for the film, my musical team and I thought we needed to freshen up the rhythm. Maybe, I don’t know, add a little hip-hop to it.” However, Ariana Grande quickly dismissed the idea, saying: “Absolutely not, don’t do it. I want to be Glinda, not Ariana Grande playing Glinda.
A subtle change
In the title, the character Glinda teaches the clumsy and misunderstood Elphaba the tricks to becoming popular and fitting in. So, although the musician was adamant about the integrity of the song, Stephen Schwartz still modified its ending by introducing three key changes, allowing Glinda’s character to reach an impressive operatic note. “I had this idea for a new vocal ending. Ariana was reluctant at first, but once I explained to her that I would have liked to include this in the original version of the show, she felt reassured and agreed,” he explained.
“Popular” was notably sampled by singer Mika for his song “Popular Song”, in collaboration with Ariana Grande, in their respective albums “The Origin of Love” (2012) and “Yours Truly” (2013).
