Ariana Grande Sparks Debate Over “Popular” Lyrics in Upcoming “Wicked” Film
Ariana Grande stars as Glinda in the film adaptation of the musical “Wicked.” Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba, the other witch. They have been promoting their new movie.
The film’s social media accounts shared a lyric video of Grande singing “Popular.” The lyrics say, “I’ll teach you the proper poise when you talk to boys,” but Grande pointed out a mistake. She commented, “It’s ‘ploys’ !!!!!! I love you @wickedmovie.”
This comment sparked discussion among fans about the correct lyrics. One fan mentioned they had sung the wrong lyrics for over 20 years. “Some places say ‘poise’ and some say ‘ploys,’ but apparently, the original CD booklet says ‘ploys?'” they tweeted.
How has Ariana Grande’s casting as Glinda influenced the musical theatre community’s perspective on the character?
Interview with Musical Expert Dr. Emily Thompson on Ariana Grande’s Role in “Wicked” and the Lyric Controversy
NewsDirectory3: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Thompson, a noted musical theatre scholar and professor at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. With the highly anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked” featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo generating buzz, we delve into the recent lyrics controversy and its significance in musical theatre culture. Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us!
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for being here, Dr. Thompson! Let’s dive right in. Ariana Grande recently pointed out a potential lyric misinterpretation in the song “Popular.” Can you give us some context about why this is such a significant discussion within the musical theatre community?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Absolutely! The conversation around the lyrics of “Popular” is not just about a single misheard word; it reflects the intricacies of musical interpretation and audience reception. This song, performed by Glinda, embodies themes of social manipulation and charm, and the word choice is critical in conveying those themes. Grande’s observation highlights how even small details can lead to larger discussions about character perception and intention.
NewsDirectory3: Many fans have been confused about the lyrics, noting discrepancies over the years. What do you think this says about how audiences engage with musical theatre?
Dr. Emily Thompson: It speaks volumes about the deep emotional connections fans have with the material. Misheard lyrics are a common phenomenon in music across genres, and they often create personal narratives for listeners. In “Wicked,” the song has been a key element of Glinda’s character, and misinterpretations can skew that character’s portrayal in the minds of audiences. It’s a reminder that while lyrics are fixed in written form, their meanings can evolve based on public perception.
NewsDirectory3: Two actresses who played Glinda on stage, Jennafer Newberry Peery and Ginna Claire Mason, sided with Grande’s view. How do you see the community of musical theatre actors reacting to these discussions?
Dr. Emily Thompson: The support from other actors reinforces a collaborative spirit in musical theatre. Actors in this realm often see themselves as ambassadors for their characters and stories, and sharing opinions on social media amplifies those discussions. This collective voice not only validates popular interpretations but also strengthens the community through shared experiences—both on and off the stage.
NewsDirectory3: With the upcoming film release on November 22, how do you think these discussions will impact audience anticipation and reception?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Discussions like these can significantly boost audience engagement. People love to feel involved in the storytelling process, and word-of-mouth exchanges about lyrics or interpretations can spur interest and discussions leading up to the film’s release. The buzz created by Grande’s remark may prompt viewers to revisit the soundtrack, immerse themselves in the original musical more deeply, and even speculate on how the film will portray these pivotal moments.
NewsDirectory3: In your opinion, what makes Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda particularly exciting for fans of the musical?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Grande brings a fresh perspective to the role, blending her pop star charisma with a nuanced understanding of Glinda’s complexities. Her ability to resonate with a broad audience, combined with her vocal talent and stage presence, will likely bridge the gap between different generations of fans. This could introduce a new wave of interest in the original musical while satisfying long-time fans who appreciate her interpretation.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights with us today! It’s clear that the discussion around “Wicked” continues to be as rich and vibrant as its characters. We look forward to seeing how the film adds to this engaging legacy.
Dr. Emily Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited for the release and can’t wait to see how it all unfolds on the big screen.
Two actresses, Jennafer Newberry Peery and Ginna Claire Mason, who have both played Glinda on stage, agreed with Grande. Peery wrote, “Just another Glinda here to say…. proper ploys,” while Mason commented, “The text says poise, but it’s proper ploys.”
“Wicked” will be released in theaters on November 22.