In the musical film, EvilAriana Grande's Glinda sings often, but the song that really defines her and gives the audience insight into her character is “Popular.” First introduced in The Wizard of Oz like Glinda the Good, Glinda in Evil is self-obsessed, driven, and exceptionally intelligent. Although she initially intimidates her new roommate, Elphaba, the two women learn to love each other despite their differences. More than that, Glinda tries to teach Elphaba how to be liked at school (and in the world) where everyone seems to be against Elphaba all the time.
Despite the fact that Evil seems to focus more heavily on Elphaba's story of magic and power, Glinda plays an extremely important role. She not only represents The Wizard of Oz characters the audience knows and loves, but she subverts expectations just as much as Elphaba. Contrary to his nickname, Glinda is not always good and it takes a lot of learning for her to become a better person. In this way, Glinda's character development is just as interesting as Elphaba's, but with a bright pink twist. “Popular” is the ideal example.
Glinda sings “Popular” after she and Elphaba become friends in the first Wicked film
Why Popular is a turning point in Wicked
The song “Popular” occurs halfway through Evil, when Glinda and Elphaba finally become friends. At the Ozdust Ballroom, Elphaba is mocked for her outfit and dancing, but in a surprising moment of solidarity, Glinda decides to join her. As a result, the other Shiz students begin to accept Elphaba. After this moving scene, Glinda and Elphaba return to their room and, hesitantly, begin to build a true friendship. telling each other secrets. The next morning, Glinda undertakes to improve Elphaba's position in Shiz, and “Popular” shows this process.
“Popular” is a big moment in Evil for a number of reasons. First of all, it's pure fun. Grande puts her heart and soul into portraying the cheerful and silly Glinda. Her singing is perfect and her dancing is surprisingly joyful. However, “Popular” is more than just entertainment. This song signals a major shift in Evil. Glinda and Elphaba are no longer enemies and, more than that, they allow themselves to open up to each other. “Popular” is Glinda’s way of showing Elphaba who she really is. Her persona is not just natural beauty, but strategic, well-thought-out performance.
“Popular” Song Lyrics Explained
What Glinda is really saying on Popular Whenever I see someone less fortunate than me And let's face it, who isn't? My tender heart tends to start bleeding And when someone needs a makeover I simply have to assume I know, I know just what they need Although it's the hardest case I've ever faced Don't worry, I'm determined to succeed I will teach you the proper strategies when you talk to guys Little ways to flirt and flutter, oh I'll show you what shoes to wear, how to do your hair All that really matters is You will socialize with the right people, be good at sports Know the slang you need to know So let's get started, 'cause you've got a long way to go Don't be offended by my frank analysis Think of it as personality dialysis Now that I have chosen to become a friend, sister and advisor Popular, I know about popular And with my help to be who you will be Instead of dreaming who you were, well, you are There's nothing that can stop you To become popular ('lar) We'll make it popular When I see depressing creatures With unattractive features I remind you, on your own behalf, to think about Famous heads of state Or especially great communicators Did they have brains or knowledge? They were (popular), right It's not about aptitude, it's about how you are perceived So it's very cunning to be Very, very popular like me You'll grin and bear it Your newfound popularity (ah) Just not as popular as me
The main point Glinda makes in “Popular” is that being liked is a true strength. With a heavy dose of sass, Glinda points out that Elphaba has struggled to fit in with Shiz, then explains all the ways someone can become popular: through appearance, flirting, conversation, and even physical activity. Glinda emphasizes that she will now be Elphaba's truest friendand give her that much needed makeover. She goes as far as to say that the most respected people in the world, people Elphaba admires, have survived because of their popularity.
There is no deeper meaning to “Popular” in terms of the words Glinda is singing. In fact, it seems like the entire song is almost a confession. Glinda is finally revealing to Elphaba how she is so popular among her classmates. It's not just natural charm, but calculated hair movements and a strong conversation starter. At the end of the song, Glinda even gets a little wistful, acknowledging that Elphaba probably won't appreciate all this work. as she expects. However, in the end, Glinda returns to her arrogant ways, claiming that Elphaba will never be as popular as her.
What “Popular” Music Really Means in Wicked
How “Popular” Sets Up Wicked’s Finale
In terms of Evil“Popular” acts as a symbol of Oz in general. Elphaba doesn't fit in among the Ozians because she can't hide the color of her skin or her true self. On the other hand, Glinda is extremely popular in Oz because she is very cured and fake. In this way, “Popular” shows that Oz is full of lies and deceit, where people are more likely to put on a brave face than expose their true feelings and fears. This fact is extremely important to know as the story continues because it dictates the decisions each character makes.
In a way, “Popular” serves as an unexpected warning. Although neither Elphaba nor Glinda know it at the time, they will both become popular in very different ways. Elphaba will become the Wicked Witch of the West, while Glinda will become Glinda the Good. Thus, they met the standards that Glinda sets in “Popular,” but in completely opposite ways. It turns out that Evil proves the last line of the song to be true: Elphaba never became as popular (at least in a positive sense) as Glinda.