First introduced inThe Wizard of OzasGlinda the Good, the Glinda inWickedis self-obsessed, driven, and uniquely intelligent.
“Popular” is the ideal example.
“Popular” is a great moment inWickedfor a number of reasons.
First and foremost, it is pure fun.
Grande puts her heart and soul into portraying the bubbly and silly Glinda.
Her singing is spot-on, and her dancing is surprisingly gleeful.
Image via Universal Pictures
However, “Popular” is more than just entertainment.
“Popular” is Glinda’s way of showing Elphaba who she really is.
Her persona is not just effortless beauty, but strategic and thought-out performance.
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
There is no deeper meaning to “Popular” in terms of the words Glinda is singing.
In fact, it seems that the entire song is almost like a confession.
Glinda is finally revealing to Elphaba how she is so successful among their classmates.
It is not just natural charm, but calculated hair flips and strong conversation starters.
Elphaba does not fit in among Ozians because she cannot hide her skin color or her true self.
On the other hand,Glinda is extremely popular in Oz because she is so curated and false.
In some ways,“Popular” serves as an unexpected warning.
