Ariana Grande is revealing the backstory behind the scrapped hip-hop version of “Popular,” which composer Stephen Schwartz initially planned for Jon M. Chu’s Wicked film adaptations, until Grande voiced her concerns about the idea.
In a cover story interview with Variety published on January 2, she reflected on her first experience hearing the original rehearsal track for Glinda’s iconic song at the start of production in London. Grande confessed that she wasn’t fully on board with the musical arrangement, especially the incorporation of hip-hop drums.
“I called Jon right away, feeling quite nervous and shaky. I asked him, ‘Is there a way we can come to a compromise on this?’”
“And naturally, everyone was on the same page,” she added. “That’s the beauty of working with a team that truly cherishes and respects one another; it allows for open communication where honest opinions can be freely exchanged without reservation.”
This interview occurs more than a month after Stephen Schwartz, who composed the music for the original Wicked Broadway production over twenty years ago before moving on to the film adaptations, revealed that Ariana Grande had turned down his suggestion for a hip-hop version of “Popular.” Schwartz had proposed this idea as part of his efforts to introduce new concepts to the film adaptation.
He explained to The Los Angeles Times, “I had the thought, ‘Let’s give the rhythm a fresh twist. Maybe we could incorporate some hip-hop elements.'”
But Ariana firmly responded, “Absolutely not, please don’t go down that path. I want to embody Glinda, not have Ariana Grande playing Glinda.”
In a recent cover story, Grande clarified that the abandoned concept wasn’t meant to make “Popular” sound like a track from her own chart-topping albums. Instead, it was intended to update the song for modern audiences. Still, the singer, known for her hit “Yes, And?,” felt the need to respectfully and firmly decline the idea, saying, “Absolutely not!” with warmth and respect.
“From the character’s perspective, Galinda Upland doesn’t have any kind of vibrant energy,” she explained to Variety. “She’s as plain as can be.”
Although “Popular” didn’t undergo the proposed hip-hop transformation, the song was still revised. Audiences who watched the film after its November 22 release or listened to its soundtrack—which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard 200—noticed the upbeat anthem had been extended with a new ending.
This alternative conclusion features three key changes and culminates in a dramatic operatic note by Grande, adding an emotional finish to the track.
“I created a new vocal conclusion for the piece,” Schwartz told The Los Angeles Times about the changes made in November.
“Ariana was initially somewhat uncertain about it, but I explained that had I envisioned this for the original production, it would have turned out this way. Once she understood that this fresh musical element was consistent with the character, she became fully supportive of the idea.”
