Wicked's Best Songs

Key takeaways

• of evil
  The film adaptation made a big splash with critics and audiences, grossing $163m in its worldwide opening weekend.
• A stellar soundtrack led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande kept the audience humming with some of Wicked's best songs.
• Notable performances include Ariana Grande's lead “No One Morns the Wicked” and the powerful duet “Defying Gravity.”

Considering the huge success of evil stage show, there was much pressure for a silver-screen adaptation that not only alienated Broadway fans but also bucked the recent trend of underperforming musicals. West Side Story and Cats. Fortunately, director John M. Choo struck gold with a believable adaptation that proved to be a hit with critics and audiences right out of the gate.

evil It netted more than $163m worldwide in its opening weekend, the best opening for any Broadway adaptation. Critics have also praised the film, and there is a significant amount of Oscar buzz surrounding the production. Of course, the cornerstone of any musical success is a stellar soundtrack, in this case performed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the lead roles. Audiences will definitely be left with an earworm or two, no doubt The best songs on evil The day after the sighting.

Spoiler alert: Some plot details will be discussed.

10 A passionate man

Lead Performance: Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum makes an admirable effort but falls somewhat short of the exceptional vocal talent on display throughout the film. The audience doesn't spend much time with the wizard, therefore “a passionate man” Acts as an important behind-the-scenes look at your character. However, as is typical of wizards, most of what he says is untrue.

The song is brief and exists mainly to foreshadow the show-stopping finale, as the Wizard recounts Elphaba's ascension and infamously tells her that “everyone deserves a chance to fly.”

9 something bad

Starring: Peter Dinklage and Cynthia Erivo

“something bad” It's an exposition dump of sorts, and an easy way to provide the circumstances surrounding Oz to set the scene for what's to come. Dr. Delamond explains to his friend how animals are losing their voices, which serves as an important part of Elphaba's motivation to move forward.

The plight of the animals is not really revisited in any significant way after this scene. The story remains in the background, and Dr. Delamond himself is barely visible, which diminishes the significance of this somber performance.

8 A short day

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Idina Menzel, and Kristin Chenoweth

“One Short Day” Performed primarily by Glinda and Elphaba with a large ensemble support as they explore the Emerald City for the first time to see the Wizard. It's the final moments of hope and optimism in the story that things start to take a sour turn, and the tone captures the mood perfectly.

It also features extended cameos by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who portray the two central characters. of evil The original run in a fitting nod to Broadway legends. The scene includes a few other prominent cameos among its fun numbers, but they have little significance to the plot.

7 Dance through life

Main performances: Jonathan Bailey, Marisa Bode, and Ariana Grande

“Dancing Through Life” Rouge Playboy is Prince Fierro's real introduction. During school session, the students decide to blow off some steam by throwing a party in the Ozdust Ballroom thanks to the influence of the charismatic prince.

It is a fun cast number with some of the best choreography in the film. It's also the most intimate time the audience will have with Nessarose and is sure to be one of the choruses that will stick in the audience's head for the longest time after the credits roll.

6 I'm not that girl

Main performance: Cynthia Erivo

“I'm not that girl” There is more significance later in the story, which must be revealed within Wicked part 2. The song takes place after Elphaba and Fierro share a tender moment while rescuing a lion cub.

For a moment, Elphaba allows herself to believe that she can settle down and find normalcy with the dashing Prince, who is currently dating her best friend Glinda. “I'm not that girl” is then an alpha grounding himself in reality and reaffirming his place on the outskirts of society. The song is a sad reminder that, no matter how far he's come to this point, it's still not too far.

5 No one mourns the wicked

Main performance: Ariana Grande

The song is a fitting epic introduction, as the citizens of Oz watch with glee the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. “No one mourns the wicked” Featuring some tunes from “Defying Gravity” in the intro and then reintroducing it in the climactic finale as Elphaba's guard bays for blood, frames the movie beautifully.

Honestly after watching the rest of the story it has a lot of impact and the audience is familiar with Elphaba's arc. It's truly heartbreaking to see Glinda leading the celebratory chorus and acting as a grim reminder of how Elphaba can fail. Goodness knows evil will die alone.

4 What is this feeling?

Main performances: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

“What is this feeling?” An excellent and hilarious duet is performed with expert chemistry by the two leads. After some time to settle their living arrangements, Elphaba and Glinda express their insatiable distaste for each other.

As their friends rally to Glinda's overwhelming support, it reaffirms Elphaba's loneliness that she has felt her entire life. A high point in the film's choreography, “How does it feel?” Both satisfy as an intimate couple and a large cast number.

3 The wizard and me

Main performances: Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh

Having just survived an awkward brush with her friends, Elphaba is inspired by the acclaimed sorceress Madame Morrible. Filled with newfound faith, she rushes to confess her heart's greatest desire: to be accepted. This is the happiest moment of the film for Elphaba, as the shackles of her anxiety are removed, and she is set free.

“The Wizard and Me” For the first time the story allows Cynthia Erivo to show off her incredible vocal range, and she delivers a smooth performance. It's a song that holds great significance in her journey, not only in revealing her inspiration but in reprise during “Defying Gravity”, after she discovers the wizard is a charlatan, and she accepts Glinda as her true inspiration, strengthening their bond. . partnership.

2 popular

Main performance: Ariana Grande

Throughout the film, Ariana Grande maintains a subtle dichotomy between being furiously arrogant and a kind, caring person. She rewards the audience's faith in her character when she joins Elphaba in a solo dance in the Ozdust ballroom in one of the film's most beautiful moments.

“popular” His attempt to make amends for Elphaba's treatment is the beginning of their inspiring relationship. The song cleverly doesn't dispense with that duality, Glinda still seems shallow if well-intentioned. It's a heartwarming scene and an incredibly catchy chorus.

1 Defying gravity

Main performances: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

The film's epic crescendo, “Defying Gravity” Perfectly encapsulates Elphabla's emotional journey. Cynthia Erivo delivers a stunning rendition of the complex ballad with emotional and vocal support from Ariana Grande's Glinda.

The song is both triumphant and bittersweet, as Elphaba's modus operandi up to this point is to accept who she is. By accepting the role of the villain, she is limiting herself to being “the other.” Elphaba ultimately chooses her faith in her relationship and still stands strong and defiant in the face of true evil.