That’s my line: a “Wicked” vocal journey

Landen Nguyen, Staff Writer

December 18, 2024

Image courtesy of Universal Pictures

No One Mourns the Wicked

The opening of “No One Mourns the Wicked” sets a melancholic tone, reflecting the sorrow and regret surrounding Elphaba’s legacy. Ariana Grande’s operatic training enhances this emotional depth, as she conveys the underlying sadness of the song—Glinda’s realization that despite Elphaba’s good intentions, she is misunderstood and hated by Oz. The title itself carries a double meaning: “No one mourns the wicked” implies that Elphaba is seen as a villain, with no one mourning her death. However, it also highlights the irony that Glinda, the one who once considered Elphaba an enemy, is the only one who truly mourns the loss of her friend. This song serves to establish the gravity of Elphaba’s impact, revealing how even in death, her actions resonate and lead to unintended consequences. The sadness comes from Glinda’s conflicting feelings of admiration and loss for Elphaba, whose complexities are only truly appreciated after her death. Ariana Grande skillfully portrays this duality, capturing Glinda’s internal struggle between affection and sorrow, making the song a heartfelt reflection of their fractured yet deep relationship.

Dear Old Shiz

This short ensemble piece harmoniously reflects Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship and the valuable lessons they learned at Shiz University. Its nostalgic tone sets up the emotional core of the story.

The Wizard and I

Cynthia Erivo’s clear, emotional vocals shine as she captures Elphaba’s exhilaration and hope. Erivo’s riffs and high notes, particularly on the final lyrics “The Wizard and I,” elevate the song’s triumphant ending. Michelle Yeoh, a renowned actor with no background in singing or musical theater, surprises audiences with a solid performance, proving her ability to hold her own in this musical despite her lack of experience in the genre.

What Is This Feeling?

The harmonies between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo add a beautiful layer to this comedic duet. Improvised lines bring originality, while Erivo’s dry delivery of “Blonde” adds humor, Grande impresses many with her operatic delivery of “Well, these things are sent to try us,” featuring stunning vibrato.

Something Bad

"Something Bad" may not stand out for its vocals or music, but it does a great job of telling the story. The song reveals the harsh truth about Oz’s animal cruelty, using both dialogue and music to move the plot forward. Elphaba’s growing sense of responsibility and determination to fight against the injustice are clear here. This moment marks a turning point for her character, showing her shift toward standing up to the corrupt system. The emotion in the song highlights the seriousness of the situation and shows Elphaba’s role as the story’s moral center. Though it's not a major musical number, it plays an important role in pushing the plot and shaping Elphaba's choices.

Dancing Through Life

"Dancing Through Life" is a nearly 10-minute song that feels like several different tracks combined, with shifting tempos and vocal styles keeping it fresh and engaging. The upbeat transition into "Let’s go down to the Ozdust Ballroom" is particularly memorable because it energizes the scene, highlighting the carefree nature of the characters as they embrace the fun of life in Oz. The change in pace mirrors the characters' attitudes and adds an exciting dynamic to the story, allowing the carefree tone of the scene to build and reach its peak. Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey’s voices complement each other beautifully—Grande’s powerful soprano blends effortlessly with Bailey’s rich, smooth tenor, creating a balanced and harmonious duet. Their vocal chemistry adds an extra layer of magic to the song, especially as they harmonize on upbeat lines like “So we’re perfect together, born to be forever.” Meanwhile, Marissa Bode’s playful and exaggerated delivery of "Boq" adds humor and a touch of irony, which has caught the attention of fans online. Despite the song's infectious energy, its length makes it a perfect opportunity for a bathroom break without missing too much of the action.

Popular

Critics were skeptical of Ariana Grande’s ability to separate her pop persona from Glinda, but Grande proves them wrong with this comedic number. Her playful “RIGHT!” and extra ascending “la la la’s” bring fresh and vital energy to the song. The bubbly, pink aesthetic compliments Grande's performance perfectly.

I’m Not That Girl

This tender and emotional ballad showcases Cynthia Erivo’s ability to sing with softness and precision. Erivo’s clean riffs and delicate phrasing on lines like “lithe limb” add emotional depth to the song, further cementing her versatility as a vocalist.

One Short Day

The ensemble vocals and harmonies are the heart of this lively number, creating a joyful atmosphere before the movie’s climax. Erivo and Grande’s voices blend beautifully, adding a celebratory feel. Cameos from original cast members Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel add humor and nostalgia, serving as subtle nods to their past roles as Glinda and Elphaba respectively.

A Sentimental Man

Jeff Goldblum’s performance in "A Sentimental Man" is captivating, as he skillfully lulls the audience into a false sense of trust in the Wizard’s seemingly harmless persona. His falsetto on the final “For I am” is satisfying because it’s unexpected—it shifts the tone of the song from comforting to slightly unnerving, revealing a deeper layer to his character. The falsetto adds complexity by hinting at the Wizard’s true nature; it’s a moment of vulnerability, showcasing that beneath his charm, there’s something more manipulative and deceptive. This contrast between his outward kindness and hidden motives makes the Wizard a more intriguing and multi-dimensional character.

Defying Gravity

The emotional and vocal centerpiece of “Wicked”, this iconic song showcases the chemistry between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Erivo’s repeated “unlimited” line builds anticipation for the powerful final chorus, which is both chilling and exhilarating. The revised background lyrics, changing from “Get her!” to “Kill her!” also heighten the tension of the scene, leading to an unforgettable conclusion.

Ozdust Duet – Bonus Track

This instrumental bonus track accompanies the pivotal moment when Glinda transforms Elphaba’s embarrassment into a joyful, magical experience. The growing grandeur of the composition captures the bond that forms between the two characters, transporting the audience back to the emotional scene.

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About the Contributor

Landen Nguyen, Staff Writer

Landen Nguyen is a first-year staff writer for our school newspaper. His interests include traveling, playing video games, eating, swimming, and shopping. Landen was drawn to journalism because of his passion for exploring new stories and uncovering fresh perspectives. Reporting on a variety of topics keeps him engaged, and it also gives him the chance to improve his writing and share meaningful insights with others.