8 Big Questions We Have About the Songs in Wicked: For Good

The first trailer for the movie Wicked made a big error: it revealed Cynthia Erivo’s powerful final note from “Defying Gravity.” This was a problem because that moment – Elphaba’s last vocal run – is iconic in musical theater history. Fans were eagerly awaiting Erivo’s take on the song after she was cast, but the trailer spoiled it by releasing the moment online. It diminished the impact of what was a truly special performance – Erivo wasn’t just singing the song, she was creating a brand new version, adding unique vocal flourishes and a higher, more elaborate melody that hadn’t been heard before on stage.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with the rest of the cast of Wicked: For Good, are about to record some incredibly famous songs from the second act of the Broadway show, and these recordings will likely become the definitive versions for fans. It’s a big deal because there’s a wealth of existing interpretations to draw from – over two decades of different actors playing Elphaba and Glinda, all documented online. There’s even a dedicated fanbase that can identify each Elphaba by voice alone! Knowing the cast are Wicked fans themselves, they’re aware their choices will be intensely scrutinized and debated. So, what should we pay attention to when we finally hear these new recordings? Let’s break it down.

What “Fiyero” riff will Cynthia Erivo sing on “No Good Deed”?

One of the most talked-about vocal choices in musical theater history happens during the song “No Good Deed.” At the end of Elphaba’s solo, she powerfully sings the name “Fiyero,” building to a high note. Some performers, like Idina Menzel on the original recording, hit a C#5 on that final note. Others, such as Eden Espinosa and Jaqueline Hughes, start on that C#5 and then raise the note even higher, to an F#5 or even a G#5. This vocal choice is effective because it emphasizes Elphaba’s emotional intensity and often receives a strong reaction from LGBTQ+ audience members. Given Cynthia Erivo’s history of adding unique vocal runs to songs like “Defying Gravity,” many anticipate she’ll bring something new to this note as well. Vulture predicts she’ll start with a high G#5 and then add her own inventive riffs as the note descends.

Will Ariana Grande belt the “bridges that you cross” in “Thank Goodness”?

As a huge Ariana Grande fan, I’m really excited about her take on Glinda in the Wicked movie, and there’s this one song, “Thank Goodness,” that has me particularly intrigued. There’s a line in the bridge – “There are bridges you cross you didn’t know you crossed until you’ve crossed” – that doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s all about how the actress sings it. Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda, delivered it with a lot of grace. Megan Hilty really went for it and belted it out! Ariana performed it on the Wicked special, and she kept it pretty restrained for most of it, but then really let loose on the last “crossed,” and it was amazing! She’s been mostly singing in her head voice throughout the previews, which is beautiful, but I’m really hoping the movie lets her belt – let her show off that incredible power, just like she did on that final note. I know she can deliver a truly show-stopping moment!

Will Cynthia Erivo rock out on “For Good?”

One of the most interesting parts of the duet “For Good” is when Glinda unexpectedly sings the lower harmony. This allows Elphaba to really shine with the higher notes, while Glinda provides a solid foundation. Most performers playing Elphaba don’t deviate much during this song, but Idina Menzel sometimes adds flourishes during the lines about the ship and the seed. It will be fascinating to see what Cynthia Erivo does with those high notes – perhaps she’ll bring a rawer, more emotional quality to them, since it’s Elphaba’s final song and she’s at a breaking point. We’re hoping to hear some powerful emotion from her!

How horny can Jonathan Bailey get on “As Long As You’re Mine”?

Director Jon M. Chu has stated he intends to tone down the sensuality in the song “As Long as You’re Mine,” which has upset fans who see Wicked as a story about sexual discovery. However, he cast Jonathan Bailey, recently named People’s Sexiest Man Alive, as Fiyero, offering a glimmer of hope. If Bailey delivers a particularly passionate and suggestive performance of the song, the scene might still capture the intended heat. In short, fans are hoping Bailey brings the smolder!

Will Colman Domingo sing?

The song “March of the Witch Hunters” is usually Boq’s only chance to shine as a solo performer, but he also uses it to explain the Lion’s backstory. Colman Domingo voices the Lion, which is a surprisingly brilliant casting choice considering the character has no dialogue – it fits the movie’s exaggerated style. The question is whether they’ll take lines originally intended for Ethan Slater and give them to Domingo’s Lion. Hopefully not! Slater, who has faced online criticism regarding his relationship with Ariana Grande, deserves an opportunity to showcase his talent.

Is Glinda singing “Wonderful”?

The new trailer for Wicked: For Good shows Elphaba and Glinda dancing with the Wizard. This is surprising because in the original stage show, Glinda isn’t present during this scene. The only time Elphaba and the Wizard dance together is during his song, “Wonderful,” which he performs to try and win her over. This has led fans to wonder if the movie will give Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, a role in that song – and if it will finally make “Wonderful” a more memorable part of the story.

Will they let us hear “The Wicked Witch of the East”?

One song missing from the original Wicked soundtrack is Nessarose’s solo, “The Wicked Witch of the East.” It features Nessa trying to convince Boq to stay with her after Elphaba fixes her legs. While fans have always wanted to hear a recording of it, the movie version of Nessa is played by Marissa Bode, who uses a wheelchair, so that scene will likely be different. It’s possible the song won’t even be included in the film. Hopefully, the filmmakers will give Bode the opportunity to showcase her singing talent.

Will Michelle Yeoh be forced to sing again?

Okay, look, I love Michelle Yeoh, she’s amazing. But let’s be real – the singing in the first movie was…rough. Everyone noticed! So now they’re dealing with these big Morrible songs in “Thank Goodness,” and I’m seriously hoping they find a solution. Honestly? Just have her speak the verses! Turn it into a dramatic reading, a poem even! It would be perfect, and save us from another cringey vocal performance. Let’s protect a national treasure and keep her from singing, please!

2025-11-18 17:55