Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Rolling Stone

‘Wicked: The Soundtrack’: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo Perform Half of the Musical’s Track List

Larisha Paul
3 min read
Generate Key Takeaways
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo perform at The 2024 Met Gala on May 06, 2024 in New York City.  - Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo perform at The 2024 Met Gala on May 06, 2024 in New York City. - Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Wicked: The Soundtrack is scheduled to arrive in tandem with the release of the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo-led film on Nov. 22. But being that the film itself has split the famed musical into two parts, with the second scheduled to arrive earlier than expected in November 2025, the accompanying soundtrack follows suit. Wicked: The Soundtrack puts a bookmark in the musical narrative just after “Defying Gravity.”

The soundtrack features the first 11 songs from the musical beginning with the opening number “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Grande and Erivo perform across the soundtrack as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, with additional performances from cast members Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz.

More from Rolling Stone

The original musical soundtrack, helmed by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, features 19 songs in total. The eight that follow “Defying Gravity” will appear on the soundtrack for Wicked: Part Two, including “No Good Deed” and “For Good.” The official announcement of the soundtrack coincides with the public on-sale for tickets to see the movie. Early access viewings will begin on Nov. 20.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Back in 2019, Grande told the Zach Sang Show about her memories listening to the soundtrack and dreaming of somehow becoming a part of it. “I would do anything. I would stand outside the producer’s studio with coffees every morning like this, waiting for them to acknowledge me — begging them to sing ‘Defying Gravity’ for them,” she said.

At the time, she was dreaming of playing Elphaba, but the glittering pink witch Glinda fits her just as well. She said back then that she would be happy to join the musical on stage or in a movie, whatever it took to get her involved. “I love that musical so much. Whenever I’m nervous about anything I listen front and back to Wicked,” Grande shared, explaining that it reminds her of her childhood. “Growing up and being 10 years old and driving in the car with my mom listening to it front to back, screaming in the passenger seat.”

She added: “Meeting Kristin for the first time backstage as a little girl and that being one of the most exciting moments of my life. She gave me body wash that had glitter in it and I dipped my pinky in it every day when I used it in the shower because I never wanted it to run out. I loved those women. I still do. I mean, Kristin texts me. Like, I’m friends with Kristin Chenoweth. That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever accomplished.”

Wicked: The Soundtrack Track List
1. “No One Mourns the Wicked”
2. “Dear Old Shiz”
3. “The Wizard And I”
4. “What Is This Feeling?”
5. “Something Bad”
6. “Dancing Through Life”
7. “Popular”
8. “I’m Not That Girl”
9. “One Short Day”
10. “A Sentimental Man”
11. “Defying Gravity”

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Solve the daily Crossword

The daily Crossword was played 13,568 times last week. Can you solve it faster than others?
CrosswordCrossword
Crossword
Advertisement
Advertisement