**Ariana Grande’s Clarification on ‘Wicked’ Lyrics Sparks Debate**
Ariana Grande, the celebrated pop singer and actress, has found herself at the center of a media buzz following her recent clarification regarding a lyric from the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked.” This musical, which has captivated audiences since its debut, features prominently in her upcoming film adaptation, for which Grande plays the role of Glinda, the bubbly and often misunderstood character who later becomes known as the good witch in the famous “Wizard of Oz” saga.
As the excitement builds around the release of the film, Grande, along with her co-star Cynthia Erivo—who portrays Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West—has been actively engaged in promotional activities. Recent social media activity brought new attention to a particular lyric from the score. This specific lyric comes from the song “Popular,” which Grande performed in the movie, and it has generated a fair share of controversy and discussion among fans and commentators alike.
The official social media accounts associated with the movie shared a lyric video featuring Grande’s rendition of “Popular.” The lyrics in question state, “I’ll teach you the proper poise when you talk to boys.” However, Grande took to the comments section of the post to address what she identified as a misinterpretation of the lyrics, explaining that the correct word was “ploys.” Her enthusiastic emphasis—“It’s ‘ploys’ !!!!!! i love you @wickedmovie”—flags an issue that has lingered within fan discussions for quite some time.
This correction prompted a spirited debate among commentators who were divided over whether Grande was indeed correct in her assertion. Some individuals expressed their surprise at discovering that they had been singing “poise” rather than the correct word “ploys” for years. A user on the platform X succinctly encapsulated the confusion felt by many: “I had to go look this up because this means I’ve been singing the wrong lyrics for over 20 years.” The user noted the discrepancy in various sources, with some listings continuing to state “poise” while others claimed the original CD booklet had referenced “ploys,” further complicating the issue.
Interestingly, Grande’s rendition isn’t a solo effort. In a show of support, two actresses, Jennafer Newberry Peery and Ginna Claire Mason—who have taken on the role of Glinda in past stage productions—aligned themselves with Grande’s perspective. Peery, one of the notable performers, chimed in on social media declaring, “Just another Glinda here to say…. proper ploys.” Additionally, Mason interjected with a supporting comment, acknowledging the official text states “poise,” yet firmly asserting, “but it’s proper ploys.”
As this lyrical debate unfolds, it hooks into broader conversations about the authenticity and evolution of musical lyrics as they transition from stage to screen. It also highlights the nurturing yet contentious relationship between performers, the music they deliver, and the audience’s reception.
With all this buzz surrounding the cast and the adaptation, excitement builds for the film’s release, scheduled for November 22. The anticipation among fans is palpable as they look forward to experiencing a classic tale delivered in a fresh cinematic iteration. This specificity regarding a single lyric unveils the passion and scrutiny that audiences hold for “Wicked,” a story of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery in an enchanting setting.
In conclusion, Ariana Grande’s spirited clarification regarding the lyric in “Wicked” not only uncovers a long-standing debate amongst fans but also serves as a reminder of the intimate connection audiences share with musical theatre. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on how Grande and Erivo bring their respective characters to life, and how their musical performances resonate with both long-time fans and new viewers alike.
