Ariana Grande, known for her powerhouse vocals and fan-favorite pop hits, has taken on one of her most challenging and anticipated roles yet as Glinda the Good Witch in the film adaptation of Wicked, based on the iconic Broadway musical that tells the backstory of the witches from The Wizard of Oz. Her role in Wicked has kept fans buzzing, but an unexpected controversy over one of the musical’s best-known songs, “Popular,” has ignited even more excitement and debate among fans.


As the movie’s promotional campaign ramps up, a lyrical debate emerged when *Wicked*’s official social media account posted a snippet of Grande’s performance of the song “Popular.” The lyrics featured in the post read, “I’ll teach you the proper poise when you talk to boys.” Grande, however, took to the comments section to assert a different word choice, sparking conversation and diving deeper into *Wicked* lore. Grande’s correction—changing “poise” to “ploys”—was met with surprise, debate, and enthusiasm, as fans revisited the song’s lyrics and pondered whether they’d been singing along incorrectly for years.


The lyric debate may seem trivial at first glance, but for fans of *Wicked*, this line represents the subtle complexity of Glinda’s character, who balances both charm and cunning in her interactions. The difference between “poise” and “ploys” adds layers to Glinda's personality and foreshadows her later transformation from a superficial popular girl to a character with more depth and self-awareness. Grande’s lyric correction brings these nuances to light, rekindling a connection with *Wicked*’s themes and stirring nostalgia and enthusiasm for the upcoming adaptation.


The Debate: “Poise” vs. “Ploys”

“Popular,” one of the musical’s standout numbers, is sung by Glinda to her new friend Elphaba, a green-skinned girl destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West. In the song, Glinda, who initially embodies the quintessential “popular” girl stereotype, offers Elphaba advice on how to fit in. She promises to share her secrets on fashion, behavior, and “how to talk to boys” with the ultimate goal of making her friend popular, too. Glinda’s instructions are laced with humor, vanity, and the kind of superficial charm that makes her character both likable and slightly ridiculous. But the true intention of her advice hinges on whether she’s offering Elphaba “poise” or “ploys.”


Grande’s comment, “It’s ‘ploys’!!!,” called attention to what she feels is the correct lyric and stirred up a debate among fans, who took to social media to investigate the song's origins. Some pointed out that the original CD booklet of *Wicked* includes the word “ploys,” although countless performances, recordings, and online lyric sites display the word “poise.” For fans of the musical, the discrepancy was a revelation. As one fan shared on X (formerly Twitter), “I had to go look this up because this means I’ve been singing the wrong lyrics for over 20 years and some places have it listed as ‘poise’ and some have ‘ploys,’ but apparently the original CD booklet said ‘ploys????’”


For many fans, the realization that they may have been singing the wrong lyrics for years opened a broader discussion on Glinda’s intentions. “Ploys” suggests a cunning aspect to Glinda’s advice—subtle social maneuvers rather than graceful composure. This choice in wording adds a layer of cleverness to her character, implying that Glinda’s popularity isn’t solely about being well-behaved or charming; it involves strategically planned interactions.


The Glinda Debate: Past Actresses Weigh In


The debate over “poise” versus “ploys” attracted even more attention when two notable *Wicked* actresses—Jennafer Newberry Peery and Ginna Claire Mason, both of whom have played Glinda on stage—chimed in with their thoughts. Peery commented, “Just another Glinda here to say… proper ploys,” while Mason added, “The text says poise, but it’s proper ploys.”


Both actresses, having embodied the role on stage, confirmed Grande’s choice of “ploys” over “poise,” solidifying the claim that this word was indeed intentional for some productions. Their insights reflect how nuanced Glinda’s character is and how even a small lyric change can influence the portrayal of her personality.


Glinda’s song “Popular” has always held a special place for audiences because it showcases her charm and superficiality while hinting at the insecurities underlying her perfect exterior. While Wicked delves into the moral complexity of both witches, Wicked’s Glinda often steals the show by presenting a more multifaceted character than initially meets the eye. This lyrical choice brings a sharper edge to Glinda’s advice and reminds audiences that even popular characters are performing roles and, often, using “ploys” to navigate their social environments.


The Power of Lyrics: How Words Shape Character Perception

The debate surrounding the lyrics of “Popular” underscores the impact of specific word choices on audience perception. Song lyrics, especially in musical theater, aren’t just words set to music—they’re essential tools for character development. Through these lyrics, audiences glimpse Glinda’s personality, values, and the contrast between her and Elphaba’s more grounded worldview.


Whether the lyric reads as “poise” or “ploys” significantly alters the subtext of Glinda’s advice. “Poise” suggests an emphasis on elegance and presentation, traits typically associated with popularity and traditional femininity. This interpretation is more in line with Glinda as a surface-level character, someone focused on outward appearances. By contrast, “ploys” suggests a level of manipulation, highlighting Glinda’s willingness to play the social game and use subtle tactics to get what she wants. It emphasizes that popularity is not just about looking the part but strategically acting in ways that enhance one’s status.


For fans familiar with Glinda’s journey in *Wicked*, this distinction has major implications for her character arc. Glinda’s initial focus on superficiality and her advice on social tactics set the stage for her later growth and eventual disillusionment with the world of Oz. Her transformation from a superficial socialite to a more aware and compassionate figure is key to the musical’s story, which explores themes of identity, friendship, and personal integrity.


Grande as Glinda: What This Casting Means for Wicked

Ariana Grande’s casting as Glinda was met with enthusiasm by many fans of *Wicked*, who felt that her vocal abilities and public persona aligned well with the bubbly, charismatic character. Grande, known for her powerful, clear soprano and her roots in theater, brings a fresh interpretation to the role. Her involvement in the debate over the “Popular” lyrics also signals her deep engagement with the character and her commitment to staying true to Wicked’s original vision.


In addition to her vocal talents, Grande’s extensive background in pop culture has given her insights into navigating fame, a theme that’s central to Glinda’s character. Glinda’s journey, after all, is a story of a popular girl’s gradual realization of the superficiality of fame and societal admiration. This casting is not only a testament to Grande’s vocal skills but also her ability to relate to the character’s struggles with identity and public perception. For fans, this alignment between actor and character heightens anticipation for the film’s release, with many hoping Grande’s performance will capture the complexity that makes Glinda such a compelling figure in the Wicked universe.


Wicked’s Legacy and the Anticipation for the Film

Since its debut on Broadway in 2003, *Wicked* has become a cultural phenomenon, amassing a devoted fan base and inspiring audiences worldwide. The musical, adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, tells the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood girl who would become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the good-hearted but often misguided girl who becomes the Good Witch. Together, they navigate a friendship fraught with challenges, social pressures, and opposing life paths.


For two decades, *Wicked* has captivated audiences with its exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the tension between personal integrity and public image. The film adaptation is set to bring this story to an even wider audience, allowing new generations to experience its powerful themes. With Grande and Cynthia Erivo as the lead witches, the adaptation promises to be a visually and musically stunning reimagining of the beloved story.


The Broader Implications of “Popular” for Today’s Society

Beyond the world of *Wicked*, the lyrics of “Popular” speak to broader societal conversations about image, authenticity, and the tactics people use to gain acceptance. In an age dominated by social media, the lyrics’ underlying message resonates even more strongly, as people often curate their images and employ “ploys” to project particular personas online.


Grande’s correction of “poise” to “ploys” feels particularly relevant in today’s world, where social media platforms often reward performative behavior over authenticity. In this light, Glinda’s lyrics are a reminder that popularity can be as much about manipulation and self-marketing as it is about genuine charm. This message aligns with *Wicked*’s overall themes of embracing one’s true identity, challenging the status quo, and recognizing that outward appearances don’t always reflect inner truth.


 Final Thoughts: Grande, Glinda, and the Enduring Magic of Wicked

Ariana Grande’s lyrical correction in “Popular” may seem like a small detail, but it highlights the depth and attention to character that