Music lovers and Broadway fans alike are in for a treat this holiday season as Wicked: The Soundtrack is officially set to drop on November 22, 2024, aligning with the highly anticipated release of Wicked Part One on the big screen. This soundtrack, released via Republic Records and Verve Records, is already being hailed as one of the most eagerly awaited musical collections of the year.
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The soundtrack for Wicked highlights an impressive ensemble of talent, with performances by the stars of Universal Pictures’ upcoming film adaptation. Featuring music and lyrics crafted by the acclaimed Grammy and Oscar® winner Stephen Schwartz, the album brings to life iconic songs from the beloved musical. Leading the charge are powerhouse vocalist and Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, The Color Purple) as Elphaba, and pop sensation Ariana Grande, a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist, portraying Glinda. Their combined star power promises to deliver a fresh take on the timeless music of Wicked.
The Wicked soundtrack also highlights an impressive supporting cast, with Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh lending her voice to the role of Madame Morrible, the dignified headmistress of Shiz University. Joining her is Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers), who takes on the role of Fiyero, the carefree prince, while the legendary Jeff Goldblum brings his distinctive style to the character of the Wizard of Oz, adding even more star power to the album.
Imagine hearing Ariana Grande bring her vocal flair to “Popular”, Cynthia Erivo’s powerhouse rendition of “Defying Gravity”, Jonathan Bailey’s take on “Dancing Through Life”, and even Jeff Goldblum stepping in for “A Sentimental Man”. These performances are sure to be the standout tracks we’ll return to time and time again. It seems almost certain the album will become a global chart sensation, with the songs themselves likely climbing the charts worldwide. As the film’s soundtrack and its individual tracks climb the charts upon release, we anticipate renewed interest in the original Wicked Broadway soundtrack, with Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel’s iconic performances likely to propel it back onto the charts as well.
L to R: Director Jon M. Chu with Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (as Glinda) on the set of WICKED
Based on one of the most beloved and enduring musicals of the past two decades, which in turn is based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, the cinematic adaptation of Wicked is expected to be the most talked-about film of the holiday season. The soundtrack delivers iconic songs like “Defying Gravity”, “Popular”, and “Dancing Through Life” in a way that fans have never heard before, thanks to the stellar cast’s fresh and powerful renditions.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, arrives in theatres on November 22, 2024, as the first chapter of a two-part series. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to hit theatres on November 21, 2025, promising more spellbinding performances and immersive storytelling.
Tracklist for Wicked: The Soundtrack:
- No One Mourns the Wicked – Ariana Grande feat. Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Jeff Goldblum, Sharon D. Clarke & Jenna Boyd
- Dear Old Shiz – Shiz University Choir feat. Ariana Grande
- The Wizard And I – Cynthia Erivo feat. Michelle Yeoh
- What Is This Feeling? – Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo
- Something Bad – Peter Dinklage feat. Cynthia Erivo
- Dancing Through Life – Jonathan Bailey feat. Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode & Cynthia Erivo
- Popular – Ariana Grande
- I’m Not That Girl – Cynthia Erivo
- One Short Day – Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
- A Sentimental Man – Jeff Goldblum
- Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
Available in multiple formats, including exclusive vinyl and CD versions, fans will have various ways to add this magical collection to their holiday playlists. In the US, Target will offer a limited-edition split pink and green vinyl, while Barnes & Noble will feature an exclusive CD cover. On the other side of the pond, HMV will offer both the limited-edition split pink and green vinyl as well as the exclusive CD cover, in the UK. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast or prefer streaming, this soundtrack is bound to be a must-have addition for musical lovers and Wicked fans alike.
Make sure to pre-order Wicked: The Soundtrack and get ready to rediscover the magic of Oz like never before!