What Is This Feeling? — Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Lyrics

"What Is This Feeling?" is a duet performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for the 2024 film adaptation of the musical "Wicked." It is the fourth track on the "Wicked: The Soundtrack" album, released on November 22, 2024[1].

Song Information

• Performers: Ariana Grande (as Galinda) and Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba)


• Writers: Stephen Schwartz


• Producers: Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Oremus, and Greg Wells


• Release Date: November 22, 2024

Song Meaning and Context

The song depicts the initial meeting and immediate dislike between Galinda and Elphaba, two students forced to room together at Shiz University[1]. The lyrics humorously explore their mutual loathing, which is expressed through a mix of spoken and sung parts.

Key aspects of the song include:

1. Contrasting personalities: Galinda is portrayed as popular and shallow, while Elphaba is seen as peculiar and different.


2. Immediate antipathy: Both characters feel an instant dislike for each other, which they dramatically describe as "loathing."


3. Social dynamics: The song also introduces the Shiz students, who side with Galinda and further isolate Elphaba.

The duet serves as a pivotal moment in establishing the initial relationship between the two main characters, setting the stage for their eventual friendship and the story's progression.

The inspiration behind "What Is This Feeling?" by Stephen Schwartz stems from the dynamics of the characters Elphaba and Galinda in the musical "Wicked." Schwartz aimed to capture the immediate and intense emotions that can arise in new relationships, particularly the contrasting feelings of attraction and repulsion. In the context of the story, Elphaba, who is often seen as an outsider due to her green skin and unique personality, is forced to share a room with Galinda, a popular and seemingly superficial character. Their initial interactions are marked by a strong dislike for each other, which Schwartz cleverly portrays through the song's lyrics. The duet encapsulates their confusion and the complexity of their feelings, highlighting how loathing can coexist with an inexplicable connection. The song serves as both a comedic and insightful exploration of how first impressions can be misleading and how relationships can evolve from animosity to understanding. Schwartz's ability to blend humor with deeper emotional themes is a hallmark of his songwriting, making "What Is This Feeling?" a memorable moment in the musical.

The new version of "What Is This Feeling?" performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo features several notable differences compared to the original rendition by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel from the Broadway musical "Wicked." Here are some key distinctions:

Vocal Interpretation

• Vocal Style: Grande and Erivo bring their unique vocal styles to the song, with Grande's pop sensibility complementing Erivo's powerful Broadway belt. This combination results in a fresh take on the characters' emotions.


• Harmonies: The new version includes richer harmonies, showcasing the vocal prowess of both artists more prominently than in the original.

Arrangement and Production

• Instrumentation: The arrangement in the 2024 version may feature updated orchestration, incorporating contemporary elements that reflect modern musical trends while maintaining the essence of the original.


• Production Quality: With advancements in recording technology, the production quality is likely to be more polished, enhancing the overall sound experience.

Emotional Delivery

• Character Dynamics: The reinterpretation may emphasize different aspects of Elphaba and Galinda's relationship, potentially highlighting nuances in their initial animosity and the comedic elements of their loathing.


• Expressiveness: Both performers might infuse their performances with personal emotional interpretations, making the duet resonate differently with audiences.

Contextual Changes

• Cultural Relevance: Given the evolving landscape of musical theater and pop music, this version may reflect contemporary themes and social dynamics that resonate with today's audience, potentially altering how the characters' feelings are perceived.

These differences contribute to a new listening experience while honoring the original's spirit, making it appealing to both longtime fans of "Wicked" and new listeners alike.