Wicked Returns—How One Song Is Stirring a Cultural Awakening

The Emerald City is calling again, and this time, it’s bigger, brighter, and more emotional than ever. With the release of Wicked: Part One just around the corner, one particular song is taking centre stage in early conversations: “For Good.” Long considered the emotional heart of the Broadway musical, this duet between Elphaba and Glinda is being reimagined for film, and it could become one of 2025’s most powerful pop culture moments. 

“For Good” has always been more than just a musical number. First performed in the original 2003 Broadway production by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the song captures a tender goodbye between two women whose unlikely friendship has changed them forever. With lyrics like “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good,” it’s no surprise the song has become a staple at graduations, farewells, and even funerals. Now, over two decades later, the emotional resonance of “For Good” is being revived for the screen. This time, it's brought to life by pop icon Ariana Grande as Glinda and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Their version of the song, teased in recent trailers and promotional clips, promises a more intimate, emotionally grounded rendition that leans into their unique vocal strengths and chemistry. 

From Stage to Screen 

Director Jon M. Chu, best known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, has made it clear that Wicked will not be a carbon copy of the stage production. Instead, the film adaptation explores the inner lives of its characters in new depth, using close-ups, scenery, and cinematic pacing to make every lyric hit harder. “For Good,” in particular, is rumoured to be shot with minimal distractions, no elaborate choreography or large set pieces, focusing entirely on the bond between Glinda and Elphaba. In a recent interview, Chu hinted that the film’s version of “For Good” could be one of the most talked-about scenes in the entire two-part saga. “It’s the emotional core,” he said. “It’s not just a song, it’s a culmination of everything they’ve been through,” reported by Teen Vogue.

Musically, “For Good” offers a refreshing break from the dominant trends of recent years. Amidst chart-topping hits focused on heartbreak, empowerment, and spectacle, this song is quiet,  and that's exactly its power. It speaks to enduring themes: friendship, forgiveness, growth, and the bittersweet beauty of parting ways. Those themes are striking a chord with younger audiences, too. On platforms like TikTok, the song is already being used in emotional edits, nostalgic tributes, and videos reflecting on friendships that have shaped people’s lives. If this digital momentum continues, “For Good” could do for Wicked what “Shallow” did for A Star Is Born, launch a Broadway ballad into mainstream music charts. 

Wicked’s return is more than nostalgia, it’s a reminder of how powerful musical storytelling can be. At its heart, “For Good” is about the kind of connection that shapes us, challenges us, and ultimately helps us grow. In a world that often feels divided and disillusioned, a ballad about transformation through friendship might be just what we need. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming it after you leave the theatre, or if it becomes the soundtrack to your year.