Stephen Schwartz reveals how Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande shaped new songs in Wicked: For Good

Composer says incorporating feedback from Erivo and Grande, the new material feels organic to the story

Stephen Schwartz says writing new music for Wicked: For Good became a deeply collaborative process, shaped in part by input from stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who each had specific requests while developing their original songs for the film.

The sequel marks the first time Wicked has introduced brand-new songs written specifically for a screen adaptation. Schwartz explained that knowing Erivo and Grande would be performing the material allowed him to tailor the music to their voices and emotional instincts.

Erivo, who plays Elphaba, asked for minor lyric adjustments in her new ballad, titled “No Place Like Home.” Schwartz said she flagged moments where there were too many syllables in a line, making it difficult to breathe while singing. The song draws emotional power from Elphaba’s relationship with Oz and reclaims the iconic phrase “there’s no place like home” from her perspective.

Schwartz described the song as a moment of resistance and self-definition for Elphaba, adding that Erivo was deeply thoughtful about how the lyrics reflected her character’s inner life.

Grande, meanwhile, collaborated closely with Schwartz on her song “Girl in the Bubble,” which explores Glinda’s emotional evolution. Schwartz said the challenge was finding the right vocal placement, balancing Glinda’s familiar light soprano with deeper tones that reveal her vulnerability beneath the polished exterior.

Grande has described the song as a pivotal moment for her character, capturing the instant when Glinda begins to see herself beyond privilege and performance. She has also said working on a brand-new Stephen Schwartz composition felt surreal and deeply meaningful.

Schwartz noted that both songs are designed to deepen the characters’ emotional arcs while honoring the musical language of Wicked. By incorporating feedback from Erivo and Grande, he said the new material feels organic to the story rather than simply added for expansion.

Wicked: For Good continues the journey of Elphaba and Glinda, with the new songs offering fresh emotional layers while staying true to the musical legacy of the original production.