Popular

The song "Popular" from the musical Wicked, performed here by Wicked Brasil, is a playful and insightful exploration of the concept of popularity and the lengths to which people will go to achieve it. The character Galinda (later known as Glinda) takes it upon herself to transform her friend Elphaba, who is socially awkward and misunderstood, into someone who fits the mold of what society deems 'popular.' This transformation is not just about external appearance but also about adopting certain behaviors and attitudes that are socially accepted and admired.

Galinda's approach to making Elphaba popular is filled with humor and irony. She offers a series of superficial tips, such as choosing the right lipstick and learning the right slang, which highlights the often shallow nature of societal standards of popularity. The lyrics suggest that being popular is more about conforming to certain norms and less about one's true self or intelligence. This is evident when Galinda dismisses the importance of being smart in favor of being popular, encapsulated in the line, "Será que o segredo da vitória / De quem entra pra história / É ser inteligente? / Claro que não! / É ser popular, dã!"

The song also touches on themes of self-acceptance and the pressure to conform. While Galinda's intentions may seem kind-hearted, her efforts to change Elphaba underscore a societal tendency to value appearance and social status over individuality and authenticity. Elphaba's reluctance and eventual partial acceptance of Galinda's help reflect the internal conflict many people face when trying to balance their true selves with societal expectations. The song ultimately serves as a satirical commentary on the superficial nature of popularity and the often misguided efforts to achieve it.