You know that specific brand of "hate at first sight" that feels weirdly like a crush? That’s exactly what’s happening in the Wicked movie. When the first notes of what is this feeling lyrics Ariana Grande hits the screen, you aren't just hearing a song about two roommates who can't stand each other. You're witnessing a masterclass in musical theater irony delivered by two of the biggest voices on the planet.
Honestly, the way Ariana Grande (as Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba) play off each other is electric. It’s supposed to be about "unadulterated loathing," but the energy is so high it almost feels like a love song in reverse.
The Story Behind the Lyrics
The scene is set at Shiz University. Glinda—then known as Galinda—is the popular, bubbly blonde who’s used to getting everything she wants. Elphaba is the guarded, green-skinned outsider just trying to survive her first day. Through a series of misunderstandings and the meddling of Madame Morrible, they end up as roommates.
The song begins with a letter home.
"Dearest, darlingest Momsie and Popsicle..."
Ariana delivers this line with such a specific, airy "rich girl" tone that you immediately get who Glinda is. She’s trying to be "good" by rising above the "confusion" of her rooming situation, but the mask slips fast.
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What’s Actually Happening in the Lyrics?
The core of the song is a parody of "meet-cute" tropes. Instead of a pulse rushing because of romance, it’s rushing because of pure, distilled irritation.
- "So sudden and new": Usually, this describes falling in love. Here, it’s the shock of meeting someone you instantly want to move away from.
- "Pure and strong": The "loathing" they feel is described with the same intensity usually reserved for soulmates.
- "A strange exhilaration": This is the most telling line. There is a weird high that comes from having a "nemesis." It gives you focus. It gives you someone to vent about.
Ariana Grande’s Take on Glinda
Ariana didn't just sing these lyrics; she lived them. She’s been a Wicked superfan since she was a kid, so she knows the weight of these words. In her performance, the "what is this feeling lyrics Ariana Grande" version adds a layer of pop-vocal precision that makes the "loathing" sound... well, pretty incredible.
There’s a specific "Galinda-ism" in the way she pronounces certain words. When she sings about Elphaba being "unusually and exceedingly peculiar," she leans into the comedy. She makes Glinda’s vanity feel human rather than just mean.
Why the Internet is Obsessed With the "Loathing"
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or X lately, you’ve seen the "loathing" memes. Why does this song hit so hard in 2026?
Maybe it’s because we’ve all had that one coworker or classmate who just rubs us the wrong way for no logical reason. The lyrics perfectly capture that "everything they do annoys me" vibe. Even the way they breathe is offensive.
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But there’s a deeper reading too. Fans have long pointed out that the line between intense hate and intense attraction is paper-thin. In the movie, the chemistry between Cynthia and Ariana is so palpable that many viewers see this song as the start of a "enemies-to-lovers" arc, even if the plot stays platonic. The "blushing" and "head reeling" lyrics support this theory more than the characters would ever admit.
Unpacking the Lyrics: A Breakdown
Let's look at the structure. It starts as a solo for Glinda, moves to a solo for Elphaba, and then crashes together in a massive duet where the rest of the school joins in.
- The Introduction: Glinda’s letter home sets the polite, fake-nice tone.
- The Realization: The tempo picks up as they describe each other’s traits.
- The Chorus: The big "Unadulterated Loathing" hook.
- The Peer Pressure: The other students chime in to support Glinda, which highlights the "othering" Elphaba faces because of her skin.
It’s actually kinda sad when you think about it. The whole school is basically ganging up on the new girl because the popular girl said so. But because the music is so upbeat and "bop-y," you almost forget the bullying for a second. That’s the genius of the songwriting. It hides the sting of rejection inside a catchy melody.
Is it Different in the Movie?
While the lyrics are largely the same as the original Broadway cast recording, the movie version feels bigger. The production value allows for more visual storytelling. You see the cramped room, the contrasting colors (pink vs. green), and the physical comedy of two people trying to occupy the same small space.
Ariana’s vocal runs add a modern flair that distinguishes her from Kristin Chenoweth’s operatic origins. It’s a "Glinda for a new generation."
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Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to master the lyrics for your next karaoke night or just want to understand the lore deeper, here’s what to do:
- Listen for the Counter-Melody: During the final chorus, Elphaba and Glinda are singing completely different lines at the same time. Try to track just one voice at a time to hear the complexity.
- Watch the Face: If you're watching the film, pay attention to Ariana’s eyes during the "strange exhilaration" line. She looks almost... impressed by Elphaba.
- Analyze the "Othering": Notice how the lyrics "we share your loathing" from the students represent a herd mentality. It’s a great example of how a group can alienate someone based on zero personal experience.
- Compare the Versions: Listen to the 2003 original and the 2024 movie soundtrack side-by-side. You'll hear how Ariana softens some of the "mean" edges with her specific phrasing.
To really get the most out of the "what is this feeling lyrics Ariana Grande" experience, you have to embrace the camp. It’s a song about being dramatic. It’s a song about being young and thinking your minor inconveniences are the end of the world. And honestly? We’ve all been there.
Check out the official soundtrack on Spotify or Apple Music to hear the full orchestral arrangement—it's way more intense than the leaked snippets you've probably heard on social media.
Next Steps for Wicked Fans:
Compare the lyrics of "What Is This Feeling?" with the final song of Part 1, "Defying Gravity." You'll notice how the "rushing pulse" and "reeling head" feelings evolve from mutual hate to mutual respect and, eventually, a bond that changes Oz forever. Read up on the vocal techniques Ariana used to bridge her pop style with Broadway theater requirements to see how much work went into these recordings.