Despite the latest trailer for Wicked omitting any singing scenes, fans of the musical appear more enthusiastic than ever. Streaming data reveals that the soundtrack’s iconic song, Defying Gravity, has generated a staggering 153,816,845 streams on Spotify, resulting in an estimated revenue of £430,687.17. The numbers suggest that while the film’s marketing plays down its musical elements, listeners are eagerly revisiting the soundtrack in anticipation of the cinematic adaptation.
The highly anticipated Wicked film, scheduled for release on 22 November, features powerhouse performers Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The film adapts the hit Broadway musical, which first hit the stage in 2003, telling the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Composed by Stephen Schwartz, the musical earned three Tony Awards and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
In the wake of the trailer release, Spotify streams of the Wicked soundtrack have surged, as fans revisit the original cast recording that featured Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Data analysed by Playcasino.com reveals that the album has generated an estimated total revenue of £1,773,523.50 since its release.
Revenue Breakdown
Of the songs featured in Wicked, Defying Gravity continues to reign supreme. With over 153 million streams, it has earned £430,687.17, making it the most lucrative song on the album. In second place is Popular, which has been streamed 78,276,243 times, bringing in £219,173.48. Another favourite, For Good, has accumulated 55,239,508 streams and earned £154,670.62.
Other tracks that have performed well include What Is This Feeling? which has gathered 45,543,548 streams and earned £127,521.93, and I’m Not That Girl, with 32,664,576 streams and £91,460.81 in revenue. In total, the album’s top five tracks alone have generated over £1 million through streaming platforms, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Anticipation Builds
Nathan Vega, Head of Marketing at Playcasino.com, commented on the data, highlighting the significance of soundtracks for the success of musicals like Wicked. “The soundtrack is one of the most important aspects of a successful production, and Wicked’s has been popular since it hit the stage. With stunning vocals from Idina Menzel and the rest of the original cast, it is no surprise the songs have generated such impressive revenue from Spotify streams,” he said.
Vega also noted that the upcoming film, featuring Grammy winner Ariana Grande and Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, is likely to push streaming numbers even higher. “There is no doubt streams will begin to soar even further with the film’s release date fast approaching,” he added.
With anticipation for the film continuing to build, it seems clear that Wicked‘s music remains a key factor in its enduring appeal. Fans are expected to flock to cinemas to see how the magic of the stage is transformed for the big screen, even as they continue streaming the beloved soundtrack in the lead-up to the release.
Streaming Revenue from Top Tracks
- Defying Gravity – 153,816,845 streams (£430,687.17)
- Popular – 78,276,243 streams (£219,173.48)
- For Good – 55,239,508 streams (£154,670.62)
- What Is This Feeling? – 45,543,548 streams (£127,521.93)
- I’m Not That Girl – 32,664,576 streams (£91,460.81)
