Popular Song
by Mika

Album: The Origin of Love (2012)
Charted: 87
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song features and was co-written by American singer-songwriter Priscilla Renea, who has also penned tunes for Selena Gomez ("Who Says") and Rihanna ("Watch n' Learn"). Renea later changed her stage name to Muni Long and had a hit in 2022 with "Hrs And Hrs."
  • Regarding the inspirations for this song, Mika told the streaming site, Spotify: "When you mix influences like Beck and the musical Annie together you can't go wrong, or you can only go wrong I don't know, same difference."
  • The album version is based on the song "Popular" from the musical Wicked. It was written by the composer Stephen Schwartz for the first act and is sung by the character Galinda in an attempt to help her unpopular roommate Elphaba become more likable.
  • For the track's single release Mika changed the arrangement and rewrote some of the lyrics to remove the expletives. He also removed Renea's vocal contribution and replaced her with American actress and performer Ariana Grande.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.