What Is This Feeling? (Commentary)

Song Meaning

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo offer a fascinating dual commentary on the scene "What Is This Feeling?" Grande highlights the scene's core tension: characters at their "worst," disliking traits they share. Erivo, conversely, recalls the sheer joy and playfulness of filming the very same intense conflict. Grande delves into the psychological undercurrent, suggesting the characters' animosity stems from uncomfortable self-recognition. It's "like looking in a mirror," she explains, where they identify "weird pieces of themselves that are similar" and, crucially, "they can't stand it." This insight reveals a deep-seated aversion to one's own reflected flaws. The most compelling element here is the stark contrast between the scene's emotional content and the actors' experience. While the characters grapple with mutual dislike, Erivo describes the filming as a "wonderful moment" where they "get to be kids as adults, just like playing and being silly." This playful atmosphere, she notes, even felt like a "guilty pleasure" due to the good time they were having. This commentary effectively pulls back the curtain on performance, showing how actors can find delight in portraying conflict. It enriches our understanding of the scene by layering Grande's character analysis with Erivo's meta-perspective on the creative process, revealing the fun that can be found in embodying even the most challenging emotions.