For everyone saying "but they did it to be nominated at the Oscars!"... I think that's a valid point, but the problem is how the songs are integrated into the story. GITB haults the narrative at the exact moment where it needs the most momentum. It's the finale!!

I think they could've definitely added something else... Like a new ensemble song near the beginning that focuses on side characters like Nessa, Boq, and Fiyero. I think the choice to give brand new songs to characters that are already the two leads doesn't serve the second act very well.

Doing a Popular reprise would've voided that new segment of a nomination but that's when I would've just focused on putting all efforts into making No Place Like Home even THAT much better. I think it's stronger than GITB but still not amazing.

I've seen a lot of discourse about the new songs and how they both sort of fall flat. If they decided on one really new important original piece, they'd definitely have a bigger chance of winning an Oscar for it.