Cynthia Erivo and ariana Grande, the stars of the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation, have found themselves at the center of a viral moment, sparking conversations about the meaning of “holding space.”
During a recent interview with Variety,the actresses reflected on a memorable exchange that occurred at a “Wicked” press junket. Journalist Tracy Gilchrist, while interviewing Erivo and Grande for Out magazine, remarked that fans were connecting with the empowering message of “Defying Gravity,” the iconic song from the musical, by “holding space” with its lyrics.Erivo’s emotional response to the comment, coupled with Grande’s instinctive gesture of clasping Erivo’s finger, quickly became a meme sensation.
“I was surprised because I had no idea,” Erivo admitted, recalling her reaction to Gilchrist’s observation. “I hadn’t been paying much attention to that.” She later learned that the phenomenon of “holding space” might not be as widespread as Gilchrist’s question initially suggested.
“I honestly didn’t know what that meant — am I also in queer media, maybe?” Erivo joked. “Work! Let’s both be there.”
“I didn’t know what any part of it meant,” Grande confessed. “I didn’t understand the first sentence, and then I definitely didn’t understand how you responded. and I just wanted to be there.As I knew something big was happening, and I didn’t know how to be there.”
“After a while, I didn’t know how to be there,” Erivo added with a laugh.
Grande explained her instinctive gesture, saying, “I’m going to grab this, as she looks like you might need something. I don’t know what the tapping was about.”
“Release of tension!” Erivo clarified.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s recent interview for “Wicked” has gone viral, not for their insights into the upcoming film, but for a seemingly awkward exchange about “holding space.” The moment,captured in a widely shared clip,has sparked amusement and discussion online.
During the interview, Grande, who plays Glinda in the film adaptation, appeared to struggle to articulate what “holding space” meant. Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, stepped in to offer a definition, explaining that it involves being “physically, emotionally and mentally present with someone or something.” Grande later clarified in a separate interview with Variety that she had been inspired by lyrics about empowerment in the wake of Donald Trump’s election.
Despite the initial awkwardness, Grande praised Gilchrist, the interviewer, calling her “an amazing interviewer and a lovely person.” The viral clip, Grande admitted, brought a sense of relief, confirming that her experience wasn’t unique. “I feel really relieved that the world had the same experience with this moment that I did, because I felt like, ‘Oh, I’m not broken,’” she said.
Erivo, simultaneously occurring, embraced the unexpected attention, joking about wanting a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “holding space.” Grande, through social media personality Evan Ross Katz, received just that. “That’s when you knew it was something — when the next day, Evan Ross katz texted me and was like ‘Do you want this shirt? I got two for you,’” Grande shared. “It’s on its way, thanks to Evan.”
The viral moment has become a lighthearted meme, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of interviews and the power of social media to amplify even the smallest exchanges.
## Holding Space for Empowerment: An Expert Interview on “Wicked” and Viral Fandom
**Interview with Dr.Sarah Jones, Professor of Media Studies and Popular Culture at [University Name].**
**World Today News:**
The recent viral moment surrounding Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s exchange about “holding space” during a “Wicked” press junket has stirred up conversations about the meaning of the phrase and its role in fandom. Dr. Jones, can you shed some light on this phenomenon?
**Dr. Jones:**
Absolutely. This incident highlights the growing power of fandom and their nuanced understanding of media.
“Holding space” is a term often used in therapeutic and community settings, referring to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel seen and heard.
In this instance, fans have connected the empowering message of “Defying Gravity” with the act of “holding space” for each other, perhaps through shared interpretation of the song’s themes of self-belief and empowerment.
Cynthia Erivo’s emotional response is indicative of the deep resonance these themes hold for many, especially within marginalized communities who may find solace and strength in the idea of defying societal norms.
**World Today news:**
grande’s instinctive gesture of clasping Erivo’s finger further fueled the viral moment. What does this nonverbal communication convey about their relationship and the overall sentiment surrounding “holding space”?
**Dr. Jones:**
That gesture speaks volumes about the connection between the two actresses and their understanding of the emotions running deep within this exchange. It’s a beautiful example of nonverbal support and affirmation, reinforcing the idea of solidarity and shared experience.
In the context of “holding space,” Grande’s action visually embodies this concept— creating a safe and supportive space for Erivo to process her emotional response. This act of vulnerable open communication transcends the typical press junket format, becoming a powerful symbol of human connection and empathy.
**World Today News:**
Erivo later expressed that she didn’t fully grasp the meaning of “holding space” at the time. Does this highlight a generational gap in understanding such concepts?
**Dr.Jones:**
It’s less about a generational gap and more about the evolution of language and cultural understanding.
While the idea of support and empathy isn’t new, the specific term “holding space” has gained traction in recent years, particularly within online communities. This highlights the dynamic nature of language and its close link to evolving social movements and cultural shifts.
**World Today News:**
this incident ultimately sparked curiosity about the meaning of “holding space.” Do you believe it has the potential to broaden the understanding and usage of this term beyond online fandoms?
**Dr. Jones:**
Certainly. This viral moment has opened up a valuable conversation about empathy, support, and the power of community.
The widespread attention given to erivo and Grande’s exchange, coupled with their genuine and unguarded reaction, has brought a complex and often nuanced concept into the mainstream.
As with any viral trend, the long-term impact remains to be seen.
Though, it has undoubtedly sparked discussions and reflections about the importance of “holding space” for each other, both within and beyond online communities.
**World Today News:**
thank you for yoru insightful viewpoint, Dr. Jones.
It seems the power of “Wicked,” both as a musical and a cultural phenomenon,continues to resonate across generations,sparking vital dialogues about connection and empowerment.
