The internet buzzed with amusement and confusion following an unusual interview featuring “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. During a pre-release press junket, Out magazine reporter Tracy Gilchrist mentioned online discussions where people were “holding space” with one of the film’s musical numbers. This seemingly innocuous comment triggered a visibly strong reaction from both actresses, captured in a video clip that quickly went viral, leaving viewers perplexed and questioning the nature of the exchange. The clip fueled speculation and memes, with many describing the interaction as surreal or dreamlike. The actresses’ apparent emotional responses, coupled with the ambiguous phrase “holding space,” created a perfect storm for online virality.
Erivo and Grande finally addressed the now-infamous interview moment in a subsequent conversation with Variety. Erivo explained her reaction stemmed from being unaware of the online phenomenon Gilchrist described. She expressed surprise and gratitude upon learning that audiences were connecting deeply with her character’s powerful song, attributing her lack of awareness to avoiding online discussions about the film. While acknowledging the online activity, she admitted to being largely disconnected from it during the press tour. Her initial reaction in the interview, therefore, reflected genuine surprise and perhaps a touch of being overwhelmed by the unexpected news.
Grande, on the other hand, candidly admitted to complete bewilderment by Gilchrist’s comment. She confessed to not understanding the phrase “holding space” and, furthermore, being equally puzzled by Erivo’s reaction. Grande’s response in the original interview, she explained, was driven by a desire to support her co-star, whose emotional display suggested something significant was happening. Unable to decipher the situation herself, Grande focused on offering comfort and solidarity to Erivo, despite her own confusion. This dynamic added another layer of intrigue to the already perplexing exchange, with Grande’s empathetic response mirroring the online audience’s shared bewilderment.
The Variety interview further illuminated the nuances of the interaction. Erivo confessed to eventually becoming unsure of how to react, mirroring Grande’s initial uncertainty. Grande, meanwhile, recalled questioning her own perception, wondering if she had misheard something. The video also revealed Grande grabbing and tapping Erivo’s finger, a gesture she later explained as an attempt to offer emotional support to her seemingly distressed co-star. The seemingly spontaneous and unscripted nature of these gestures further contributed to the viral clip’s perceived awkwardness and fueled online speculation.
Further adding to the confusion, Erivo expressed uncertainty about Gilchrist’s reference to her presence in “queer media.” She questioned the meaning of the phrase while simultaneously embracing the potential label, emphasizing a willingness to be included and recognized within that space. This added another layer of complexity to the already multifaceted interview, highlighting the diverse interpretations and unintentional misunderstandings that contributed to its viral spread.
Grande expressed relief that her confusion resonated with the public’s reaction to the clip, confirming her initial perception of the exchange. Gilchrist, in a statement to Variety, explained her intention behind the phrase “holding space,” referencing inspiration from GLAAD’s Tony Morrison and defining the term as being fully present with someone or something, both physically and emotionally. She contextualized the interview by mentioning it took place shortly after the 2020 presidential election, emphasizing her sincere intentions going into the conversation. This explanation offered some clarity but ultimately failed to quell the online amusement and dissection of the viral clip.
The “Wicked” press tour generated a series of viral moments, often characterized by the stars’ seemingly unusual emotional displays and perceived codependency. Despite the awkwardness and online mockery, “Wicked” proved a box office triumph, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the story and the power of star-driven marketing, even amidst unconventional publicity. The film’s financial success underscores the complex relationship between online virality, public perception, and box office performance, showcasing how even negative or confusing press can inadvertently contribute to a project’s overall reach and awareness.
