Ariana Grande Reacts to Viral 'Holding Space' Wicked Interview Meme

Ariana Grande, the talented 31-year-old singer and actress, recently addressed the popular meme stemming from her Wicked interview. She confessed in a new interview that she "didn’t know" what the "holding space" comment meant. This moment gained widespread attention during her press tour with Cynthia Erivo.

"I had no idea what any part of it meant," Grande told Variety. She referred to the interview with Out.com that sparked social media discussion after it was posted on November 19. In the conversation, she mentioned, "I didn't understand the first sentence," expressing confusion over Erivo's response.

Grande further recounted her thoughts during the interview, saying, "I was like, ‘Oh what did she say, what did you hear?’ I just wanted to be there because something big was happening. I didn't know how to be there." During their Out.com interview, a reporter mentioned how LGBTQ+ fans felt empowered by the lyrics of "Defying Gravity," which sparked an emotional reaction from Erivo.

Erivo, 37, responded with surprise, saying, "I didn't know that was happening." Grande supported her co-star by gently holding her finger during this moment. Social media quickly turned this exchange into a viral sensation.

Reflecting on this event, Grande shared, "She said something that meant something to her, then it meant something totally different to [Erivo]." Grande recalled questioning herself about her response during the interview since Erivo seemed close to tears.

"I decided to grab Erivo’s finger at that moment because I thought you might need something," she explained. Commenting on the tapping, Grande added, "And I don’t know what the tapping was about." Erivo humorously responded with "Tension, tension."

Regarding the memes that emerged from the interview, Grande stated, "They were so beautiful." She expressed relief that others shared a similar sentiment about the moment, remarking, "I felt like, ‘Oh I'm not broken.’ The best thing to do is to really hold space with that."

"Wicked: Part One" is currently in theaters, while "Part Two" is set to be released on November 21, 2025.

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