Ariana Grande Knows Exactly How The Overly Emotional ‘Wicked’ Press Tour Came Across

2 weeks ago 10

In the short time the highly-anticipated screen adaptation of Wicked has been in theatres, the movie musical has taken the world by storm in a fashion similar to the tornado that delivered Dorothy Gale from Kansas in the 1939 classic, The Wizard Of Oz.

But as anyone who tracked the release would know, the film’s press tour delivered its share of captivating moments, too. From the day it began with the dazzling Sydney premiere, which saw Ariana Grande recreate Billie Burke’s original Glinda costume, netizens have watched on as the pop sensation and her co-star, Broadway alumni Cynthia Erivo, laughed, held hands and cried throughout the entire promotional run.

As it turns out, their overly emotional response to journalist questions even pierced the veil of Hollywood, with Gladiator II actor Paul Mescal pointing out their incredibly heartfelt reactions in a sit-down discussion with the singer. “I’m watching you on the press tour, you’re like in love with each other,” the Irish heartthrob, who just made his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live, said. Jokingly, the Eternal Sunshine songstress interrupted him and replied, “Insufferable, yes”. “Horrible, it’s bad,” she continued with a laugh before admitting their teary answers are “the most annoying”.

One of the most perplexing encounters came towards the end of their interviews when one reporter wanted to discuss the show’s concluding ballad. “I’ve seen this week people are taking the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” and really holding space with that and feeling power in that,” said writer Tracey E. Gilchrist.

The now-memed statement received a sincere but confusing answer from Erivo, as the performer put her hand over her chest and said, “I didn’t know that that was happening.” Gilchrist then explained how she had “seen it on a couple of posts” and that she “didn’t know how widespread” it was, but that she had the authority to discuss the matter as she was in “queer media”.

Credit: Instagram/@OutMagazine

Erivo, Grande and Wicked’s director, Jon M. Chu, broke down the exchange in a hilarious video for Variety. “I remember in the moment asking myself, ‘Am I okay?’” Grande said. If you haven’t seen it already watch the comical interchange below. We’re holding space for her self-awareness.