Popstar and former “Voice” coach Ariana Grande and actress Cynthia Erivo are promoting their new movie “Wicked,” and an interview they gave sparked a viral trend.
Tracy E. Gilchrist, a journalist with “Out” Magazine, conducted an interview with the pair and said, “I’ve seen this week people are taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that and feeling power in that.”
The video of the interview moment was posted on Instagram by “Out,” where it went viral. According to Axios, the term “holding space” means “a way of creating judgment-free, safe spaces for healing.” Gilchrist offered a more detailed definition to Variety.
Fans debated the term, sending it viral on social media. “Just saw Wicked and was in fact holding space for Defying Gravity. I get it now,” wrote one person on X.
According to Variety, some people made fun of the term because they weren’t sure what it meant.
The Magazine’s Instagram Post Says the Lyrics ‘Took on New Weight’
GettyAriana Grande attends the “Wicked: Part One” European Premiere.The “Out” Magazine Instagram post says, “Long an anthem embraced by folks who have been othered, ‘Defying Gravity’s’ lyrics took on new weight in the days after the election on Nov. 5.”
“When asked what it means to her that marginalized people turn to ‘Defying Gravity for solace and inspiration in dark times, Cynthia Erivo’s answer was moving, 💚✨” the post says.
“I didn’t know that was happening,” Erivo told Gilchrist during the now viral exchange.
“I’ve seen it, yeah,” Gilchrist said.
“That’s really powerful,” Erivo said. “That’s what I wanted. I didn’t know that was happening.”
Gilchrist told her: “I’ve seen it on a couple of posts. I don’t know how widespread it is, but you know I am in queer media.”
During the exchange, Grande clutched Erivo’s fingernail.
The Journalist Explained the Meaning of the Term in Another Interview
GettyCynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.In an interview with Variety, Gilchrist explained the meaning behind the term.
“I was very inspired by Tony Morrison, [senior communications director] from GLAAD. He posted the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ before I did my interview. It was a great explainer. ‘Holding space’ is being physically, emotionally and mentally present with someone or something,” Gilchrist explained.
“For me, it means being in the moment, not being distracted and feeling something on a cellular level. I think you can hold space with lyrics of a song – one you’ve heard hundreds of times – and it can suddenly take on new meaning when you’re a queer person,” Gilchrist told Variety.
“The Trump administration is targeting LGBTQ+ people via Project 2025. When Cynthia sings ‘I’m through accepting limits,’ there’s power in that,” Gilchrist continued to Variety. She plays a character who is othered. One who comes to her full power when she is exiled by a charlatan, by a cruel leader. There’s a lot of resonance there right now for anyone who is marginalized. For me, holding space is listening to those lyrics anew and finding solace or inspiration.”
Trump has repeatedly denied having anything to do with Project 2025 and said in a debate that he had not read it. According to Axios, members of his former and upcoming administration do have ties to it, however.
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