When a Meme Steals the Spotlight: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Explain Their Viral ‘Holding Space’ Moment

Image via Advocate Channel & Out Magazine / YouTube

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the stars of Wicked, have shared their take on the now-viral "holding space" moment that has sparked intrigue and amusement online. Speaking with Variety alongside director Jon M. Chu, the duo reflected on the surprising response to their Out magazine interview, which birthed one of awards season's most puzzling memes.

The phrase "holding space" became central to the moment during an interview with journalist Tracy Gilchrist, who suggested that Defying Gravity’s lyrics had inspired people to “hold space” and feel empowered. Erivo visibly teared up at the comment, leading Grande to clasp her hand gently—a gesture that has since been memeified.

Looking back, Erivo admitted she wasn’t initially aware of the cultural resonance implied by Gilchrist. “I was surprised because I had no idea”, she said, learning later that Gilchrist’s observations were partly informed by her role in queer media. “I honestly didn’t know what that meant—am I also in queer media, maybe?” Erivo joked. Grande, meanwhile, confessed her confusion: “I didn’t understand the first sentence, and I definitely didn’t understand how [Erivo] responded. But I knew something big was happening.”

The hand-holding, now a meme itself, was instinctual for Grande. “I thought, ‘I’m going to grab this because she looks like she might need something.’” Erivo chimed in, “Release of tension!”

In a post-interview follow-up, Gilchrist clarified that “holding space” means being physically, emotionally, and mentally present, often in a supportive or reflective context. For her, the phrase tied to Defying Gravity’s themes of empowerment in challenging times.

Despite the initial confusion, both stars found joy in the moment’s unexpected virality. “I feel really relieved that the world had the same experience with this moment that I did,” said Grande. Erivo added, “I love that it’s become vernacular now, which is really fun. I want a T-shirt with ‘holding space’ on it.”

Grande revealed that social media commentator Evan Ross Katz quickly delivered on that wish, securing shirts emblazoned with the phrase. “That’s when you knew it was something,” she laughed.

For Erivo and Grande, the viral clip has brought more than laughs—it’s also cemented a shared, quirky moment of connection with fans, rooted in both the absurd and the heartfelt.