Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Ariana Grande Reacts To Video Of 'Holding Space' Reporter Poking Fun At Her Viral Interview

Tracy E. Gilchrist; Ariana Grande
Out.com, Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images

After journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist went viral for telling Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo how fans were "holding space" for the lyrics of "Defying Gravity," Gilchrist shared a video on TikTok poking fun at her own comments—and even Grande weighed in.

Pop star Ariana Grande responded to a journalist who poked fun at the singer's sweet gesture seen during the viral "holding space" interview.

LGBTQ+ journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist from Out magazine interviewed Grande and her Wicked costar Cynthia Erivo, and she apprised the leading ladies of Wicked about people embracing the lyrics from the climactic song at the end of the two-part film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, loosely based on characters from Wizard of Oz.


Gilchrist said fans had been "holding space" for the lyrics of "Defying Gravity," adding that she was "glad people are finding joy in it." She explained that "holding space" meant “being physically, emotionally, and mentally present with someone or something.”

"Defying Gravity" was the Act 1 ender in the stage version and concludes the film adaptation until it resumes next November with Wicked: Part 2.

The empowering song is a pivotal moment when Elphaba, played by Erivo, begins her transformation as "Wicked Witch of the West" after she realizes the truth about the Wizard's deception of the citizens of Oz and his manipulative plans to exploit Elphaba's blossoming powers.

Since the Broadway show's opening in 2003, "Defying Gravity" has resonated with many people who've felt like an outsider, and it has inspired them to find their voice and power.

"I've seen this week people are taking the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' and really holding space with that and feeling power in that," Gilchrist said, getting existential.

The comment prompted Ervio to place her hand against her chest and admit she wasn't aware of this niche phenomenon among fans.

"That's really powerful," said Erivo, adding, "That's what I really wanted."

Erivo, who remained emotionally overwhelmed during the interview, was comforted by Grande, who endearingly held onto the finger of Erivo's free hand to show support.

You can watch a snippet of the interview here.

The interview went viral for so many reasons.



Regarding the iconic song, the timing of "Defying Gravity" is relevant in light of the 2024 election turnout when many disappointed voters remain concerned about their mental and physical well-being looking ahead.

In response to being asked her thoughts on marginalized individuals like Elphaba finding strength in times of uncertainty, Erivo commented:

"I think that it's really important for [Elphaba] in that moment to not allow the things that have hurt her that have stripped her of her humanity to keep her down."


Meanwhile, Grande continued delicately holding Erivo's finger, and the image was memeified.

Their close bond has been evident throughout their appearances together promoting Wicked at official premieres around the world. Grande and Erivo have been seen holding the other's hand during emotional moments, demonstrating they are there for each other.

Grande subtly showed her appreciation of the "holding space" convo by sharing Instagrammer Evan Ross Katz's post featuring a closeup shot of her holding Erivo's finger from the Out magazine interview to her Instagram story.


On Saturday, Gilchrist was featured in a Davis Granados' TikTok clip using the interview soundbite to rib Grande and the viral finger-holding meme.

The TikTok clip showed Gilchrist and Granados recreating the tender finger-holding moment to demonstrate that they were also "holding space" for each other.

@hereisdavid

Follow for the explanation video 💅 #holdingspace #defyinggravity #wicked @TracyEGilchrist


And Grande responded to it in the comments.

"Oh my goodness! Our Queen!!!!" she approvingly wrote, adding, "Holding space with you always."

@arianagrande/TikTok

People loved seeing Grande being a good sport about the TikTok video, proving it was all in jest.

@arianagrande/TikTok

@arianagrande/TikTok

@arianagrande/TikTok

@arianagrande/TikTok

@arianagrande/TikTok

Many agreed with Grande's positive assessment of Gilchrist.

@arianagrande/TikTok

@arianagrande/TikTok

@arianagrande/TikTok

@arianagrande/TikTok


We are definitely "holding space" for this wicked interaction.

More from News/lgbtq

Screenshot of Claudia Sheinbaum; Donald Trump
@davidrkadler/X; Scott Olson/Getty Images

Mexican President Perfectly Mocks Trump With Proposed Name Change For U.S.

After President-elect Donald Trump pitched changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum trolled him in a press conference, giving him a valuable history lesson backed by a very old map.

Earlier, Trump, who bashed Mexico as a “very dangerous place” that was “essentially run by the cartels," said:

Keep ReadingShow less
Kylie Jenner; Demi Moore
Amy Sussman/Getty Images, Michael Buckner/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty Images

Fans Defend Demi Moore After She's Accused Of 'Snubbing' Kylie Jenner At The Golden Globes

Actor Demi Moore won a Golden Globe Sunday night for her astonishing performance as aging aerobics star Elizabeth Sparkle in Coralie Fargeat's body horror film The Substance.

The recognition for Best Actress in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy was Moore's first-ever industry award since emerging as a star in the '80s and eventually becoming one of the highest-paid Hollywood actors by 1995.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anne Hathaway; Jeremy Strong
John Nacion/Getty Images, Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Anne Hathaway's Throwback Joke About Jeremy Strong's Golden Globes Look Is An Instant Classic

Succession star Jeremy Strong made a whimsical fashion statement outfitted in a white turtleneck, mint green velvet suit, and matching bucket hat at the 82nd Golden Globes on Sunday.

Strong attended the awards ceremony as a nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture nominee for his performance as lawyer Roy Cohn in The Apprentice.

Keep ReadingShow less
Woman holding up balloons to celebrate her 24th birthday
Photo by Ana Tavares on Unsplash

People Reveal Their Biggest Regrets From Their 20s

It's reasonable to assume that while a person is growing up, they're going to make some mistakes and even do some things that they'll look back on and wish that they hadn't when they're older.

But one period of time a lot of people find themselves regretting is how they spent their twenties.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nikki Glaser
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Nikki Glaser Reveals Risque Jokes That She Cut From Her Golden Globes Monologue

Hosting the Golden Globes is no easy feat (just ask last year's host Jo Koy), and by all accounts comedian Nikki Glaser did a bang-up job at this year's ceremony.

Glaser has never been one to shy away from controversial jokes, and the Globes were no exception.

Keep ReadingShow less