'Wicked' Stars Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Break Down Viral 'Holding Space' Interview

[@yusra4284]

we’ve gotten so far into this press tour that we’re getting interviews about former interviews haha

[@Maderlololohio]

I am livinggg for this presstour hehhehe😅

[@akiinmoonlight79]

😂😂😂this😂😂

[@procrastination2204]

If only L. Frank Baum was still around to see an interview about an interview about a movie based on a musical based on a book based on a movie based on his book

[@WhenWhat-kn9uf]

I'm the CEO schoter

[@daughteroftheholyone]

Lmaooo💀 my exact thoughts

[@moonbyun3949]

so the conclusion we can come to because of this video is that NOBODY knew what was happening there😂

[@ThePurpleCheesecakeZebra]

i think what was happening is 2 people hadn't slept or eaten and where in small rooms with lights all day every day

[@moonbyun3949]

@@ThePurpleCheesecakeZebra well that’s a weird thing to say about strangers you don’t know anything about! what their personal lives are like is really none of our business. but hey, you can’t tell me you understood what that interviewer said about “holding space” XD if i were in their position, i’d probably be as awkward as they were lmao!

[@miku_rokoru]

@@ThePurpleCheesecakeZebra where or were?

[@aliangeladiaz5833]

@@moonbyun3949but thats literally what its like to do press tours...you have to sit in front of random cameras and lights all day and answer questions

[@sofie.h]

@@moonbyun3949they’re just saying that when you’re knee deep in a press tour like these 2 were, u can imagine that at a certain point in the endless repetitive interviews you start to lose it a little

[@kordei-7839]

With this context it makes so much sense when Cynthia looked at Ariana for help but Ariana didn’t know what to say which is why the silence dragged

[@Maderlololohio]

Rofl 😂❤

[@ansri24]

LMAOOOO

[@lollipopgumdropitlikeitsho5836]

“ so I don’t know what any part of it meant… I didn’t understand the first sentence” i’m cryinggg😂 we didn’t either Ari

[@jonathandpg6115]

at leadt that i agree with her.

[@WillieFordham]

I agree with Ari

[@BTony607]

“Am I also in queer media?” lmao this is wonderful

[@a.dgirlstar4721]

"work, lets both be there" ;))

[@miss11blackwood]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@helenogbonna3361]

Assume❤😂😅

[@TheLoserface45]

The “work” set me off

[@LunchAtTiffanys]

I’m straight and the interview even had me thinking “hmm maybe I’m apart of the ally sector of queer media” 🤔 😂😂

[@tessaernst2217]

The fact that they were just as confused but didn’t want to show it holy shit this is hilarious

[@xrrgr]

it was kinda obvious they were confused you can see it on their faces in the interview, but everyone just called them weird lmaoo 😭

[@kordei-7839]

Cos they thought everyone else understood what was going on. Even the interviewer didn’t know 😂

[@mohamadfirdausbinmat2577]

​@@xrrgrCynthia did the performance of her life in that interview. It seemed like she understood it in a way most people don't. I love how extra she was just to be polite & in the moment to hold space together with the interviewer 😂

[@AlexWVC]

Lmaoooo Ariana basically said “Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave” 😭💀

[@adryanlane9198]

Not the Madagascar reference lmfaoo

[@pearlofagirlnursery]

She is Glinda through and through 😂

[@Roseys_World]

🤣🤣🤣

[@sherlyerina13]

so all of us are actually blur/confused everyday lmao

[@dancingdani25]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kairubynini]

LMFAOO THEIR COLLECTIVE CONFUSION IS SENDING ME 😭 jon just being there like…

[@mkdau01]

Him cracking up the entire time is so freaking funny! this is prob one of my fave interviews of all time

[@Howaboutyes11]

BYEE

[@devinjm007]

He’s seen it

[@maddiejung974]

The fact they're breaking down and explaining a simple press interview is iconic, despite the huge marketing budget this movie had this viral moment came so organically.

[@tluvsbeauty1]

My thoughts exactly😂

[@jas0206]

And now it’s the “me and Boq” thing on BoqTok. I’m glad they’re leaning into the memes and rolling with it now, instead of saying it disrespects the art. It’s all fun and games.

[@anacersa]

But what the intervienen meant? Sorry I dont get It, lol

[@PeterPeach21]

Their interviews are total cringe 😂

[@iwantmmore]

@@anacersa the interviewer meant holding space as in queer people taking the lyrics of defying gravity and finding power in it. Cynthia is queer/bisexual so it related to a lot of queer folks.

[@beyonce1684]

"I DIDNT KNOW HOW TO BE THERE" THEY WERE BOTH JUST CONFUSED AHAAGAHAHAHHAHWWH

[@kb523]

I wish every meme with a celebrity would have a breakdown. It’s so funny hearing their interpretation and the fact they really didn’t have a clue what was going on but just went with it

[@yakadefi9579]

Former contestants from rupaul's drag race often say that the most iconic moments/things they say are fhe ones they don't remember saying hahahaha! So it says a lot about the naturality of a situation

[@scottdespins]

Man imagine Tom Cruise and Oprah breaking down the coach jump, I wish

[@kb523]

@@scottdespins what’s the jump coach? Not sure if I’m old enough for the reference hahah

[@samanthagaboo5610]

They went with it because they figured it meant it was something woke, And they want to be affiliated with that because that's money for the film and the alphabet Mafia can come see it ETC

[@BryanLu0]

​@@samanthagaboo5610They went with it because it's a press tour. You're generating hype for your movie. On a press tour they do so many interviews, you're bound to be confused at some point. Just smile and wave

[@_ayesha]

I'm crying they were all just doing stuff for the sake of doing stuff in that interview 😭😭

[@brinsonopinion]

That's it right there.

[@vim-arie]

just keeping the ball rolling 😂

[@kordei-7839]

They just felt awkward and confused

[@catherine5128]

Even the interviewer said in an interview that she was basically just saying stuff

[@TheMurrmursonbottle]

It’s funny because you know they’ve gone through media & interview training before, but sometimes something so unexpected and weird happens that you’re reduced to your improv skills

[@bethanylately]

Oh I KNOW the entire universe needed this breakdown.

[@ariellesarinafirestone7823]

Yes, yes we did!😂

[@Rane-sn7fw]

No. We have lives

[@Howaboutyes11]

Fr

[@sachamoses9233]

Even the aliens were perplexed l😭😭😭

[@ffionjeffreys010]

@@Rane-sn7fw yet you’re here ..lol

[@Avajuniorlord]

cynthia is lowkey the most unserious person on the cast, its subtle but its her 😭

[@MagicLeFay]

Yessss. She honestly just goes with the vibe & says whatever.

[@lolamiley]

yes she’s so funny fr😭

[@crimsonred9280]

Fr lmao

[@rithond]

It's because she has a very regal attitude all the time, but she's just having a blast, hahaha. Love her for that.

[@trishaaloo5281]

Capricorn vibes

[@FrazJ]

The fact that this is clearly from a wider video that Variety was doing with these 3 but they STILL felt the need to put it out as a standalone is by my absolute favourite.

[@gainorwood1716]

You think I wanna watch a long ass video from Variety?

[@ee.4373]

I love how this video is holding space for the interview that was holding space for Defying Gravity that was holding space for people🙃

[@vim-arie]

i’m holding space for this comment

[@xoxocarrly]

@@vim-arie I’m holding space for the holding space comment

[@kevonwill5783]

I’m holding space for all of you

I still dont understand what does "holding space for a lyric" mean. I don't usually use english, and I need to know. 😅

[@leemargalit1453]

That's pretty much the whole thing, no one, including Ariana and Cynthia, gets what it means. You didn't miss anything, don't worry

[@abbeyBominable123]

The interviewer actually already spoke up about this. Her first words to the girls were serious, but Cynthia's reaction to her words was so sincere that the interviewer became flustered and forgot what to say next. So the interviewer then said the thing about "queer media" and that's where Cynthia's confusion starts 🤣and then everyone was confused!

[@dancingdani25]

No, Cynthia and Ari were both completely confused from the beginning. The interviewer made no sense the whole time.

[@abbeyBominable123]

@@dancingdani25 No, Ari was confused from the beginning while Cynthia thought she herself understood it. But then the queer media thing confused her.

[@dancingdani25]

@ yeah, point is neither Ari or Cynthia knew what the woman was on about lol.

[@Maderlololohio]

Rofl I love this ❤ 😂

[@madsyxx]

lmaoo, I wonder what reaction she was expecting 😭

[@Bdaychick]

The explanation of their own confusion in that viral moment is sending meeeeeeee 😭😂😭😂💀 “ am I also in queer media…maybe?…WERK! Let’s both be there!” 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@allegra9496]

The fact that Ari was like "Idk what the heck is happening but I'm 100% here for it" is so sweet and so Glinda of her

[@mayamcnamara5211]

they're really holding space with and feeling power in the sheer ambiguity of the entire interaction... truly a beautiful thing

[@harlequinheart3]

Hahahahahahahahaha

[@crazy4corbinbleux]

Bahaha

[@vpofglow]

“After a while I didn’t know how to be there” 🤣😭😭

[@VTTVpsycho]

Everybody (including Ariana and Cynthia) being so confused by this is so funny

[@mohamadfirdausbinmat2577]

The interviewer herself got confused with where she was going with it 😂 I guess only God knows what was going on at the time 😂

[@doe.little]

This whole video is SENDING me 💀😭 It's just so relatable when you have no idea what someone is talking about but don't want to sound rude or uninformed. It happens to everyone, but it's the fact that it's just right there for everyone to see 😭😭

[@darkacadpresenceinblood]

right lmao i think that's why it's a meme because it's so damn relatable

[@PeterPeach21]

Their interviews are total cringe 😬

[@Lpnous]

@@PeterPeach21why you’re here then ?

[@PeterPeach21]

@@Lpnous to say their interviews are total cringe. I thank you ☺️

[@Lpnous]

@ yeah you’re jobless that’s what I thought

[@celestinebuendia]

Incredible. Iconic. Love how hard we’ve claimed this. Love the interviewer completely floundering while trying to say something deep, love Cynthia picking up the vibe and completely buying into it while still not understanding, love Ariana being so confused and so supportive. I love human beings just desperately running with everything. Everyone watch Wicked right now 😭

[@jonathandpg6115]

or not. Don't support horrible people.

[@tshn8363]

whos horrible?​@jonathandpg6115

[@spookeymo]

@@jonathandpg6115 i wonder what metric you use to judge whether someone is an angel or a demon in your eyes

[@EmotionalGarbage]

@@jonathandpg6115whatd they do?

[@misbahsputra]

This is so unserious.. lmao 😂😂😂

[@msjannayvonne]

Ariana😂😂😂 “so I didn’t know what any part of it meant” I’m cryingggg

[@tanya3959]

This whole video is just Jon laughing at Ariana being unintentionally funny 😭

[@tanya3959]

he's just looking at her expressions & laughing 😭😭

[@peachpringle]

the way everyone involved has agreed they were confused by each other

[@alexrcastaneda]

I love how they're both in on the joke now. The finger thing is hilarious

[@lenamandwee2002]

2:36 “yea well I’ve seen it” 😅😅😅 that part was the most hilarious of the interview

[@daisy9169]

on a couple posts gets me😭😭😭

[@JFVAngeles]

A: "I haven't seen that!" J: "I love that one, It's so good" C: "It's really great" A: "Yeah, well I've seen it"

[@libertycalhoun9210]

@@JFVAngelesshe was referencing the original interview lol

[@philpurple2019]

I think the interviewer was using the connotation aka vibes of “holding space” and Cynthia thought it was the denotation aka actual definition of the psychological concept so she reacted appropriately for the real definition. The interviewer likely walked it back because Cynthia’s reaction was stronger than she expected so she might have thought she’d used the phrase incorrectly.

[@perusing350]

Thank you for the explanation that clarifies it so well! Now I see there was another layer of confusion because the interviewer meant well but she and Cynthia were using the same phrase each with a different definition what a funny organic birth of a meme haha

[@dancingdani25]

What on earth are you talking about? 😅

[@xingqiu1809]

Well whatever that means 😭

[@Alicia-zf3nq]

I read a post about the interviewer explaining her experience with the interview and she definitely didn't expect Cynthia to react that strong. The whole "holding space with the lyrics of Defying Gravity" thing was based on a conversation she had with a co-worker earlier that day and when Cynthia reacted that strongly she didn't want it to sound like something she had just made up and said she had seen posts online. Basically, everyone was just making stuff up based on how the others were reacting 😂

[@Maderlololohio]

Can you explain 1what did the interviewer mean 😂 2 what did Cynthia understand 😂

[@taemilkyy]

unironically my favorite interview of the press tour

[@akow8]

this has been the funniest press tour ever i’m crying 😭😭😭

[@dinya.02]

jon being here makes it a thousand times funnier

[@721rena]

Because he looks confused as well 😂😂😭😭

[@OscarMcMahon-k3b]

How?

[@LivT04]

“ and then I didn’t really understand the second thing she said. But I just knew I wanted to be there.” 😂

[@kaydenevideo]

This is a whole next level of hilarity. The emotional support finger 😂

[@LauM]

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FINGER 😂😂😂

[@mjanmarino]

PLEEEEASE I've got to use "emotional support finger" from now on. 😂

[@kiwilux]

i’m so glad they also shared the same confusion as everyone else

[@JeremyMYG]

I am laughing so EFFING hard at this “moment.” They have done so much, discussed so much, and expressed so much, but this “holding space” meme is the focal point. HILARIOUS!

[@TitaniumGrillz]

It's kind of wild because Ariana used the term Holding Space in the behind the scenes of the making of Wicked. So I feel like there is a bit of trolling right here. Or something lol

[@liltatih]

@@TitaniumGrillz I think she meant that she didn't know what the phrase meant as it's being used in this specific context lol

[@FredericChen]

Variety knew what they were doing with this interview

[@KeithO]

“Work, let’s both be there” is going into my vow renewals

[@lindaquach5736]

Jon laughing in the background makes it so much more hilarious and Ari admitting she had no idea what the host meant. Cynthia was just so chilled about it all is classic.

[@jasonbalcazar]

Not my fingers itching 😂😂 3:23

[@ruthsamson1189]

nah he’s actually too funny 😭😂😂😂😂☠️

[@jasonbalcazar]

@@ruthsamson1189 It’s the fact he’s laughing AT them in this video like “you dummies 😅”

[@saranin3091]

@@jasonbalcazarI think they know that 😭😭 some people can laugh at themselves

[@toffermyc1999]

Them holding Jon’s finger at the end is so unserious 😂

[@despair_bears]

The confusion and awkwardness is so palpable in the original video, but hearing the play-by-play is beyond hilarious

[@framedtvartgallery]

“..that’s…really powerful” gets me everytimeeee lmao

[@delsmontgomery]

cynthia still didn't explain why that sentence would make her cry 😭

[@timethiustheally32]

Tears of confusion? 😆😆

[@delsmontgomery]

@@timethiustheally32 im SO confused lol

[@dclima]

she said she didnt understand what the interviewer said, so she tried to understand and it lead to her thinking it was something emotional (i think?) to be quite honest who isn't confused?

[@thesoundofcoolness]

I'm glad someone else is thinking this, I someone finished this video more confused about her response to it haha

[@maspleben]

Was it not in Sidney? I am assuming she was exhausted from jet lag, and that she was very close to crying all the time.

[@WhiteRaven696]

Dying at Ariana being just as confused as the rest of us, but going with it anyways because her good sis was going with it.

[@Oopsiedaisy861]

I’m crying I’m so glad they made a response to this

[@yusra4284]

this is so funny omg 😭 i definitely got the vibe when i saw the original clip going around that they had no idea what was happening but were too nice to question wtf the interviewer was talking about lol

[@artizea_exo12]

I'm in a setting where I can't laugh audibly, but I'm clearly dying here, body-shaking, tears-streaming, trying to hold my laugh. This is so funny and jon just being there lmao

[@chaeyoungmymeowmeow1536]

02:03 "I was like same" 😹😹

[@toffermyc1999]

Even how they react/respond to questions being asked is so Glinda and Elphaba. Perfect casting indeed!

[@lollipopgumdropitlikeitsho5836]

Ariana was like “I’m just happy to be here”💀

[@mialyons9122]

They are simultaneously prolific performers and absolute clowns I'm so obsessed 😂

[@Edward_Avila]

It's definitely not a phrase I'd say is common but I assumed that in that context, to "hold space" meant to really think about and take in the lyrics- but the fact that it confused everybody also made me confused and think it may have been this inside joke thing 💀 The fact that it turned into a meme is hilarious though

[@sytycdvigirl]

Thanks for articulating that so clearly...."think about and take in the lyrics". I figured it meant something like that but your explanation makes it really clear. :)

[@ruthsamson1189]

Edward you’re here too? 😂 love to see it

[@thesoundofcoolness]

Yeah exactly, I feel like I've heard people say things like "owning your space" enough to get what the interviewer meant. So I don't understand why they're now acting like the interviewer is the crazy one when Cynthia's initial reaction to it was to start crying??

[@lokie3292]

Heyyyy Edward! Fun to see you here!

[@Maderlololohio]

​​@@thesoundofcoolnesshaha she sensed it was smth good and that really tugged on her heartstrings ❤ edit for autocorrect

[@Dira091998]

LMAOOO ARI HAD NO IDEA WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. Just like us 😂😂😂😂

[@liltatih]

they had no idea what they were talking about lol

[@moonchild8249]

the cut backs to the interview in questions sends me SO BASSDHDDHSHS

[@FREDA-p3y]

I think the interviewer meant that the lyrics of Defying Gravity makes some people feel inspired to be present as themselves and own/ embrace their space in society that often requires you to conform (as opposed to hiding away). Thats quite poignant as a lot of people dont own/hold their space due to being made to feel ridiculed and shamed. I always tell my loved ones to own the space theyre in.

[@abbeyBominable123]

The interviewer actually already spoke up about it. Her first words to the girls were serious, but Cynthia's reaction to her words was so sincere that the interviewer became flustered and forgot what to say next. So the interviewer then said the thing about "queer media" and that's where Cynthia's confusion starts 🤣and then everyone was confused!

[@DidrickNamtvedt]

I actually like this take on it, makes sense. The lyrics of the song speak to me as a queer man to own (or hold) my space and be present as myself and I've never been someone to completely conform to what society expects. So that's actually a very profound meaning to it.

[@Maderlololohio]

Omg that is beautiful! Thank you ❤❤❤

[@nya55155]

idk why im so invested in this i can’t stop

[@beebeexn]

Same 😭

[@maangelac]

ARIANA BEING CONFUSED AF IS SO FUNNY

[@joeymag593]

I love how instead of asking the interviewer what she meant, Cynthia just reacted in the way she did, and everything spiraled from there 😂

[@jonpierveliz2236]

The wicked marketing team is working overtime

[@mooneditor_500]

This is literally me over thinking every social interaction I have 🤣

[@creaturesims8878]

THIS WAS THE FUNNIEST INTERVIEW IVE SEEN ALL MONTH🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@aidancasey587]

We needed this so bad 😭

[@ElleneseErasmus]

The dress the ponytail ..omg ari😊❤❤❤

[@Thoughtspresso]

BUT WHAT DID SHE MEAN we needed the interviewer on this PLEASE CALL HER

[@JulianCheslow]

I could have sworn the interviewer said she flubbed her words in the moment later, but I agree it would have been nice to have her on too

[@brinsonopinion]

You would never get the truth because she was just tryna sound fancy to impress the movie stars & would never cop to it LMAO!!! Although is she did, I'd hold space for my subsequent admiration of her.

[@abbeyBominable123]

The interviewer actually already spoke up about it. Her first words to the girls were serious, but Cynthia's reaction to her words was so sincere that the interviewer became flustered and forgot what to say next. So the interviewer then said the thing about "queer media" and that's where Cynthia's confusion starts 🤣and then everyone was confused!

[@Maderlololohio]

​​@@abbeyBominable123sidenote aren't we all in queer media 😂❤ edit cause my phone changed it to queen at first ugh 😅

[@EmeraldaPutriAnjani]

I feel like someone from variety deserves a raise for coming up with this topic cause I'm sure they did not think this would be the outcome

[@TheCatsMe00w]

You know what A+ to their corporate training cause just responding to an unclear question/ statement with your own jargon filled answer, while simultaneously not knowing what is going on, is so relatable.

[@matijusti]

THE FINGER ALWAYS TAKES ME OUT

[@tluvsbeauty1]

This is such a funny presser concept. I love that they did this😂

[@MandyVdV]

This is one of the funniest videos ever on the internet. I'm dying laughing

[@seanheidger9381]

I’m LOVING these later interviews so that they can now react to the early parts of the press tour. This and even Ari hitting back at everyone saying things about their bodies.

[@rosymess]

girl i’m STILL confused as to what that meant. so it’s honestly hilarious to know that they had no idea what tf was going on too 😂 it’s sweet that they tried to be as cordial as possible though, love that

[@W1llyummy]

Never seen Ariana look so lost 0:40❤😂

[@musicprincess14]

Did anyone else notice Ariana subtly doing the finger hold again at 1:15 😂😂 she’s hilarious omg

[@pinklemonade6597]

they’re sooo real for this😭😭

[@CatNdivisi]

I’m crying 😭😭 an interview of an interview. Love it!!

[@Knightowl1980]

I’m dying 😂 And I’ve had to defend this phrase bc I kinda have my interpretations of it and the whole time they don’t even know what they were talking about !

[@thefamouspeopleus]

The way Ariana and Cynthia broke down the 'Holding Space' moment was so powerful!

[@lauracsoli]

2:04 "Am I also in Queer Media™, maybe? Work! Let's both be there."

[@thatcece08]

1:17 THIS IS SO- LOVE THIS 😭😭😭

[@AK-qb1gi]

Everyone was just confused from the interviewer, to Ari and Cynthia to us the viewers but I’m glad they can laugh about this

[@birdiewolf3497]

That’s what’s taking me down. EVERYONE was confused. No one knew what was going on. Brilliant.

[@psychicpay]

Jon Chu chuckling makes this even funnier 😭

[@cuppiecupsters]

Knowing they were just as confused as everyone watching makes the interview that much better

[@naylahammoud5667]

The comic relief that is created when these two women come together is iconic. How some of the interviewers don’t catch on to them wanting to burst into laughter shows their lack of awareness and social cues like what? Did you not study that in school?. Ari has come along way with holding in her laugh. I hope their press tour never ends. 😂

[@BobbyMooreable]

I AM SO WAITING FOR THE SNL SKIT THIS SATURDAY 😂😂😂

[@calumsanderson6741]

We can make fun all we want but acknowledging you don't understand something and owning that lack of understanding, hoping to change it, is the sign of intellect, not idiocy.

[@dannyvicencio]

3:30 i--- 😭

[@ElleneseErasmus]

Ari looks gorgeous omg😊❤

[@Daddiemoney]

I love how everyone is confused together 😭😂

[@timmy664]

Its the fact the both of them was so lost and was just looking at each other trying to see if either of them know what the lady was talkin bout🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂💀💀💀💀

[@lucygrays.ballad]

this has got to be the funniest thing ever! I'm so happy they admit it made no sense

[@Hummingbird25]

These two are hilarious and fun together 😂. I love how they are just embracing the silliness of the moment 😊

[@Here2Hear]

3:09 diabolical

[@Sam4G0d]

I needed a laugh after a very tough couple weeks, so came back to this interview, and it did the job! 😅

[@melsyoutube]

*WELL I’VE SEEN IT!* has the same energy as “WELL I THINK WE *ALL* SING!” 😭

[@ellielion4219]

The funny thing is "holding space" for someone or something is kind of a therapy term that means creating a safe and supportive environment for the sharing of thoughts, feelings, emotions, experiences. That term has long since existed but I love that they're applying it to this song 😂

[@dante1707]

This was really powerful and space-holding. Thank you, Variety

[@sweekruthi9969]

we have the interview, an interview about the interview, and there's an interview of the interviewer about the interview