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If you’ve spent even five minutes on the internet lately, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande interview clips have basically taken over every social media feed in existence. It’s not just your standard "we had so much fun on set" PR fluff. It’s intense. It’s emotional. Honestly, it’s a little bit unhinged in the best way possible.
People are divided. Some fans think it’s the most beautiful display of female friendship Hollywood has ever seen. Others are... well, they're a little confused by the "holding space" and the constant hand-holding. But whether you find it endearing or "insufferable" (Ariana’s own words, by the way), you can’t deny that the chemistry between these two is the reason Wicked is more than just another movie. It’s a full-blown cultural event.
Why the "Holding Space" Interview Went Viral
Let’s talk about the moment that launched a thousand memes. During an interview with Out Magazine, journalist Tracey E. Gilchrist told the pair that people were "taking the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' and really holding space in that."
Cynthia looked like she’d just been told the secrets of the universe. She was visibly moved. Ariana, meanwhile, was right there with her, nodding solemnly and stroking Cynthia’s fingers. It was the "finger hold" heard 'round the world.
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Critics called it "theatre kid energy" dialed up to eleven. But for the actors, it wasn't a performance. Cynthia has been very open about how playing Elphaba was a massive, emotional undertaking. She told Backstage that singing is one of the most vulnerable things you can do because you're "opening yourself up to judgment." When you have two people doing that together for two years, you’re gonna get some deep bonds.
The Reality Behind the Chemistry
People love to speculate. As of early 2026, the rumors range from "they actually hate each other" to "they’re secretly married."
I’ll be real: the "they hate each other" rumors seem like a reach. If they’re faking this level of intimacy, they deserve every Oscar on the shelf. Ethan Slater, Ariana’s partner, even called them "soulmates" in a 2025 interview. He described their friendship as something deeply informed by the work they did together.
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Cynthia and Ariana actually made a promise to each other early on. They vowed to be each other's "safe space" on set. Think about it—they were filming in London for ages, dealing with massive expectations and, let’s be honest, a lot of public scrutiny. You’d probably cling to your costar too.
Key highlights from their press cycle:
- The "Not the Time, Helicopter" Moment: Ariana literally tried to shoo away a helicopter with her hand because it was interrupting Cynthia’s emotional story.
- The Matching Tattoos: They didn’t just get one. They got several, including "secret" ones they haven't shown the public yet.
- The Name Change: Ariana decided to be credited as "Ariana Grande-Butera" for the film, a move that made both of them cry in multiple interviews.
That Recent Awards Season Drama
Fast forward to January 2026. The Wicked press tour is still the gift that keeps on giving, but now there’s a bit of a sting to it. Ariana recently had to defend Cynthia after a major awards snub.
Ariana was nominated for a supporting actress award, but Cynthia—the literal lead of the movie—was left out. In a recent Variety interview, Ariana didn't hold back. She called Cynthia’s performance "the most truthful, vulnerable, and fierce Elphaba we’ve seen." She basically told the world that the performance will be remembered long after the awards are forgotten.
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It’s that "I’ve got your back" energy that defines every Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande interview. They aren't just promoting a product; they are protecting each other’s legacies.
How to Tell Fact from "Press Tour Fever"
It's easy to get lost in the TikTok edits, but here's the bottom line. These two are "theatre kids" who finally got to play their dream roles.
- Is the crying real? Most likely. Both have spoken about "similar traumas" they’ve bonded over.
- Are they actually friends? They’ve been seen together outside of work constantly for over two years now. That’s a long time to "fake it."
- What’s with the "binary" quote? Cynthia once used some pretty complex language to describe their bond as "non-demi-curious semi-binary." Translation: It’s a deep, platonic love that doesn't fit into a standard box.
If you’re looking for the best way to catch up on the saga, start with the Las Culturistas podcast episode or the Vogue "Off the Cuff" video. You’ll see the range—from deep, tearful reflections to Ariana trying to do an English accent. It’s a wild ride.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the full Out Magazine interview to see the "holding space" moment in context.
- Check out the Variety "Actors on Actors" session where Ariana responds to the "insufferable" comments.
- Keep an eye out for the Wicked: Part Two press cycle, which is guaranteed to bring even more emotional moments as the story concludes.