Ariana Grande Admits She Didn’t Know What ‘Holding Space’ Meant During Viral Wicked Interview

“Wicked” star Ariana Grande admitted that she had no idea what the self-described “queer journalist” was talking about in the interview that went viral and caused a lot of confusion.

In the original video, “Out” reporter Tracy Gilchrist told Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo that “people have been taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that and feeling power in that,” prompting Erivo to become emotional and say, “I didn’t know that was happening. That’s really powerful,” as Grande gripped her hand and nodded along.

In the weeks since, the clip has circulated online and been mocked, as many viewers have questioned what Gilchrist was talking about when she used the words “holding space.” 

Grande said she didn’t understand the statement at all but just reacted strongly because the other two women were, according to Variety. 

“I didn’t know what any part of it meant,” the singer, who plays Glinda in the movie, said. “I didn’t understand the first sentence, and then I definitely didn’t understand how you responded. And I just wanted to be there. Because I knew something big was happening, and I didn’t know how to be there.”

“After a while, I didn’t know how to be there,” Erivo replied. 

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Grande said of the interviewer, “She’s also an amazing interviewer and a lovely person. That goes without saying.” 

She added, “I feel really relieved that the world had the same experience with this moment that I did, because I felt like, ‘Oh, I’m not broken.’” 

Grande also discussed grabbing Erivo’s hand, saying, “I’m going to grab this, because she looks like you might need something. I don’t know what the tapping was about.” 

“Release of tension!” Erivo said.

Gilchrist also discussed the viral interview with Variety previously, saying, “‘‘Holding space’ is being physically, emotionally and mentally present with someone or something.” 

She added, “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. The Trump administration is targeting LGBTQ+ people via Project 2025.”