Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been promoting the new “Wicked” movie with a series of pink and green ensembles, sparking a viral moment in an interview with Out magazine. Journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist discussed how queer fans were finding power in the lyrics of “Defying Gravity,” a song from the musical. This unexpected revelation resonated with fans, leading to a flood of memes on social media, including a playful jab at Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City.”
The interview clip went viral, with over 2 million views on Instagram, and even traditional media outlets like ABC’s “The View” discussed the moment. This unexpected attention led to a surge in search interest for the term “holding space.” Gilchrist explained that “holding space” means being present in a conversation and listening, which contrasts with the online frenzy sparked by the interview.
The musical “Wicked” has long been popular with queer audiences due to its themes of acceptance and challenging authority. The film adaptation, released in two parts, builds on the story of Elphaba, a green-skinned character who faces discrimination for being different. The song “Defying Gravity” reflects Elphaba’s struggle with defying authority and following her heart.
Despite the viral attention, neither Grande nor Erivo publicly commented on the interview. However, the moment showcased the power of authentic interactions and the impact of theater and music on marginalized communities.
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