It’s been a year since Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s strange ‘holding space’ interaction became a viral moment, and it still feels unbelievable.
During a memorable interview that surprised many in the entertainment industry, the duo talked about the final song from Wicked: Part One, “Defying Gravity,” with journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist of Out Magazine.
Oh my god, when Tracy said people were really connecting with the lyrics, like truly feeling them, I almost couldn’t breathe! And Cynthia’s face! She put her hand over her heart, completely stunned, and just whispered, ‘I didn’t even realize… that’s incredible. That’s exactly what I was hoping for!’ It was the most amazing moment, seeing her realize the impact she’s having. I knew it, I knew the songs would resonate, but to see Cynthia react like that… it was everything.
Showing solidarity with her colleague, Ariana took Cynthia’s hand, and later confessed she was completely confused about what was happening.
The two actresses were constantly together as the movie’s release date approached. They made appearances on every talk show, frequently becoming emotional, and their dramatic behavior confused and surprised many people.
However this time around there seems to have been a noticeable lack of Wicked mania.
I’m getting so anxious! It’s almost November 21st, and I’m still waiting to see Ariana and Cynthia doing press for the second part. Honestly, their last promotional appearances were a bit awkward, but I need to see them promoting it anyway!
Following the huge success of “Defying Gravity,” Cynthia appears to be trying to establish herself as an artist beyond her famous role as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Oh my gosh, you guys, Cynthia just did an interview with Harper’s BAZAAR and it broke my heart in the best way! She was talking about leaving Elphaba, and she said it’s like, Elphaba will always be a part of her, which, duh, how could it not be?! But she needs to move on, to separate herself from the role. It’s so bittersweet, but I totally get it! She’s giving us everything with this final goodbye, and I’m already crying.
‘We’re not one and the same anymore, but we can be friends.’
She’s clarified that her book, coming out November 19th to coincide with the film, isn’t an autobiography. Instead, it shares valuable life lessons she’s learned.
Last year the film somewhat got lost beneath the pair’s viral interviews and constant tears.
Social media exploded with memes about the two of them, and the actors kept making awkward mistakes and embarrassing errors.
During interviews for the film, Ariana and Cynthia weren’t shy about showing their feelings, and frequently surprised everyone by unexpectedly bursting into tears, even when the conversation was cheerful.
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During an interview on Jake’s Takes, host Jake Hamilton asked a question inspired by their song ‘For Good’: ‘How has the person next to you positively changed you?’
Both women immediately began to cry, and Cynthia explained that they each felt incomplete when they met. She felt like she saw a part of herself in the other woman, and that connection brought out her own gentler side.
Ariana, so consumed with emotion that she could barely speak, managed to choke out: ‘Her strength.’
During an interview on Heart Breakfast, host Amanda Holden pointed out to Cynthia that reports consistently described her and Ariana ending up in tears. The conversation stemmed from their recent emotional outbursts.
Cynthia explained that they absolutely do, and she believes it’s because people bring a lot of energy and emotion into the room with them, which impacts the atmosphere.
This is the first time we’ve discussed this, and it’s bringing up a lot of memories and making us revisit everything we’ve experienced together.
‘We can’t help it, we get very emotional about it.’
During an interview with Pink News, Cynthia and Ariana enthusiastically praised the interviewer, telling her she was a “gift” and had “brought so much light into the room.” The interviewer had mentioned it was her first time attending a press junket.
Cynthia and Ariana reached for hands, and Cynthia explained, “We needed you here.” Ariana then added, “We love you and appreciate everything you do.”
Throughout the red carpet appearances, the two were constantly together, helping each other with hair and outfits.
TikTok is full of videos showing their popular moments, but surprisingly, the two haven’t given a joint interview yet this year.
At the National Board of Review Gala in January, the couple playfully suggested their relationship was just for show while speaking about working together.
Ariana joked about pretending to get along with someone she actually really dislikes, saying they were both very good at hiding their true feelings.
As the audience laughed, Cynthia added: ‘Now that’s collaboration. It’s true, we fooled you.’
Cynthia recently made a guest appearance on Strictly Come Dancing during their Movie Week. She served as a mentor, but didn’t dance herself, even though it was related to a film.
Ariana Grande kicked off the celebration of “Wicked” month by posting on Instagram, writing, “Happy Wicked month @wickedmovie ♡ 20 days!”
She also shared a snap of her and Cynthia’s matching hand tattoos that read ‘For Good’.
And it seems even fans are feeling the Wicked shaped hole in their lives.
A TikTok user expressed their eagerness for more publicity events for the movie Wicked in a post from September, asking, ‘Where’s the rest of the press tour?’
I’m desperate for someone to challenge me with a question, but when they do, they just exchange glances, share a little laugh, and then answer perfectly – though their answer often has nothing to do with what I asked. It’s strangely impressive, almost like watching a work of art.
‘I am ravenous for the finger holding, I never found it funny, I was like “that’s sisterhood”.’
Honestly, I’m losing it! Seeing those comments just confirms my fears. Everyone’s asking the same thing – ‘Where are they?!’ – and it’s like, YES! Someone else gets it! It feels like we’ve been waiting forever, and with the month almost over, I’m starting to panic. Is this even happening this year? I need answers!
‘Literally last year they were in JANUARY award shows. Where are our girls’
Someone commented that after being heavily criticized during the last promotional tour, it’s understandable if the person or group is only doing the essential work for promotion this time around.
Some people thought the TikTok might have been posted too soon, but as of November 5th, it doesn’t seem like the excitement for Wicked has really taken off yet.
There hasn’t been much discussion about “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” either, a two-hour concert film coming out on November 6th.
The show, featuring music from the first two movies, will broadcast on NBC in the US, and will be available to stream on NOW and Sky in the UK.
Last year, the duo turned heads with their stunning pink and green dresses at red carpet events worldwide.
This year’s premiere events had a difficult beginning on Tuesday when Ariana didn’t show up.
Ariana couldn’t join the start of her world tour in Brazil because of problems with her flight. The rest of the cast arrived as planned.
She expressed her disappointment on Instagram, writing that she was heartbroken to share the news with her Brazilian fans.
My team and I were just removed from our flight because of a safety issue that requires maintenance. We won’t be able to take off until 1 a.m. tomorrow.
She explained all other avenues were exhausted and they were able to make it work.
Everyone else seemed thrilled at the premiere, but Cynthia’s outfit was a noticeable change from the Elphaba-themed dresses she’d worn the previous year.
She ditched the look associated with her role as a green witch and instead showed off her toned abs in a dark grey crop top and skirt.
Last year’s movie premieres marked the first public appearance as a couple for Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, who began dating while filming the movie Wicked.
News of their relationship surfaced in July 2023, shortly after the singer ended her marriage with Dalton Gomez. At the time, Ethan was still married to his wife, Lilly Jay, and they had a one-year-old son together.
Rumors are growing that the couple may be separating, which could explain why Ariana is trying to avoid the media.
A source revealed to the Daily Mail last month that Ariana and Ethan have had an on-again, off-again relationship for much of the year.
They had a fight a few days before the MTV VMAs, so he decided not to go with her. Fortunately, they quickly resolved their issues, but their relationship has been a bit on-again, off-again lately.
The insider revealed that the situation is quite unhealthy, but everyone involved is managing to maintain a facade of stability for the time being.
Their relationship will likely end once the movie Wicked: For Good is released. It’s currently causing problems for both of them and isn’t good for either person.
They were once considering marriage, but that’s no longer an option. They initially fell deeply in love, but their relationship has since ended.
Ariana Grande has brought past boyfriends like Pete Davidson and Mac Miller to the VMAs in previous years, but this year she only attended with her family.
I recently spotted a sweet moment between her and Ethan! They were both at a preview of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in late April – it was lovely to see them enjoying a night out together, especially with Ethan being a proud dad.
That was also marked the last time Ethan was posted on Ariana’s Instagram grid.
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2025-11-05 14:35