Cynthia Erivo breaks her silence on THAT viral ‘holding space’ interview with Ariana Grande as she poses for stunning GQ shoot

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Cynthia Erivo has broken her silence on that viral ‘holding space’ interview with Ariana Grande.

It was so amazing to see Cynthia and Ariana talking about ‘Defying Gravity’ with Tracy Gilchrist from Out Magazine! Tracy mentioned how fans are really connecting with the song’s lyrics and finding a lot of meaning in them, and honestly, that’s exactly how I feel too. It’s become something really special for all of us.

Oh my gosh, when Cynthia found out, her hand went straight to her chest! She looked totally stunned, but then she just breathed out, ‘I had no idea! That’s… that’s exactly what I was hoping for!’ It was everything. Seriously, the way she said it… chills! It was so powerful and genuine, you could just feel her relief and joy. I’ve rewatched that moment like a million times!

Cynthia recently explained the situation while posing for a photoshoot with GQ, describing it simply as a natural, momentary misunderstanding.

It was a really strange experience. I got one message, Ari got another, and the journalist, Tracy, was hard to follow – she seemed to change her mind mid-sentence. Everything was so confusing, but somehow, it left all of us feeling touched and moved.

Cynthia shared that strangers often approach her and ask to hold her finger, something she finds unpleasant.

‘I hate it,’ Cynthia said. ‘I don’t want anyone holding my finger.’

Oh my gosh, Cynthia was talking about Wicked and playing Elphaba, and she said it was… well, she said it was really exposing. Like, she really laid herself bare with that role, and it just hit me so hard. It wasn’t just about the costume or the green makeup, it was like she was vulnerable up there, and it was so powerful to hear her say that. It makes me appreciate her performance even more, knowing how much of herself she put into it.

It’s curious how actors often claim a character isn’t really them, or that they’re simply ‘playing a role.’ It seems impossible to completely separate yourself from a part you’re portraying.

These emotions originate within you and need to be expressed, regardless of whether you’ve fully acknowledged them or not.

Cynthia is set to be honoured at the GQ Men of the Year event on November 18 in London. 

Before the awards show, Cynthia did a photoshoot for the magazine’s “Men of the Year” cover. She looked stunning in a black leather outfit featuring strong shoulder pads, a fitted corset, and eye-catching lace-up gloves.

Cynthia completed her outfit with tall platform boots, see-through socks, and round glasses, then posed for a photo while sitting on a leather couch.

Cynthia was photographed wearing a bold outfit that included a black blouse with a low neckline and dramatic shoulder pads, completed with a spiky headpiece.

During the conversation, Cynthia expressed her concern and disappointment about the increasing negativity and hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals in today’s political environment.

She explained that who someone loves is a personal matter and doesn’t affect anyone else. ‘If you’re capable of love, that’s wonderful. If you’re in love, even better! What’s the difficulty? It all comes down to love.’

If people truly loved one another, things would be different. We wouldn’t interfere in each other’s lives, and we’d want everyone to experience the joy of love. Understanding what it feels like to truly love would change everything.

Honestly, once you’ve felt that connection, that amazing feeling… you just want everyone to experience it. I’d do anything to see the people I care about find it, anything. Seriously, chase after love however you can, grab onto it with both hands! I’d be absolutely thrilled, completely overjoyed, if you found it, even if it wasn’t with me. Just… please, find your happiness.

Cynthia also discussed how art is always political, saying: ‘I’m interested in human stories. 

I believe all actions have political implications. We often see things as simply right or wrong, but reality is much more complex. Given my identity and the current moment, everything I do will naturally be interpreted through a political lens.

You know, people often tell me I choose roles that stir up trouble, and honestly, I always wonder why! It’s not like I actively seek out controversial parts. I don’t sit down and think, ‘Okay, what will really get people talking?’ It genuinely isn’t my starting point.

I simply choose whatever appeals to me at the moment. Honestly, if I were someone else – if I looked different or lived a different life – it wouldn’t even be a topic of discussion. It’s just what I want, and it shouldn’t be a big deal.

Earlier this year, Ariana also shared her thoughts on the ‘holding space’ moment. 

During interviews for the film, Ariana Grande admitted she was completely confused about what was happening.

During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in January, the singer described a peculiar experience. They were relieved by the positive global response to a video clip, as it reassured them that they were doing okay.

‘They felt weird too. They felt so confused too, and that’s great.’ 

Graham was curious about the event, which quickly turned into a popular meme. He pointed out that the film wasn’t just a success – it had become a cultural phenomenon, with people intensely discussing everything related to it, including the movie itself and the publicity surrounding it.

Ariana asked Graham where he was going, but he quickly steered the conversation to a previous discussion. He said, “You know what I’m going to ask about – you’ve talked about it before. It’s about ‘holding space.’ Can you describe what happened with you and Cynthia during that press event? What was the question that was asked, or was it even a question at all?”

Ariana responded, sounding unsure. “It’s difficult to explain. I’m not really sure what happened… actually, I’ve never even been asked to talk about it before.”

Tracy, the interviewer, is fantastic – we all really admire her. She mentioned to Cynthia that she’d noticed online a lot of people were connecting with the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and finding meaning in them. I was surprised because Cynthia hadn’t heard about this, and I was equally confused, wondering what exactly people were doing with the song.

I wasn’t really following what was happening, but then Tracy responded. It seems like Tracy wasn’t sure how Cynthia interpreted her words. Tracy explained that she had seen it happen before, mentioning her involvement in queer media as context.

I was completely confused by what was happening and what it all meant. I didn’t understand any of it, and I was just trying to support Cynthia because she was really upset. We’re naturally affectionate and express ourselves through physical touch.

Ariana then described the moment in the video where she held and gently stroked Cynthia’s finger.

I noticed she was really getting upset by what Tracy had said, so I instinctively reached out and took her finger. Honestly, my first thought was just, ‘Oh no,’ because I could tell she was about to cry.

I reached for her hand because I was overwhelmed and didn’t know how to express myself. It was just a surge of feeling, and it came out in that way. I meant well – I wanted to show her I cared and be supportive – but I honestly don’t understand why I did that.

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2025-11-13 12:59