If you’ve caught a glimpse of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on the press tour for Wicked, you’ll understand me when I say that I think something very bizarre happened behind the scenes of that film. Ariana and Cynthia got like five matching tattoos; they’re in full tears at every single interview they’re in, and they look at each other like they saved each other from a burning building. Now, you can just say this is peak theater kid behavior, but a recent interaction during the press tour has gone viral, and it really makes me feel like I’m in a fever dream. So, why is the internet holding space for “Defying Gravity”?
“Holding Space” Meme Explained For Those Who Aren’t Chronically Online
@soceleb Defying Gravity is holding space! #foryou #fyp #arianagrande #cynthiaerivo #wicked #funny #popculture #celebrity #hollywood #foryoupage ♬ original sound – soceleb
If you’ve been online at all this week, you’ve probably seen your entire timeline filled with people talking about “holding space for the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity.'” And if you’re wondering “WTF does that mean?” let me help you out here a bit — though I can’t guarantee I’ll really give you a direct answer.
In a recent interview, Out reporter Tracy Gilchrist lets Cynthia know that people have been taking the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” and “really holding space with that and feeling power in that.”
What does that mean exactly? No clue. But Cynthia immediately looks like someone’s told her she’s saved their life and says, “I didn’t know that was happening. That’s really powerful. That’s.. what I wanted.” Ariana then hold’s Cynthia’s finger — no, not her hand, her finger — as… emotional support? And you, the viewer, feel like you’re being punked.
The best part? A few seconds later, the reporter clarified it was actually “only a couple posts” and that she’s in “queer media,” so take it with a grain of salt. But Cynthia was already emotional at this point.
I feel like every time Ariana and Cynthia are interviewed, “therapy speak” is taken and jumbled all around, and then random words are chosen and spoken. Because let’s be real, I don’t care how much of a theater kid you are: How do you hold space for lyrics? For a song that’s been out for over two decades?? It is wonderful that Cynthia’s rendition of “Defying Gravity” touches people so much, but can we all act normally for a second? Also, Ariana, what are you doing with that finger?
Funniest Examples Of The Internet “Holding Space”
And because nobody knows what’s going on, of course the internet has taken this moment and is trying to make sense of it (or at least fun of it) the only way they know how: through memes.
“I never considered I’d become a meme,” Tracy said in response to the clip going viral. “But as an unrepentant showqueen, I’m thrilled that it’s for something this campy, in response to a movie I love. Now go see Wicked!”
get your fucking ass up and hold space for the lyrics of defying gravity. its like no one wants to hold space for the lyrics of defying gravity anymore pic.twitter.com/At5eRmBnqp
— gee🍂is watching 911 (@clotpolechrlie) November 22, 2024
I couldn’t help but wonder… if Big could hold space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity, why couldn’t he hold space for me? pic.twitter.com/IsC6PFv7bt
— Chris Murphy (@christress) November 22, 2024
no because i did kinda hold some space for the lyrics of defying gravity this morning idk
— zae (@itszaeok) November 23, 2024
Thanks for your email!
I’m currently out of office to take the lyrics of Defying Gravity and really hold space with that. I’ll get back to you as soon as I am able.
Best regards,
— Joshua Rush (@JoshuaRush) November 22, 2024
The 103rd floor of the Empire State Building was originally built to hold space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) November 23, 2024
if i’m holding space with the lyrics of defying gravity, and you’re in queer media, then who the hell is holding this finger
— bald ann dowd (@ali_sivi) November 22, 2024
If you are in line to hold space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity, stay in line!
— Scott Gorenstein (@ScottGorenstein) November 23, 2024
Can't believe I have to spend a majority of thanksgiving explaining this to my non-chronically online family members pic.twitter.com/foriN0QzpY
— Betches (@betchesluvthis) November 25, 2024
