What did the viral journalist who told Cynthia Erivo about ‘holding space’ for ‘Defying Gravity’ meant?

The recent viral moment from the Wicked press tour has sparked a massive online reaction, originating from an interview with Out.com journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist and the film’s co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In the clip, Gilchrist shares with Erivo, who plays Elphaba, that Wicked fans have been “holding space” with the lyrics to the song “Defying Gravity.” This revelation prompts a bewildered and emotional reaction from Erivo, who admits she didn’t know what it meant to “hold space” for the lyrics.

The moment is further amplified by Grande’s awkward attempt to comfort Erivo, but instead of offering a supportive touch, she reaches out and gently taps Erivo’s index finger, adding an extra layer of oddity to the exchange. The combination of the confusing comment, Erivo’s genuine response, and Grande’s curious gesture created the perfect storm for a meme explosion.

The term “holding space” quickly became the focus of the meme, prompting Gilchrist to clarify what she meant. She explained to Variety that it’s a concept inspired by Tony Morrison of GLAAD, referring to being fully present—physically, emotionally, and mentally—with someone or something. In the context of the lyrics, it’s about being deeply connected to the song on a visceral level, particularly for marginalized groups who may find new meaning in the lyrics, especially after significant events like Donald Trump’s election win.

For Gilchrist, the lyric “I’m through accepting limits” resonated with her on a personal level, and she shared that holding space meant allowing the song to take on new significance and finding solace in it. While Gilchrist’s explanation adds depth to the moment, it’s the bizarre interaction and its unexpected sincerity that made the clip go viral. As for the meme itself, Gilchrist hasn’t decided whether to release any related merchandise, but she remains open to the idea of launching a podcast.

The humor in this meme, like all great moments, lies in its quirky spontaneity. So, while the deeper context can be interesting, sometimes it’s best to just enjoy the bizarre, earnest moment for what it is.