‘What Does That Even Mean?’: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Hilarious Wicked Interview Moment

Ahead of the release of Wicked, an interview featuring stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande went viral—but not for the reason the production team hoped. The interview, part of the film’s promotional tour, took a humorous turn when both Erivo and Grande appeared confused by the term “distance,” a term the interviewer used during their conversation.

The phrase, often associated with mindfulness and emotional support, seemed to catch the two actresses by surprise. Their genuine reactions—wide eyes, nervous laughter, and a range of confused expressions—both amused and intrigued fans, sparking discussions on social media about the meaning of “distancing” and the cultural gap between the health term and mainstream understanding.

Setting the Stage: The Interview That Sparked a Trend

The interview started off well, with both Erivo and Grande excited to discuss their roles as Elphaba and Glinda in the upcoming Wicked adaptation. The duo, known for their stunning vocals and acting talents, shared anecdotes about rehearsals, bonding on set, and the challenges of adapting the iconic Broadway musical to the big screen.

However, things got funny when the interviewer, wanting to dig deeper into their working relationship, asked: “How do you two keep your distance from each other when you’re in such demanding roles?”

What Does “Holding Space” Mean, Anyway?

For those unfamiliar, “holding space” is a term that originates in therapy and mindfulness practices. It refers to the act of creating an accepting and supportive environment that allows someone to express their feelings without judgment. In creative contexts, it can mean cultivating a collaborative and empathetic atmosphere where people feel safe to explore their ideas and feelings.

The interviewer’s intention may have been to highlight how Erivo and Grande supported each other emotionally and artistically throughout filming. However, the abstract phrasing proved to be a stumbling block for the stars, whose candid awkwardness made for an unexpectedly humorous moment.

Social Media Reacts

Fans and commentators quickly took to social media to share their reactions to the exchange.

On Twitter, the clip was viewed millions of times within days, with fans creating memes and jokingly dissecting the stars’ reactions. One user wrote, “Ariana and Cynthia reacting to ‘keeping distance’ is peak 2024 energy. We’re all just trying to figure it out!” Another joked, “If I’m feeling stupid, I’ll remember that even Ariana Grande doesn’t know what ‘keeping distance’ means.”

Meanwhile, on TikTok, users have been recreating the moment in their own way, accompanying the clip with captions like “When you pretend to understand mindfulness terminology in a work meeting.” The incident has sparked a broader discussion about how wellness language can sometimes alienate those unfamiliar with it.

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Bridging the Gap Between Art and Wellness Language

The awkward but adorable moment between Erivo and Grande highlighted a growing divide between wellness-oriented terminology and its application in everyday contexts. While terms like “holding space” and “emotional labor” are becoming more popular in certain circles, they’re not widely understood.

This raises questions about how such language is incorporated into mainstream conversations. As one social media user noted, “Not everyone is fluent in therapy language, and that’s okay. We shouldn’t expect people to grasp these concepts immediately without context.”

For artists like Erivo and Grande, who focus primarily on performance and storytelling, the term can sometimes feel out of place in conversations about their craft. However, their willingness to laugh at themselves and embrace embarrassment resonates with fans, making the interactions more relatable.

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Behind the Scenes of Wicked: A Friendship Forged in Green and Pinkư

Despite the awkwardness that permeates the interview, Erivo and Grande’s genuine friendship shines through. The two stars often talk about the relationship they developed while working on Wicked, a film that required them to delve into complex emotions and deliver powerful performances.

Erivo, a Tony Award-winning actress known for her roles in The Color Purple and Harriet, has described her portrayal of Elphaba as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her career. Meanwhile, Grande, a pop sensation with roots in Broadway, has expressed her excitement about stepping into Glinda’s sparkly shoes and bringing her own twist to the character.

Their mutual respect and admiration is evident throughout the interview, even as they grapple with the elusive concept of “reserving space.”

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A Lesson in Authenticity

The viral moment serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by polished public relations campaigns and curated social media personalities. By admitting they had no idea what the phrase meant, Erivo and Grande showed that even celebrities aren’t immune to moments of embarrassment or vulnerability.

Their honesty not only endeared them to fans, but also sparked a broader discussion about the value of clear communication. As one commentator put it, “Sometimes the best way to connect with others is to admit when you don’t have all the answers.”

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Looking Ahead: Wicked and Its Cultural Impact

As excitement builds for the release of Wicked, the viral interview adds another layer to the film’s cultural cachet. The adaptation of the beloved musical, which reimagines the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film boasts an all-star cast, including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible. With its themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil, Wicked captured the hearts of millions on stage, and fans are eager to see how it translates to the screen.

The Power of Laughter

Ultimately, the “placeholder” disaster will likely become a footnote in Wicked’s larger story. But it’s a testament to the power of laughter and relatability in humanizing celebrities and creating memorable moments.