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holding space wicked memes
holding space wicked memes
Universal Pictures via YouTube
Culture > Entertainment

These “Holding Space For ‘Defying Gravity'” Memes Are Wickedly Funny

Starr Washington

Can you believe Wicked is finally in theaters? After what felt like the world’s longest press tour, fans finally have Part One of the beloved musical on the big screen, and if the Letterboxd reviews are correct, the wait was definitely worth it. Before the film’s release, fans were treated to countless teasers, enough pink and green merch to last a lifetime, glimpses behind the scenes, and interviews with the stars of the film. But there was one moment in particular that captured fans’ attention — and the reactions are almost as entertaining as the film itself.

Shortly before the movie’s premiere, Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sat down with Out Magazine for what seemed like a typical interview — until it wasn’t. In the now-viral clip, the interviewer, Tracy Gilchrist, praised Erivo for the impact of “Defying Gravity,” telling her that she’d seen a “couple posts” about people taking the song lyrics and “really holding space with that and feeling power in that.”

Erivo’s heartfelt reaction, paired with Grande’s supportive (and unique) grab of Erivo’s finger during the exchange, was as wholesome as it was puzzling. Fans on social media quickly ran with the moment, poking fun at the phrasing of “holding space” and questioning the tone of the interview. Memes flooded X (formerly Twitter), with fans humorously speculating about what was really going on in that room.

Here are some of the best “holding space for ‘Defying Gravity'” memes that really capture the moment.

Starr Washington

San Francisco '25

Starr Washington is a Her Campus national writer, contributing primarily to the lifestyle vertical. Starr is dedicated to showcasing her blackness in her professional work and is always rooting for black creatives, particularly in film, literature, and travel. In addition to her writing, Starr is the director of SFSU’s multicultural center, where she organizes and supports annual events and celebrations for both the campus and the Bay Area community. She was a speaker at the San Francisco State University Black Studies Origins and Legacy Commemoration, where she had the honor of sitting alongside the founders of the nation's first Black Student Union. Starr teaches a course she developed called “Intro to Black Love” at San Francisco State University. In her rare free time, Starr enjoys chipping away at her TBR list (she is a spicy romance girly), writing fiction, and spending time with her music enthusiast partner and their three-year-old German Shepherd. She is a Scorpio from Michigan.