What does Holding Space for Defying Gravity mean? Viral Cynthia Erivo interview meme explained

26 November 2024, 15:54

By Katie Louise Smith

“No video has ever affected me this much in my entire life. I saw it for the first time 12 hours ago and it has completely changed the way I talk.”

The Wicked press tour has truly changed something within us, and now the world is holding space for 'Defying Gravity'. But what does it all mean? Here's your explainer...

Since the start of the mammoth Wicked press tour, the wickedly talented Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have sparked countless viral moments. From hilarious soundbites ("Ron's been splinched!") to tearful interviews, the memes have been absolutely flying.

Now, a clip from an Out.com interview with Cynthia and Ariana has gone viral thanks to a somewhat confusing comment about “people taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that". Since the clip started doing the rounds, memes have flooded social media and "holding space" has now officially entered the Meme Hall of Fame.

But what does it mean? What exactly does it mean to "hold space" and why are people doing it with 'Defying Gravity'?

What does "Holding Space" for 'Defying Gravity' mean?

In the viral clip, journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist tells Cynthia (who plays Elphaba, and who sings the musical's show-stopping number) that “people are taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that.”

Cynthia appears to be really taken aback by the comment, despite Gilchrist never really fully explaining what is meant by "holding space". Cynthia, with a hand to her chest, responds: “I didn’t know that that was happening.”

After sharing that she had "seen it" online, a stunned, emotional Cynthia adds, "That’s really powerful—that’s what I wanted," before turning to Ariana who reaches out to grab Cynthia's finger. Not her hand... her finger.

"I’ve seen it on a couple posts, I don’t know how widespread,” Gilchrist says, “But you know, I am in queer media, that’s my—you know …”

Cynthia then says: “That’s really cool.”

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So, what exactly does "Holding Space" mean?

Psychology Today describes the term "holding space" as "to be fully present with someone else, without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome". The term "Holding Space" was popularised by writer Heather Plett in 2015.

But in the context of the Out.com interview, it appears as though Gilchrist used the phrase a little differently, instead highlighting that people within the queer community have been taking time to sit with, resonate, reflect upon and find empowerment for themselves within the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity'.

The lyrics to 'Defying Gravity' are all about living without limits and defying social norms in the face of discrimination and hardships. In the song, Elphaba finds her true power by embracing her "outsider" status.

In the accompanying article, Gilchrist elaborates further, explaining: "Long an anthem embraced by folks who have been othered, 'Defying Gravity’s' lyrics took on new weight in the days after the election on Nov. 5."

Wicked's Jonathan Bailey & Jeff Goldblum Tease New Original Songs In Part 2

Gilchrist explained how she would define "holding space" in an interview with Variety. "'Holding space' is being physically, emotionally and mentally present with someone or something. For me, it means being in the moment, not being distracted and feeling something on a cellular level. I think you can hold space with lyrics of a song – one you’ve heard hundreds of times – and it can suddenly take on new meaning when you’re a queer person."

"The Trump administration is targeting LGBTQ+ people via Project 2025. When Cynthia sings 'I’m through accepting limits,' there’s power in that," Gilchrist added.

"She plays a character who is othered. One who comes to her full power when she is exiled by a charlatan, by a cruel leader. There’s a lot of resonance there right now for anyone who is marginalized. For me, holding space is listening to those lyrics anew and finding solace or inspiration."

The clip has now spawned hundreds and hundreds of memes, and it has an absolute chokehold on the timeline. “No video has ever affected me this much in my entire life," one user wrote. "I saw it for the first time 12 hours ago and it has completely changed the way I talk.”

A screenshot of Ariana holding onto Cynthia's impeccably manicured finger has also gone viral, with people photoshopping it in to memorable moments in pop culture.

Here are all the funniest "Holding Space for Defying Gravity" memes so far...

Thankfully, Gilchrist has seen the funny side of the conversation surrounding her interview and has explained it further in a follow up with Out magazine.

"When I posed the question to Cynthia about people holding space with the lyrics to 'Defying Gravity,' it was two days after the election, and everyone I knew in the LGBTQ+ community was trying to make sense of what we might be facing," she said. "I loved her response, and I love that people are having a laugh, because I know I could use one about now."

"I never considered I'd become a meme," Gilchrist added. "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!"

Read more about Wicked here:

• Wicked's Cynthia Erivo reveals surprising reason she wore prosthetics as Elphaba
• Wicked's Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande say Elphaba and Glinda are queer
• Cinemas ban Wicked fans from singing along during showings of the movie
• How long is Wicked? Here's why Part 1's movie runtime is longer than the entire musical
• Wicked's Cynthia Erivo shuts down "inappropriate" question about her long nails
• Wicked's Cynthia Erivo explains why it was important for Elphaba to have micro braids

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