Ariana Grande on Touching Co-Star Cynthia Erivo

Pop superstar Ariana Grande and her Wicked: For Good co-star Cynthia Erivo have often been observed sharing moments of physical closeness during their public appearances, sparking curiosity among fans and interviewers alike. Grande recently shed light on this affectionate dynamic during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, offering insight into her personal expressive style and the profound bond she shares with Erivo.

Ariana Grande’s Approach to Channeling Energy

During the “Good Hang” podcast, Ariana Grande was directly asked about her and Cynthia Erivo’s tendency to “like to touch each other.” The Grammy winner explained that she “channels a lot of energy through [her] hands.”

Grande elaborated on this, noting her habit of “always holding a hand, always squeezing something” or “always reaching for something” when interacting with people around her.

The Deepening Bond Forged by Wicked

The shared experience of portraying Glinda and Elphaba, iconic roles in the highly anticipated Wicked films, significantly strengthened the relationship between Grande and Erivo. Despite the demanding schedules that often create a gap between filming and promotional tours, Grande emphasized that they have “worked hard to maintain” their close bond.

Grande acknowledged the considerable time that often passes between wrapping a film and embarking on its press tour, highlighting their commitment to “check ins here and there when” possible. She further stated, “We’re both so busy but do our best to stay connected in that way and to take care of each other so we can honor the project as much as humanly possible.”

Understanding the Viral “Holding Space” Moment

A particular interview moment from November 2024, where Grande held and gently tapped Erivo’s finger mid-interview, went viral and became a subject of widespread discussion. Grande reflected on this incident, noting that she didn’t realize her physical expressiveness was “a thing about me until that thing happened.”

During the viral interview, a reporter emotionally discussed queer fans “holding space” for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity.” Grande recalled feeling a sense of confusion, stating, “I didn’t know what the f–k was going on.” She remembered asking herself, “‘Am I OK? Did I not hear something?'” Her intention behind reaching for Erivo’s finger was purely supportive, believing her friend “might need something.” Grande expressed relief that the public’s perception aligned with her own, feeling “really relieved that the world had the same experience with this moment that I did, because I felt like, ‘Oh I’m not broken.’” Erivo humorously attributed the finger tapping to the “tension” in the room.

Continued Affection and Mutual Support

The genuine affection between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has remained evident throughout the press tour for Wicked: For Good. Their displays of closeness have continued at various premieres and events. This bond extends beyond mere camaraderie, as exemplified when Erivo reportedly “jumped into action faster than security guards” to protect Grande from a fan at the film’s Singapore premiere.

FAQ

What did Ariana Grande say about her physical affection with Cynthia Erivo?

Ariana Grande explained that she “channels a lot of energy through [her] hands” and is naturally inclined to physical touch, such as holding or squeezing hands, to channel support and energy to those around her.

How do Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo maintain their close bond?

Despite their busy schedules and the time elapsed since filming, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo make an effort to stay connected through “check ins here and there” to maintain their strong friendship.

What was the “viral finger grab” incident?

The “viral finger grab” refers to a moment in November 2024 during an interview where Ariana Grande held and tapped Cynthia Erivo’s finger. Grande explained it was an instinctual gesture of support during an emotionally charged discussion.

Conclusion

Ariana Grande’s candid explanation of her physical expressiveness with Cynthia Erivo offers a deeper understanding of their authentic connection. Far from a manufactured display, their mutual affection stems from Grande’s natural way of channeling energy and a strong, diligently maintained friendship forged through their shared journey in the world of Wicked. Their bond, characterized by support and genuine warmth, continues to captivate audiences and reflects a true partnership both on-screen and off.