Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Viral Moment from Wicked Press Tour

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo created a touching viral sensation during the promotional press tour for the highly anticipated film Wicked.

In a recent interview with Out.com, shared on the outlet’s Instagram on Tuesday, November 19, the two stars were pleasantly surprised to learn that multitude of queer fans on social media were “taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that and feeling power in that.”

“I didn’t know that was happening,” remarked Erivo, 37, who brings the complex character Elphaba to life in the film. “That’s really powerful. That’s what I wanted,” she added, sharing a meaningful glance with Grande, 31, who plays Glinda.

Erivo elaborated, “I think that it’s really important for [Elphaba] in that moment to not allow the things that have hurt her, that have stripped her of her humanity, to keep her down,” reflecting on the emotional depth of her character’s iconic musical number.

During the heartfelt exchange, Grande tenderly took hold of Erivo’s long, green fingernail — a delightful nod to her character’s vibrant persona — and gently tapped it, symbolizing a supportive gesture that resonated with fans. This enchanting moment quickly gained traction online, skyrocketing the clip to viral status.

“I’ve officially been thinking about ariana holding cynthia’s nail for a full day,” one enthusiastic Instagram commenter declared, adding, “I see this image every time I close my eyes.”

“I genuinely can’t stop laughing at this. Every time I see it I burst into giggles,” another fan humorously shared, highlighting the lightheartedness of the interaction.

“So haunted by the image of Ariana Grande reaching out a trembling hand to grasp Cynthia Erivo’s single finger,” another captivated individual commented on X (formerly Twitter).

A witty user on X even joked about next year’s Halloween costume aspirations, writing, “I’ll be going as ariana awkwardly holding a singular finger on cynthia’s hand.”

Other admirers creatively juxtaposed close-ups of Grande and Erivo’s hands with iconic artworks, including Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam in Rome’s Sistine Chapel and a memorable scene featuring Tom and Shiv from Succession.

Fans couldn’t help but marvel at the interview clip as a whole, captivated by the enchanting chemistry and dialogue between the two talented actresses.

“I’m completely mesmerized by this clip … it’s almost like they are speaking a language I don’t understand,” one X user expressed. “I can’t catch the sense of it for a single moment. I’m not understanding the words or the feelings or the energy at all. It’s amazing.”

The eagerly awaited film Wicked is directed by the talented Jon M. Chu and features an impressive ensemble cast, including Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, and Michelle Yeoh.

Audiences will enjoy the film’s captivating narrative presented in two installments, with the first part currently gracing theaters.

How did the viral moment between⁤ Cynthia​ Erivo and Ariana Grande ‌during their ⁣interview ⁤reflect the connection between their characters?

**Interview with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande: Celebrating⁣ Connection and‌ Empowerment through ‘Wicked’**

**Interviewer:**⁣ Thank you for joining us today,⁢ Cynthia and Ariana! Your‍ recent press tour for *Wicked* has been nothing short of magical,⁢ especially​ with⁢ that viral moment involving your hands. What⁢ made you both feel connected during that interaction?

**Cynthia Erivo:** It was such a beautiful⁢ moment, ⁢genuinely! ‍I think it came from a‌ shared understanding of our ⁤characters and what they represent. Holding space for each other—especially in a way that resonates with fans—just felt right.

**Ariana Grande:** Absolutely! It was a powerful reminder of the ⁤emotional depth of⁤ our ​characters, Elphaba and Glinda. When I reached for ‌Cynthia’s finger, it felt like a symbol of support, which is really at‌ the heart of our relationship in *Wicked*.

**Interviewer:** Many fans​ have taken the lyrics of⁤ “Defying Gravity” to ‌heart, finding empowerment in ​them. What does that song mean to⁣ you both personally?

**Cynthia Erivo:** ⁣For me, “Defying Gravity” ‍is about overcoming adversity and reclaiming your power,⁤ especially when ‍the world tries to bring you⁤ down. Elphaba’s journey is ⁢so ‌relatable,‍ and it warms my heart to⁣ see fans connect with‌ that.

**Ariana Grande:** ⁢I​ echo‌ that sentiment.⁤ It’s about finding⁣ your voice and ‌standing⁤ strong in your truth, no ⁢matter ‌the challenges. Knowing that queer fans resonate⁣ with this theme ⁤is incredibly special.

**Interviewer:** Could you talk about the ⁣social media reactions? ⁤They’ve really​ exploded—people are sharing ⁣their thoughts and creative‌ spins on ​your⁣ interaction!

**Cynthia Erivo:**​ I was pleasantly surprised! ​I had no idea that fans were reacting⁢ so enthusiastically. It’s ⁤amazing how‍ a simple moment can touch so‍ many‍ lives.

**Ariana Grande:** Right? I’ve seen so⁣ many hilarious and⁢ heartfelt comments. It‍ means a lot to us that fans are ⁣embracing ‌this and finding joy in‌ it.⁤

**Interviewer:** It seems ​like the ​energy you both radiate has created‌ a ‍sense of‍ community⁤ among your fans. Have you noticed this newfound connection?

**Cynthia Erivo:** ‍Definitely! It feels⁢ like we’re all part of something ‍bigger. The joy and laughter that have come from⁤ this moment show the​ power of art and connection.

**Ariana Grande:** ⁣It’s so fulfilling.​ The support we’ve received from the fans—whether it’s through​ humor or heartfelt comments—has ‍enriched this​ experience for us.

**Interviewer:** Any final thoughts on the impact you hope ⁣*Wicked* will have⁤ its⁤ audience?

**Cynthia ​Erivo:** I hope it inspires people to embrace their true‍ selves and find strength in vulnerability, much like Elphaba does.

**Ariana Grande:** ‍And I hope⁤ it encourages kindness, understanding, and the belief ⁤that together, we can uplift one another and achieve⁤ great​ things.

**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing such ‌insightful ⁤thoughts! We can’t wait to ​see⁣ *Wicked* ⁢hit the screens.

**Cynthia Erivo and Ariana ‌Grande:** Thank you! We’re excited too!