Ariana Grande explains why she and Cynthia Erivo hold hands at Wicked press events

November 19, 2025 – Radio 854 Music News:

During the promotional tour for Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have frequently been seen holding hands, fingers intertwined, or engaging in gentle physical gestures — a pattern that quickly caught the public’s attention. Recently, Ariana opened up about why their bond feels so tactile, emotional, and deeply supportive.

Channeling Energy Through Touch

On her Good Hang podcast with Amy Poehler, Ariana explained that she naturally channels a lot of energy through her hands. She said:

“I’m always holding a hand. I’m always squeezing something. I’m always reaching for something.”

According to her, this isn’t just nervous energy — she uses touch to communicate support and grounding. When she’s with people she cares about, she instinctively reaches out to connect and comfort.

A Promise Made Before Filming

Ariana revealed that before they even started filming Wicked, she and Cynthia made a pact: they would be there for each other no matter what. She told Cynthia:

“I want you to know there’s nothing that we can’t talk about. You don’t have to face something alone. If you need help with something, I am on your side already.”

That promise laid the foundation for a relationship built on trust, emotional safety, and open communication.

The Viral “Holding Space” Moment

One particularly viral moment happened in an interview with Out reporter Tracy Gilchrist. During the conversation, Gilchrist noted that many fans were “holding space” with the lyrics of Defying Gravity, especially within queer communities.

Ariana — seeing how emotional Cynthia had become — gently reached for Cynthia’s finger and tapped it. In the podcast, she said:

“I didn’t know what the f— was going on… I just wanted to be there. I thought maybe she needed something.”

She described the gesture as “tender and beautiful” — not calculated, but deeply genuine.

Cynthia’s Take: Physical Touch as Communication

Cynthia Erivo has spoken about their physical connection too, noting that they often use touch as a way to communicate. In her words:

“Sometimes you can’t say anything … it’s just a squeeze of a hand … that’s sometimes how she and I communicate.”

She also addressed the emotional intensity of the promotional events, saying that a simple gesture — like holding hands — can carry more meaning than words.

Boundaries and Public Reaction

Not everyone’s comfortable with the viral moments, though. Cynthia has admitted she doesn’t love fans trying to recreate the finger-holding clip. When asked about people wanting to do the same, she said:

“I hate it. I don’t want anyone holding my finger.”

For her, the original moment was deeply personal and spontaneous, not a performance.

A Lasting Connection

Despite their busy schedules, Ariana says she and Cynthia make a real effort to stay connected. She explained on the podcast:

“We do our best to check in and take care of each other … so we can honor this project in the most human way possible.”

This commitment to emotional care and mutual support is what makes their public displays of affection feel authentic — not just as co-stars, but as true friends.

Why This Resonates:
In a world where celebrity friendships sometimes feel superficial, Ariana and Cynthia’s bond — rooted in vulnerability and genuine care — strikes a chord. Their physical closeness isn’t just for show. It’s a real, ongoing form of communication and emotional grounding.