Ariana Grande reveals the reason behind her frequent physical interactions with Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande just gave fans a surprisingly sweet, surprisingly specific answer about all the hand-holding and finger-grabbing she keeps doing with her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. And yes, this is the same Wicked press tour moment that basically turned into a meme, because apparently one tender gesture was all it took to set the internet on fire.

Here’s the complicated part: their closeness is not just “cute co-star energy.” It’s physical, it’s frequent, and it’s happening in front of cameras while they’re promoting a movie musical that already runs on big feelings. During a press conference, Erivo got emotional when asked about “holding space” for the songs, and Grande responded by grabbing one of her fingers in support.

Now Grande is explaining that the touch is the point, and it starts with how she and Erivo wanted to feel safe with each other, every step of the way.

Ariana Grande's Close Relationship with Co-Star Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande has opened up about the physical intimacy many fans have noticed her sharing with her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo.

The co-workers' touchy-feely relationship has drawn eyebrows since the first press tour for the smash hit screen adaptation of the musical Wicked last year, even reaching the status of meme after one particularly notable hand-holding moment.

That finger-grab moment at the press conference is exactly why fans started clocking how often Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were touching on camera.

A close relationship between co-stars can often enhance on-screen chemistry, but it can also lead to public scrutiny.

"Emotional Moment Between Erivo and Grande During Press Conference"

While taking questions from the press, the friendly pair were told that many fans were 'holding space' for some of the song's hits, causing Erivo to become emotional - and Grande to grab one of her fingers in support.

And the pair's close relationship doesn't seem to have changed for the press tour for the film's sequel, Wicked: For Good, which is set to be released in cinemas next week (November 21).

Grande Reveals Bond with Erivo on Good Hang Podcast

And now, Grande has finally explained her bond with Erivo and why they are often seen physically touching.

Speaking on comedian Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast this week, the 'Thank U, Next' singer said their intimacy was an important part of the duo's success on screen and the wider ethos of the film's production.

Then the vibe carried straight into the press tour for Wicked: For Good, so the internet kept asking whether it was chemistry or something more deliberate.

Nurturing Emotional and Physical Closeness: A Deep Connection

Towards the end of the wide-ranging interview, she told the Parks and Recreation star that she wanted 'to be safe in each other, with their emotional and physical closeness aiming to keep them 'as connected as much as possible, every step of the way'.

She went on to explain how she instigated the intimacy, recalling an early conversation with Erivo: "Hey, we're getting to know each other, we're gonna learn a lot about each other very quickly, I want you to know there's nothing that we can't talk about."

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On Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Grande finally connected the dots, saying their emotional and physical closeness is part of how they stay “as connected as possible.”

"Poehler's Playful Probe into Intimate Interaction"

This gave Poehler her chance to ask about their infamous intimacy, which sparked nervous laughter almost straight away.

"You guys just physically checked in, it's really sweet how you touch each other," Poehler said as they both broke down into giggles.

"Embracing Touch: Grande's Connection Through Hands"

Holding it together, the host went on: "You like to touch, in a non sexual way, in a loving way, like supporting each other. You like to hold each others hands, its very sweet."

Thinking for a moment to explain her touchy-feely attitude, Grande said: "I channel a lot of energy through my hands, and so I'm always holding a hand, I'm always squeezing something."

"Cynthia Erivo on 'Holding Space' Moment"

Referencing the 'holding space' moment that went viral, the 'Eternal Sunshine' singer explained that her hands-on approach depends on 'who I'm with'.

After receiving the odd question, Erivo responded quietly, 'I didn't know that was happening,' before adding emotionally, 'That's really powerful.'

And she even described the early conversation where she told Erivo there was “nothing that we can’t talk about,” setting the tone for all that on-set comfort.

Ariana Grande on Channeling Support and Energy

"I like to channel support and energy... I didn't even notice it was a thing until that thing happened," Grande admitted of the bizarre moment.

She added: "I knew it was tender and sincere and beautiful, and I just wanted to be supportive. It felt sweet, it felt beautiful, and it was beautiful."

"Fostering Supportive Atmosphere in High-Grossing Film Production"

She said this supportive atmosphere had been nurtured as part of the production, which earned $759 million at the box office, with Grande saying that director Jon Chu encourages the cast to take care of each other 'so we can honor the project as much as humanly possible, and do great work'.

The dynamics of close relationships, particularly among high-profile figures like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, highlight the importance of trust and communication. Grande's revelation about her frequent physical interactions with Erivo during the press tour for Wicked underscores how such displays of affection can strengthen their bond. This openness not only fosters a positive atmosphere between them but also sets a precedent for collaboration in the entertainment industry. By embracing these values, they model a path for others to follow, encouraging genuine connections and creative partnerships. Their relationship serves as an inspiring example of how mutual respect can enhance both personal and professional interactions.

The meme hand-holding wasn’t random, it was Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo trying to stay close on purpose.

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