2 minute readrundown
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were spotted platonically holding hands during the press tour for the two Wicked movies. Amy Poehler asked Grande about this habit on her podcast, praising the two actresses’ close relationship and mutual support. Grande also commented on the moment when she held Erivo’s finger that went viral.
“Wicked” co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been attracting attention by frequently showing affection during their two press tours. (The pair’s “Hold Space” exchange, in which Grande squeezes Erivo’s finger, was particularly viral).
Amy Poehler interviewed Grande on her podcast, Good Hang, and asked Grande directly and tactfully about why the two of them come into contact so often during press tours.
Poehler praised the deep friendship Grande had with Erivo. She pointed to the challenges of reporting, as every action is scrutinized by the public and women are too often pitted against each other.
Nevertheless, seeing Grande and Erivo’s close bond was “really cool, because when you’re talking about something that you’ve created, you have to deal with a lot of people’s energy,” Poehler said. She added, “And you guys just checked in physically. Like, the way you touch each other is so nice. You guys like to touch in a non-sexual way, in a loving way that supports each other.”
“Yes,” Grande confirmed.
“You like to hold each other’s hands and be there for each other. That’s so nice. You like to do that with people. Am I wrong?” Poehler asked.
“Yeah, yeah,” Grande said. “I send a lot of energy through my hands. So I’m always holding my hand. As you learned, I’m always kind of squeezing something. I’m always reaching for something every once in a while.”
She added, “I often put pressure on who I’m with. Yeah, I like to direct my support and energy…I didn’t even realize it was about me until it happened.”
Poehler interjected, “So you’re talking about the time you grabbed Cynthia’s pinky finger. It was so cute.”
Grande grabs Erivo’s finger the moment the topic comes up.
“Yeah, I didn’t know what was going on,” Grande admitted. She said she did it because “I just wanted to be a support. I was like, oh my god. And it felt sweet. It felt beautiful. And it was beautiful.”
Watch her full interview below.
Learn more about Ariana Grande
