The press tour for Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, has become the emotional event of the season. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play the iconic roles of Glinda and Elphaba, have captivated audiences not just with their performances but also with their heartfelt reactions during interviews and public appearances. It appears every time they sit down for another promotional event, tears are shed, and fans are left wondering just what is driving this rollercoaster of emotions.
During their latest promotional appearances, the duo finally got candid about their tearful moments. Speaking with BuzzFeed UK, they reflected on the overwhelming emotional impact of the film. Grande and Erivo have rapidly become known for their emotional interviews and virtually every promotional clip showcases teary-eyed reactions.
"People think we need to go to an asylum!" quipped Grande, to which Erivo responded, "We have therapists! This is good. We’re just grateful, we’re just happy." Their candor has struck a chord, drawing sympathy and camaraderie from fans and audiences worldwide, leading many to question how such an emotional connection can be so palpable.
The two actresses explained how intensive the experience has been for them, emphasizing the transformative nature of their roles. According to Erivo, they are not crying just for show; their emotional responses stem from the film's weighty themes and their connection to the characters they portray. Grande highlighted the magnitude of this role, stating, "This experience was life-changing, crazy, emotional."
This insight came as they faced questions about the public's perception of their emotionality.
At several points during the tour, particularly when discussing their roles and the film's themes, they were seen reaching out for each other's hands, embodying the friendship and support of their characters. Grande noted, "Ari needs contact when there’s emotion. She needs to be close. So I just be there for a second."
Even moments of vulnerability were met with overwhelming affection from the fans who have closely followed their journeys.
Another standout emotional moment arose during the LA premiere when Grande listened to journalist feedback about how her fandom—affectionately called the Arianators—has united people. One journalist conveyed, "95 percent of my friends met each other because of [the Arianator fandom]. I’m in a relationship because of it — through your fandom." Grande's reaction was priceless, demonstrating her gratitude for the support system her music has helped form.
This emotional connection also surfaced when discussing the film's poignant themes. Calling back to lyrics from the well-loved song "Defying Gravity," Erivo and Grande expressed their need to 'hold space' for these discussions. Erivo appeared particularly taken aback when journalist Tracey Gilchrist mentioned the impact the song has had on audiences, leading to tears from both actresses.
This phenomenon has even morphed the lyrics from "Defying Gravity" and their emotional banter has sparked memes—an unexpected yet delightful cultural moment. The phrase "holding space" has taken hold, encapsulating the sentiment of emotional support, community, and shared experience the film invokes. Grande and Erivo's candor around their tears has made waves on platforms like TikTok, generating buzz about the genuine love and support within the fandom and beyond.
The film’s climactic scenes also leave viewers grappling with raw emotions. Elphaba's struggle against the Wizard’s deception mirrors societal challenges, marking it as not just entertainment but as social commentary. The characters of Elphaba and Glinda reflect nuanced discussions about friendship and identity, particularly when Elphaba confronts the truths of her power. Scenes of betrayal, resilience, and the longing for acceptance resonate deeply, especially for younger viewers.
During interviews, Grande and Erivo have graciously responded to questions about how the younger audiences are reacting to the film's moral lessons. Addressing the impact Wicked is making, Erivo shared insights from young viewers, including powerful reflections like, "You have to be good and you have to be kind to everybody, and she is a good witch."
Moments like this illuminate the lasting impact this story can have on younger generations, especially when it emphasizes kindness and acceptance.
While the press tour is filled with touching moments, it’s not shy of humor either. Interviewer BIGGS had fans grinning when she tried to grab Grande's sunglasses, playfully embodying the vibes of diva energy. Their cheerful banter adds levity to the emotional intensity of the film’s themes, creating an endearing balance between joy and tears.
Observers have noted how this camaraderie between Grande and Erivo is palpable. Their moments of tenderness, like holding hands during intense discussions, showcase the genuine friendship cultivated behind the scenes. It builds a bridge for fans to connect to the portrayed characters, solidifying their bond with the story itself.
The star-studded cast also had its comedic moments, like when Jeff Goldblum got schooled on what it means to be called 'zaddy.' His mixture of confusion and amusement during the light-hearted banter offered moments of laughter, showing the lighter side of their press duties.
Fans are eagerly anticipating more moments like these as the press tour continues. With another installment of Wicked: Part Two already on the horizon, it seems this emotional rollercoaster will keep delivering poignant stories and heartfelt interactions from this iconic duo.
The rising emotional resonance has led audiences to revisit Wicked’s rich lore and themes. With the acclaimed musical's stories of friendship, societal issues, and multi-layered characters, the film adaptation continues to evolve through its artists' experiences. Are the emotions displayed by Grande and Erivo part of the film’s magic, or does it reflect the meaningful connections audiences have cultivated through the years?
