It’s fair to say that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s press tour for Wicked quickly went down in history as one of the most bizarre press tours we’ve seen in recent years.
If you need reminding, both stars sparked concern when they repeatedly found themselves in floods of tears during interviews, with both also appearing to be incredibly in tune with each other’s feelings.
In November, people were particularly surprised by a confusing exchange between Cynthia and a reporter about the star’s epic musical number in the film “Defying Gravity.”
In the clip, which almost immediately went viral, journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist told Cynthia, “I’ve seen this week, people are taking the lyrics to ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with them and feel power there.
Cynthia immediately put her hand on her chest and admitted softly, “Um, I didn’t know that was happening.” Seeming at a loss for words, she then choked up and said: “That’s really powerful, that’s what I wanted.”
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That’s where the interview took an even stranger turn, with Ariana – who was seated next to Cynthia – looking incredibly serious as she solemnly reached out and held Cynthia’s index finger.
And once fans noticed this, they began to retrospectively examine how often Ariana and Cynthia tried to hold hands while promoting. Wicked.
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Cynthia seemed to make light of this situation in a later interview, where she explained that she learned that her partner needs physical touch to comfort her when she feels overwhelmed.
“Ari needs contact when there is emotion,” she said. “She needs to be close, so I’m here for just a second.”
Lia Toby/Getty Images
But on Wednesday, a clip resurfaced on X that showed a time Cynthia unknowingly rejected Ariana’s search for comfort — and it quickly gained traction.
For reference, the images were taken during a Wicked screening and Q&A in New York in November.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
In the video, Cynthia addresses the audience and, at one point, places her hand on the arm of Ari’s chair.
Almost immediately, Ari reaches out – but when Cynthia inadvertently moves her hand away, Ari quickly retracts hers in her lap and looks dejected as she smiles awkwardly to herself.
Ariana Grande in an elegant off-the-shoulder dress with hair in a bun
Ariana Grande with her hair in a bun, wearing a textured strapless dress, looking to the side
X @arianagrandebr / Via x.com
An Ariana fan account posted this zoomed-in video on X earlier this week, and the reactions were quick to pour in.
A viral tweet that reposted the video and has racked up over 7.8 million views and tens of thousands of likes and retweets reads: “OH BAAABY NOOOOO SOMEONE TAKE HER HAND NOW.” »
The same user then shared a screenshot of Ari’s depressed response in the video alongside a series of crying emojis.
“This facial expression sequence is killing me,” someone else wrote alongside a selection of screenshots of Ari’s face in the clip.
While another admitted: “I would vomit if someone cut me doing something like that and posted it.” »
And someone else joked: “Cynthia’s index finger hates seeing Ariana Grande coming.”
You can watch the full clip below – what do you think? Let me know in the comments!
X @grandesglinda via X @arianagrandebr / Via x.com
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