Gilchrist, who has been mocked by the internet for creating the completely nonsensical now-viral phrase, told Variety on Monday that the interview was conducted a day and a half after the Nov. 5 presidential election, and that she went into the sit-down with “sincere” intentions.

Tracy Gilchrist went viral last week for her comment about the song "Defying Gravity" during an interview with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

A recent interview with "Wicked" stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande spurred discussion on what the phrase "holding space" really means.

Let’s set the scene! A reporter from Out.com told Erivo this: “I’ve seen this week, people are taking the lyrics of Defying Gravity and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that.” Erivo got very emotional, saying she didn’t know that had happened and that it was extremely powerful. Grande then held her … finger.

What does 'holding space' mean and why are people 'holding space' with the lyrics of Wicked's Defying Gravity? Everything explained as the Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande interview goes viral.

Needless to say "holding space" has become the phrase du jour on platforms like X and Bluesky, where posters are imagining characters like Carrie Bradshaw to Don Corleon holding space for "Defying Gravity." They are even using it in completely different contexts like, "hey a bunch of us are outside holding space for cigarettes if you wanna join."

Part One’ cliffhanger ending—and its powerful extension of the song “Defying Gravity”—provide some rationale behind a viral meme.