During the Wicked press tour, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have faced a wave of viral attention for getting teary in virtually every interview. Critics call it cringe; fans call it authentic. The two stars are owning their emotional openness, defending their vulnerability as a strength—not a gimmick. In candid moments, Grande even referred to their press run as “insufferable,” but said she wouldn’t suppress her passion for the world’s discomfort.
What Went Down on the Wicked Press Tour
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s promotional run for the Wicked movie has been anything but quiet. Across interviews, red carpet stops, and candid chats, they haven’t held back—laughing, crying, holding hands, and sometimes even apologizing for just being themselves.
Their emotional honesty has sparked fierce reactions online. Some people have praised their authenticity; others aren’t so kind, calling their vulnerability “cringe” or performative.
Why So Many Tears? Their Side of the Story
Grande and Erivo addressed the crying head-on. Grande admitted that during a sit-down interview, she and Erivo compared each other’s “auras”—her way of reflecting their deep bond. She described Erivo’s aura as “yellow sunshine” with a hint of “purple,” then quickly clarified it wasn’t a nod to The Color Purple. Erivo responded by calling Grande’s aura “sky blue and sunset orange,” and the moment struck both as emotional and sincere.
To them, the tears aren’t a publicity stunt. Grande has spoken about how emotional availability shouldn’t be mocked, and Erivo has described the journey of making Wicked as deeply personal—one that unlocked long-held feelings for both women.
“Insufferable,” but Real
Grande has referred to the press tour as “insufferable,” but she’s not shy about what she means. In a conversation with actor Paul Mescal, she doubled down on how honest and intense her and Erivo’s connection feels:
“We are horrible… insufferable… it’s bad,” she joked.
But then she defended both of them: “Why does emotional availability scare people so much?”
She’s made it clear: she’s not trying to be performative. If her tears make people uncomfortable, maybe that’s their issue—not hers.
Fans vs. Haters: The Emotional Fallout
Not everyone is on board with the nonstop emotions. Social media critics have picked apart virtually every heartfelt moment, questioning whether Grande and Erivo are being overly theatrical.
Yet, for others, things like the “holding space” moment—or the times Grande grasped Erivo’s hand—are meaningful. Supporters argue that they’re just two people who have been through a wild emotional journey together, finally showing how much the film means to them.
Grande Speaks Out About “Cringe Culture”
Grande told podcast listeners that she’s tired of how “earnestness” gets labeled as cringe:
“Maybe it’s because of PTSD or whatever, but I love so much. I’m so grateful to feel so much.”
“We should be able to be happy and it not be corny or cringe … being passionate about something, loving people… That’s the best.”
For her, being real is more important than being “cool” — even if it makes some people uncomfortable.
Why Their Dynamic Cuts Both Ways
Their bond feels like more than just co-stars promoting a movie. Grande has said she and Erivo often walk hand in hand, and they joke about being “emotionally insufferable” together.
This isn’t just a marketing friendship—it’s a connection built over years, and they’ve said the emotional highs of making Wicked are part of what made the experience so transformative.
Critics Are Loud — So Are the Memes
From online parodies to straight-up mockery, the internet has not held back. The “holding space” interview, in particular, has been memed, rewatched, and dissected. Some people see it as genuine, but others interpret it as overly performative.
Even other actors have weighed in: some called the tour “cringeworthy,” while others defended Grande and Erivo’s vulnerability as brave.
Is This Emotional Tour a Marketing Strategy or Authentic Connection?
That’s the big question. For many, the tears feel real: raw, spontaneous, and rooted in decades of passion for the Wicked story. For others, it comes off as too carefully curated—almost like a performance in itself.
Grande has repeatedly said she and Erivo aren’t trying to perform for the internet. Their apologies? They’re real. Their tears? Also real.
In their eyes, sharing their feelings isn’t a gimmick. It’s a reflection of two artists who have poured their hearts into something deeply personal.
What This Means for Their Public Image
- Grande: She’s pushing back against “cringe culture” and defending emotional openness.
- Erivo: She’s doubling down on her supportive, compassionate presence—and the tight bond she shares with Grande.
- Fans: Many are cheering them on, seeing them as a refreshing example of genuine friendship in Hollywood.
- Critics: Some remain unimpressed, continuing to question whether every tear is real or edited for clicks.
Also Read : Anna Wintour Stuns at Met Gala 2025 – Red Carpet Review, Outfit Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo always crying during interviews for Wicked?
They say their tears stem from joy, shared history, and the emotional weight of bringing Wicked to life.
Q: Have they apologized for being so emotional?
Yes—they’ve joked about it, explained themselves, and even called it “insufferable,” but emphasized they won’t hide how they feel.
Q: Do people think they’re fake?
Some do. Critics call their displays “cringey” or “performative,” while fans argue their vulnerability is real and powerful.
Q: What did Ariana say about “cringe culture”?
She said it’s unfair: being passionate about something shouldn’t be embarrassing, and she refuses to numb her emotions just to appease others.
Q: Is their close relationship real?
According to them, yes—they walk hand-in-hand, comfort each other on camera, and say their bond formed naturally over the long journey of making Wicked.
Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates and information about celebrities and entertainment.
Discover more from Cine Storytellers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.