Whoopi Goldberg was hoping for a shorter day when it came to the “Wicked” discussion.
On Tuesday’s episode of “The View,” the 69-year-old pretended to be asleep as the group discussed the “Wicked” meme involving stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Goldberg rested his chin firmly in his palm after introducing the viral interview moment during the Hot Topics segment.
Tracy Gilchrist for Out Magazine told Erivo and Grande Fans of the project are “holding space” along with the lyrics of “Defying Gravity”, which sparked an emotional reaction from Erivo, 37, during her press tour.
“I didn’t know this was happening. It’s really powerful,'” the actress said, as Grande, 31, reached out and grabbed her co-star’s index finger.
“Apparently, it has struck a chord with people. Why? I don’t know,” Goldberg said during the ABC program.
Co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farrah Griffin then channeled their inner Erivo and Grande, recreating the finger embrace while the audience laughed.
“What does it mean to have space?” Joy Behar ultimately posed the question, to which Hostin, 56, explained that it’s “the practice of making space for and centering someone else’s experience” that “promotes listening and empathy,” per. psychology today,
“Should I make room for Trump supporters now?” Behar, 82, was teased. Meanwhile, Griffin, 35, said she was “completely unaffected” by the entire press tour for “Wicked.”
Behar then pointed to Goldberg while nodding at the head of the table and said, “Whoopi blinked during this entire segment.”
Added Hostin: “She’s making space for her self-care!”
Goldberg then woke up from his deep sleep, looked around, smiled and sent the show to a commercial break.
Gilchrist was mocked on the internet for coining a completely meaningless phrase, but pointed out Diversity Said Monday that the interview was conducted a day and a half after the November 5 presidential election, and that she sat down with “honest” intentions.
The journalist also explained her personal definition of “having space.”
“I was very inspired by Toni Morrison (senior communications director) at GLAAD,” she told the outlet. “They posted the lyrics to ‘Defying Gravity’ before my interview. This was a great lecturer. ‘Holding space’ means being physically, emotionally and mentally present with a person or thing. For me, it means being in the moment, not being distracted, and feeling something on a cellular level.
Gilchrist continued, “I think you can go places with the lyrics of a song – one you’ve heard hundreds of times – and when you’re a strange person it can suddenly take on new meaning.”
“The Trump administration is targeting LGBTQ+ people through Project 2025. When Cynthia sings ‘I’m going through a period of accepting limitations’, there’s strength in that. She plays a character that is different. Who comes to her full power when she is exiled by a deceitful, cruel leader.
The media personality concluded, “There is a lot of resonance for anyone who is marginalized right now. For me, keeping space means hearing those songs anew and finding solace or inspiration.
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