Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has quickly captured fans’ attention, evolving from on-stage chemistry to a real-life romance. The Wicked co-stars were first spotted together after both experienced significant breakups, sparking curiosity about their connection. Their shared passion for performance and Broadway clearly brought them closer together, and over time, their relationship progressed from dating to living together in New York City.
As headlines highlighted the end of Grande’s marriage to Dalton Gomez and Slater’s divorce from Lilly Jay, their romance emerged as a bright new chapter in both their lives. From rehearsals to public appearances, their journey offers a fascinating glimpse into how love can blossom amid life’s personal and professional changes.
December 2022: Slater Joins the Wicked Movie Cast
In December 2022, Ethan Slater was cast as Boq in the two-part Wicked movie, just before filming began in London. Ariana Grande had been announced as Glinda nearly a year earlier, in November 2021, setting the stage for the Broadway co-stars to reunite on the big screen.
Their casting in these iconic roles brought renewed excitement among fans, as both actors were set to bring their stage chemistry to a major motion picture adaptation.
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July 2023: Grande and Slater’s Romance Confirmed
In July 2023, Us Weekly confirmed that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez had ended their marriage earlier in the year. An insider revealed that the couple split in January due to issues “they couldn’t resolve,” noting that Grande’s move to London to film Wicked and the resulting distance further strained their relationship.
Around the same time, sources confirmed that Grande and Wicked co-star Ethan Slater had begun dating. “Ariana and Ethan have only recently started seeing each other, but they’re having a lot of fun and enjoying each other’s company,” one source told Us Weekly.
Slater, who had been married to Lilly Jay for four years, filed for divorce on July 26. The former couple shares one son.
September 2023: Disneyland Outing Highlights Growing Bond
On September 22, 2023, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater enjoyed a Disneyland date, just days after Grande filed for divorce from Dalton Gomez. A source told Us Weekly that the couple went with a large group of friends, including Grande’s mother and brother, and appeared “really happy.” The insider added that “all of her friends love him,” highlighting the positive impression Slater has made on Grande’s close circle.
October 2023: Moving in Together and Public Appearances
In October 2023, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater took the next step in their relationship by moving in together in New York City. An insider told Us Weekly on October 4 that “Ethan informed his friends and soon-to-be ex-wife that he’s living with Ariana full-time,” adding that the couple is “thrilled and really good for each other.”
Two days later, Us confirmed that Grande and Dalton Gomez had finalized their divorce. Following the settlement, Grande and Slater became more public with their romance. On October 31, the Grammy winner was spotted supporting Slater at the first night of previews for his Broadway musical Spamalot in New York City, highlighting their growing comfort in sharing their relationship publicly.
November 2023: Family Introductions and Theater Outings
On November 12, 2023, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater were all smiles backstage at Gutenberg! The Musical! After Slater surprised the audience by playing the producer for a performance, the couple spent time with the musical’s stars, Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.
Beyond theater outings, Grande and Slater have been getting to know each other’s families. An insider told Us Weekly on November 14 that their relationship “is going very well, and they’re both very involved in each other’s lives. Ethan’s met her family, and she’s met his family.” The source added that Grande’s loved ones “give Ethan the stamp of approval” and “adore him, thinking he’s a perfect match for her.”
December 2023: Public Support and Addressing Backlash
In December 2023, Ariana Grande continued to support Ethan Slater during his Spamalot run, bringing her father, Ed Butera, to a Christmas Eve performance. Around the same time, Grande addressed public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with Slater in a heartfelt Instagram Story.
She wrote, “I have never felt more pride or joy or love while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life. I have learned how much more important one of those things is than the other.”
The post highlighted Grande’s commitment to her relationship and her willingness to focus on personal happiness despite public opinion.
January 2024: Relationship Deepens
By January 2024, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship had grown more serious. A source told Us Weekly, “Things between Ariana and Ethan have grown more serious in the past few months, and they’re pretty much inseparable. Ariana deeply cares for Ethan and absolutely sees a future with him. She’s looking forward to a fresh start in the new year and can’t wait to see how things continue to grow for them.”
Another insider revealed that Slater informed his ex-wife about his relationship with Grande just days before it became public. A third source noted that the couple was “very much in love” and didn’t hide their feelings while filming Wicked, even holding hands between takes.
February 2024: Grande Opens Up About Love and Life
In February 2024, Ariana Grande spoke candidly about her relationship with Ethan Slater during an appearance on The Zach Sang Show on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel. She reflected on the challenges of public scrutiny, saying, “I feel like we don’t need to go into any specifics, but, of course, there’s like an insatiable frustration, inexplicable, hellish feeling with watching people misunderstand the people you love and you and anything.”
Grande also joked about releasing her album Eternal Sunshine amid personal drama, calling it the “absolute worst idea.” She explained, “I’m so nervous, because pieces of it touch on things that are real, and then pieces of it are also just, like, part of the concept. So, what is that separation?” Her comments highlighted both her vulnerability and her artistic perspective during a highly public period of her life.
March 2024: Eternal Sunshine Reflects Personal Life
In March 2024, Ariana Grande released her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, featuring songs widely speculated to address her split from Dalton Gomez and her relationship with Ethan Slater. A source told Us Weekly, “Ariana thinks these songs will provide a lot of insight for her fans. [It’s] her side of the story regarding Dalton and Ethan.”
The album’s lead single, “Yes, And?,” seemed to directly address critics and public scrutiny. In the bridge, Grande sings, “Don’t comment on my body, do not reply. Your business is yours, and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose — I ride?” The track highlights her desire to assert personal boundaries while sharing her truth through music.
April 2024: Public Appearances and PDA
In April 2024, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater attended CinemaCon in Las Vegas to promote Wicked. Following the event, the couple was spotted sharing affectionate moments during dinner at Nobu Caesars Palace. Grande was seen leaning in to kiss Slater, while he tenderly placed his hand on the back of her chair, displaying their growing comfort and public display of affection.
The outing highlighted the couple’s ease in blending professional commitments with their personal lives, as they continued to support each other publicly while maintaining a strong romantic connection.
June 2024: Supporting Each Other at the Stanley Cup Final
In June 2024, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater made a rare public appearance together at the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Florida. The couple showed off their team spirit by wearing matching Florida Panthers jerseys, delighting fans and onlookers.
Their appearance highlighted the couple’s playful and supportive dynamic, as they continued to balance public outings with private moments, showing that their relationship thrives both on and off the spotlight.
October 2024: Slater Opens Up About Love
In October 2024, Ethan Slater spoke candidly about his relationship with Ariana Grande during an interview on the set of Wicked, as reported by GQ. When asked about falling in love with Grande, Slater noticeably blushed and responded, “That’sa lovelyt question… that’s really nice of you to ask.”
He reflected on the challenges of public scrutiny, saying, “There were a lot of big changes in private lives… It’s tough to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love.” Despite the difficulties, Slater emphasized the joy in their connection: “It was an amazing year and a wonderful thing, and I’m just really excited.”
November 2024: Public Support and Red Carpet Moments
In November 2024, Ethan Slater praised Ariana Grande while promoting Wicked on The Jennifer Hudson Show. “She’s a comedy genius,” he said. “She’s so funny. I mean, she’s amazing in this film.” Slater added, “I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”
Later that month, the couple made their unofficial red carpet debut at the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked. While they didn’t pose together for press line photos, Grande and Slater appeared in group shots, with a candid moment capturing Grande adjusting Slater’s tie as he smiled back, showcasing their affectionate connection.
December 2024: Public Displays of Support
In December 2024, Ariana Grande publicly supported Ethan Slater in a rare Instagram comment after Slater shared photos from a shoot with Schön! Magazine, Grande wrote, “the Buster Keaton of today!” followed by “!!! ♡,” showing her admiration and playful affection for her boyfriend.
The comment highlighted the couple’s ongoing closeness and mutual encouragement, emphasizing how their relationship continues to thrive both privately and in small public gestures.
January 2025: Red Carpet Appearances and Togetherness
In January 2025, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater attended the National Board of Review Awards in New York City. While the couple walked the red carpet separately, they were seen together inside the venue, highlighting their growing comfort with public appearances as a pair.
Their presence at the awards reflected both their professional accomplishments and the continued strength of their relationship, balancing individual recognition with shared support.
December 2025: Backstage Celebration
In December 2025, Ethan Slater was spotted toasting Ariana Grande backstage as she hosted Saturday Night Live for the third time. Shared in an Instagram carousel by Grande’s friend Elizabeth Gillies, the images captured Slater enjoying the moment with the couple’s friends inside Grande’s dressing room, raising a glass in her honor.
The candid celebration highlighted their supportive dynamic and close-knit social circle, showcasing how the couple continues to blend personal milestones with public life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater meet?
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater met while working together on the Broadway musical Wicked, where Grande played Glinda ,and Slater was later cast as Boq in the film adaptation. Their shared passion for theater helped spark their connection.
When did Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez split?
Grande and Dalton Gomez parted ways in January 2023 after two years of marriage, citing issues that could not be resolved.
When did Grande and Slater start dating?
Their romance began in mid-2023, shortly after both finalized their respective separations. Us Weekly confirmed their relationship in July 2023.
When did they move in together?
Grande and Slater moved in together in October 2023 in New York City, marking a significant step in their relationship.
Have they made public appearances together?
Yes, they’ve attended multiple events, including Disneyland, CinemaCon, the Stanley Cup Final, and the Wicked premiere in Los Angeles.
How do they support each other professionally?
Slater has praised Grande’s acting and music projects publicly, while Grande has shared supportive social media posts and attended Slater’s Broadway performances.
Have they met each other’s families?
Yes, both Grande and Slater have met each other’s families, receiving mutual approval and support from their loved ones.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s journey from Wicked co-stars to sharing a life in New York City showcases a romance built on shared passions, mutual support, and personal growth. From the early days of dating in 2023 to public appearances, family introductions, and behind-the-scenes moments, their relationship highlights the balance between love, career, and navigating the spotlight. Fans continue to admire their authentic connection, playful interactions, and unwavering support for each other’s professional achievements.
