The whirlwind romance of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, which began amidst their respective divorces, has faced its share of scrutiny and speculation. Recent reports suggest the couple weathered a difficult patch in their relationship, but are now in a stronger place, prioritizing their connection away from the public eye. The pair, who met even as filming the upcoming Wicked adaptation, have been navigating the complexities of a high-profile relationship that began under challenging circumstances.
Rumors of a split swirled last year as Grande and Slater maintained a relatively low profile, fueling questions about the future of their relationship. While, sources close to Grande’s family have revealed that while the couple never officially parted ways, they faced a period of uncertainty. The challenges stemmed, in part, from the unique circumstances surrounding the beginning of their relationship and the necessitate to function through personal issues, according to an insider.
“Ariana and Ethan hit a rough patch towards the end of last year,” a source told the Daily Mail. “They never broke up, but it was questionable at a point if they were going to continue moving forward. They’ve really spent time working on their relationship and are in a much better place. It’s been hard for them with the way their relationship began and they’ve had a lot to work through, but they seem to really, truly love each other.” The source added that Slater’s presence at Grande’s Saturday Night Live hosting duties and their shared holiday time with her family signaled a renewed strength in their bond.
The couple’s connection reportedly extends beyond romantic compatibility, with a source suggesting Grande has a pattern of being drawn to partners she perceives as less conventionally attractive than herself. “Ariana likes to date guys she knows she’s better looking than,” the source stated, attributing this preference to the singer’s own insecurities.
From Wicked Set to Romance
Grande and Slater first connected in late 2022 while working on the two-part film adaptation of Wicked, directed by John M. Chu. At the time, both were married to other people. Grande filed for divorce from her then-husband, Dalton Gomez, in February 2023, after two years of marriage, as confirmed by court documents. Slater subsequently filed for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay, in July 2023, shortly after news of his relationship with Grande became public. Slater and Jay share a three-year-old son.
Breakup speculation intensified in 2025 when Grande and Slater went months without public appearances together, coinciding with the promotional tour for Wicked: For Quality. However, they appeared to dispel these rumors by posing together at the New York City premiere of the film in November. Slater also publicly expressed support for Grande during her Eternal Sunshine Tour in September, praising her devoted fanbase, according to People Magazine.
Navigating Public Scrutiny
Despite attempts to quell speculation, questions lingered. Slater faced scrutiny in November when he sidestepped a direct question about his relationship with Grande during an interview on the Today show, opting to praise the entire cast of Wicked. He did, however, describe Grande as “brilliant” and lauded her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, as “remarkable.”
More recently, sources have indicated a shift in the couple’s dynamic. “Ariana put Ethan on the back burner while she was promoting the movie,” an insider revealed to the Daily Mail. “But they’re in a solid place now. They’re like an old married couple at home. They’d rather hang out together and do simple things like play board games or binge watch shows rather than go out to fancy places.”
Slater demonstrated his support for Grande by attending her Saturday Night Live hosting gig in December, where she bid farewell to fellow cast member Bowen Yang. The couple has also begun sharing subtle glimpses of their private life on social media, posting photos from an intimate Christmas gathering with friends, signaling a more comfortable openness with their relationship.
As Grande and Slater continue to navigate the demands of their careers and the pressures of public attention, their commitment to working through challenges suggests a desire to build a lasting relationship. The couple’s focus on prioritizing quality time together and maintaining a low-key lifestyle indicates a deliberate effort to nurture their connection outside the spotlight.
What comes next for Grande and Slater remains to be seen, but their recent displays of support and commitment suggest a renewed sense of stability. Fans and observers will undoubtedly be watching to see how their relationship evolves as they continue to balance their personal lives with their demanding professional commitments. Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below.
