Who Is Ariana Grande Boyfriend in 2025? Everything About Her Relationship with Ethan Slater

Ariana Grande Boyfriend :Pop superstar Ariana Grande’s love life has always been a subject of intense public fascination, and in 2025, fans continue to search for answers about her current relationship status. If you’re wondering about Ariana Grande’s boyfriend and want the complete story behind her romance with Ethan Slater, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything from how they met to where they stand today.

Ariana Grande’s Boyfriend: Meet Ethan Slater

Ariana Grande’s boyfriend is Ethan Slater, her Wicked co-star and accomplished Broadway actor. The couple has been together since 2023, and despite numerous rumors and widespread speculation throughout their relationship, they remain committed to each other as of November 2025. Their romance has survived tabloid scrutiny, public controversy, and the challenges of maintaining privacy while being two of entertainment’s most talked-about performers.

Ethan Slater, 32, first gained recognition for his Tony-nominated performance as SpongeBob in the Broadway musical SpongeBob SquarePants. His portrayal of the beloved cartoon character earned him critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in musical theater. In the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, he plays Boq opposite Grande’s Glinda, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1992, Slater has built an impressive career in theater before making the transition to film, bringing his stage experience to the big screen.

What makes Ariana Grande’s boyfriend particularly special is his deep understanding of the entertainment world from a theatrical perspective. Like Grande herself, who began her career on Broadway in 13: The Musical before becoming a pop icon, Slater shares a passion for live performance and musical storytelling. This common ground has created a strong foundation for their relationship, allowing them to connect on both personal and professional levels.

How Ariana Grande and Her Boyfriend Got Together

The love story between Ariana Grande and her boyfriend Ethan Slater began in the most Hollywood way possible—on a movie set. They met while filming Wicked in late 2022, where the magic of Oz brought them together. Grande was cast as Glinda the Good Witch, while Slater took on the role of Boq, a Munchkin who harbors unrequited feelings for Glinda in the story.

However, their relationship didn’t start immediately. When filming began, both were married to other people. Grande was married to Dalton Gomez, a luxury real estate agent she wed in May 2021 in an intimate ceremony. Slater was married to Lilly Jay, his high school sweetheart whom he married in 2018, and they had welcomed a son together in 2022.

As 2023 arrived, both marriages began to unravel. Grande and Gomez quietly separated in January 2023, though they didn’t immediately announce it publicly. The couple had been struggling with the challenges of their bicoastal lifestyle, with Grande spending significant time in London filming Wicked while Gomez remained in Los Angeles for work. By July 2023, Slater filed for divorce from Jay, and shortly after, news broke that Ariana Grande’s boyfriend was Ethan Slater.

The public revelation of their relationship came in summer 2023, sparking immediate media frenzy. By September 2023, the couple was photographed together at Disney World, seemingly unbothered by the scrutiny surrounding them. These early sightings marked the beginning of what would become a relationship tested by public opinion but strengthened by their mutual support and understanding.

Current Status: Are Ariana Grande and Her Boyfriend Still Together?

Yes, Ariana Grande and her boyfriend Ethan Slater are absolutely still dating as of November 2025. Despite persistent breakup rumors and speculation fueled by their separate promotional appearances during the Wicked: For Good press tour, the couple remains strong. In fact, sources confirmed to TMZ in November 2025 that they are still very much together and committed to their relationship.

The confusion about their relationship status stems largely from how they’ve chosen to navigate the promotional circuit for Wicked: For Good. Unlike some celebrity couples who make their relationship a focal point of publicity, Grande and Slater have opted for a more understated approach. They’ve conducted most of their promotional activities separately, and at the London premiere in November 2025, they posed for group photos but stood apart from each other rather than together as a couple.

Adding to the speculation, a recent New York Times interview with Grande notably did not discuss her love life in depth, and the publication referred to Slater as someone she “dated,” using past tense. This choice of words sent fans into a frenzy, questioning whether Ariana Grande’s boyfriend was now her ex-boyfriend. However, this appears to be simply careful wording rather than an indication of a breakup.

What Their Instagram Activity Reveals

While Ariana Grande’s boyfriend and the singer may keep their distance during public events, their Instagram activity tells a completely different story. Social media has become the window through which fans can glimpse the reality of their relationship, and what they see is consistent, quiet support.

Both Grande and Slater have been actively liking practically every post the other shares on Instagram. When People magazine and Slater posted content about Wicked, Grande was among the first to like it. When Grande shares promotional materials, behind-the-scenes photos, or career updates, Slater’s like appears within hours. This consistent engagement demonstrates an ongoing connection that contradicts breakup rumors.

Furthermore, Grande herself has shared photos of them together during the promotional period, directly countering speculation that they’re avoiding each other. These subtle but meaningful gestures suggest a couple that’s very much together but choosing to maintain professional boundaries during work commitments while still supporting each other privately.

Slater has also been vocally supportive of Grande’s achievements. When she received her Oscar nomination for Wicked, he posted on Instagram with the caption “Oscar. Nominated,” celebrating her accomplishment. These small but significant moments of public affection demonstrate that Ariana Grande’s boyfriend is not just present in her life but actively cheering for her success.

The Controversy That Surrounded Their Relationship

No discussion of Ariana Grande’s boyfriend would be complete without addressing the controversy that erupted when their relationship became public. The timeline of their romance raised eyebrows and sparked heated debates across social media platforms and entertainment news outlets.

The primary source of controversy centered on the overlapping endings of their previous marriages and the beginning of their new relationship. Critics questioned whether the relationship began before both marriages had officially ended, leading to accusations and harsh judgment from some corners of the internet.

Slater’s ex-wife, Lilly Jay, became a central figure in the public narrative. In 2023, she made comments suggesting that Grande was “not a girl’s girl,” implying that the singer had interfered in her marriage. In 2024, Jay wrote a personal essay about the experience, describing her family as “collateral damage” in the aftermath of the divorce and the public attention that followed. Her perspective resonated with many who sympathized with her position as a new mother dealing with a very public split.

The backlash was intense. Ariana Grande’s boyfriend and the singer both faced significant criticism online, with some labeling them as homewreckers and questioning their character. Social media divided into camps—some defending the couple’s right to find happiness after their marriages ended, others condemning what they perceived as questionable timing and poor judgment.

However, representatives for both Grande and Slater have consistently maintained that their romantic relationship only began after both had separated from their spouses. Grande herself addressed the situation in a 2024 interview, acknowledging that the public scrutiny had been “a tough ride” but standing firmly by Slater. She described him as having “the best heart,” defending his character against the harsh narratives circulating online.

What Makes This Relationship Different

Ariana Grande’s boyfriend Ethan Slater represents something different in her romantic history. At 31 years old, Grande has experienced several high-profile relationships, each with its own dynamics and challenges. Her dating history reads like a timeline of young love, intense connections, and painful losses.

She dated Graham Phillips from 2008 to 2011 during her teenage years. Brief romances with Jai Brooks and Nathan Sykes followed, then rapper Big Sean in 2014. Her relationship with Mac Miller from 2016 to 2018 was deeply emotional and significant, ending in heartbreak and later tragedy when Miller died from an accidental overdose in September 2018. Her whirlwind engagement to comedian Pete Davidson in 2018 ended within months, becoming tabloid fodder and inspiration for her hit album Thank U, Next.

Her marriage to Dalton Gomez seemed to offer stability and privacy, with the couple keeping their relationship largely out of the public eye. However, distance and lifestyle differences ultimately led to their separation in 2023.

What sets Ariana Grande’s boyfriend Ethan Slater apart is their shared professional background and deep understanding of the entertainment industry’s unique demands. Both are trained performers with musical theater roots. Both understand the pressures of fame, the demands of touring and production schedules, and the challenge of maintaining authenticity in an industry built on image.

Grande’s brother, Frankie Grande, has publicly endorsed the relationship, calling Slater “a sweet guy” and expressing genuine support for the couple. This family approval carries weight, suggesting that those closest to Grande see something real and positive in this partnership.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Ariana Grande and Her Boyfriend

As November 2025 approaches and Wicked: Part Two prepares for its theatrical release, Ariana Grande and her boyfriend Ethan Slater face their future together with apparent commitment and resilience. Neither has indicated any plans for engagement or marriage, which seems wise given both are recently divorced and clearly taking a measured approach to their relationship.

Grande has hinted at potentially shifting her career focus more toward acting and taking a hiatus from music, which could create opportunities for her and Slater to collaborate professionally beyond Wicked. Their shared love of theater and mutual respect for each other’s craft provides a strong foundation for both their personal relationship and potential professional partnerships.

The couple appears to have found a balance between maintaining privacy and acknowledging their relationship publicly when appropriate. They’re not hiding their connection, but they’re also not making it the centerpiece of their public personas. This mature approach suggests they’ve learned from past experiences and media scrutiny.

Why Fans Care About Ariana Grande’s Boyfriend

The public’s intense interest in Ariana Grande’s boyfriend reflects the unique relationship between the singer and her fanbase. Grande has always been remarkably transparent about her personal life through her music. Albums like Thank U, Next and Eternal Sunshine contain unmistakable references to her romantic experiences, creating a sense of intimacy with listeners who feel they’ve journeyed through her heartbreaks and healing alongside her.

Her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine featured tracks like “The Boy Is Mine,” which fans immediately interpreted as references to Slater. This musical autobiography invites fans into her private world, making them feel invested in her happiness and protective of her wellbeing. When fans search for information about Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, they’re not just being nosy—they’re checking in on someone whose vulnerability and honesty has created genuine connection.

Conclusion: The Reality of Their Relationship

As of November 2025, Ariana Grande’s boyfriend Ethan Slater remains firmly in her life, supporting her career while building his own. Their relationship has survived nearly two years of public scrutiny, controversy, and constant speculation. While they maintain careful boundaries around their privacy, their actions demonstrate a committed, supportive partnership.

The consistent Instagram engagement, the confirmed reports from reliable sources, and their careful but present public appearances all point to a couple navigating fame together while protecting what matters most. Whether they’re liking each other’s posts, celebrating professional achievements, or simply choosing to stand apart at premieres to keep focus on their work, Ariana Grande and her boyfriend continue proving that their connection transcends the Wicked set where it began.

For those asking “Who is Ariana Grande’s boyfriend?”—the answer is Ethan Slater, a talented performer who shares her passion for musical theater and continues standing by her through both triumph and controversy in Hollywood’s unforgiving spotlight.